Delta Junction to Paxson

Delta Junction to Paxson

We are continuing on the Richardson Highway (4) toward Valdez.  Our goal is the area near Paxson. (population 28).   Almost immediately after leaving Delta Junction, we get a magnificent view of the Alaska Range.

 And, off to our right is Donnelly Dome, a local landmark that is supposed to have spectacular views from the top. The locals use it to predict snowfall in Delta Junction.  After the first snow falls on the Dome, they can expect snow at the Junction within two weeks.

We pass Ft. Greeley, which has been almost closed and then reinvented several times.  And,  we follow a long straight narrow road that you can see for miles.

We pick up the pipeline once again, and will follow it all the way to Valdez.  They have a viewing area that we stopped at and took a closer look at those radiator tops that pull the heat out and sent it skyward.

We reach the Delta River, and a sign telling us about the buffalo herd that lives here, no doubt part of the herd we read had been brought here from Montana in 1928.

 They are viewable through binoculars, and John spots a few way off in the distance.

Bison are here, only three miles away!

We were getting ready to leave when this truck pulled up, complete with a homemade house on it.  We were really intrigued!

The road follows the Delta River, with its familiar braided look, covering a wide area through the valley floor.

One of the pipeline pump stations comes into view.  It is a much larger facility than we had imagined.

 This is one of the last of the 12 pump stations, because the pipeline will began a descent into Valdez before too long.

 We pass Rainbow Mountain and Rainbow Ridge.  The red and green on the talus slopes are volcanic rock; the yellows and pastels are siltstone and sandstone.   This is a favorite place for photographers and painters.

At Summit Lake, we can see the Gulkana Glacier.  Also, this is where the Delta River forms and becomes part of the Yukon River system, while the Juliana starts at the other end of the lake and flows to the Copper River, then on to Prince William Sound.

When we reach Paxson Lake BLM Campground, we are once again practically alone and can choose whatever campsite we want, so we chose this one overlooking the lake.