Worthington Glacier

Worthington Glacier is a valley glacier in Thompson Pass that extends several miles downslope toward the Richardson Highway. Its terminus spreads across bedrock and gravel in a way that shows the slow movement of ice through the landscape.

The National Park Service designated this glacier as a National Natural Landmark in 1968, acknowledging its importance to Alaska's natural heritage. This formal recognition marked the site as having significant scientific and natural value.

The recreational site features interpretive signs and a glacier model in a covered pavilion, educating visitors about glacial formations and environmental changes.

A paved path accessible to people using wheelchairs leads from the parking area to viewing platforms equipped with scopes for observing the ice. Multiple viewpoints allow visitors to see the glacier from different angles.

The area around Thompson Pass receives up to 80 feet of snow annually, protecting this glacier from melting despite regional warming. This exceptionally high snowfall is one reason the glacier has been able to persist in a changing climate.

Location: Alaska

GPS coordinates: 61.17030,-145.76300

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00