Attractions and Places To See around Valdez - Top 7

Valdez is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can visit the impressive Worthington Glacier Waterfall, which offers close-up views of the glacier. Keystone Canyon features dramatic waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, and Thompson Pass provides breathtaking mountain vistas. Prince William Sound itself is a deep-water fjord perfect for marine wildlife viewing and glacier cruises.

Yes, Valdez has a rich history tied to the Gold Rush and the 1964 earthquake. You can explore the Mineral Creek Trail, which leads to abandoned stamp mills from the Gold Rush era. The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive offers insights into the city's past, and you can also visit the site of Old Town Valdez, which was destroyed by the earthquake.

Families can enjoy the gentle Dock Point Trail, which offers scenic views overlooking the water and can be walked as a short loop. The Solomon Gulch Hatchery is a great spot for wildlife viewing, especially during salmon spawning season, where you might see salmon, seals, and even bears. Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site also offers camping, picnics, and fishing.

Valdez offers a variety of hiking trails. The Shoup Bay Trail provides superb views across Port Valdez and opportunities for wildlife watching, with a view of Shoup Glacier at its end. Other popular trails include the John Hunter Memorial Trail and the Goat Trail. For more options, you can explore the various hiking routes around Valdez.

The summer months, typically mid-June through August, are ideal for experiencing most of Valdez's attractions and outdoor activities, including salmon spawning season at Solomon Gulch Hatchery and glacier cruises. Winter offers unique opportunities for activities like ice climbing in Keystone Canyon and heli-skiing in Thompson Pass.

Absolutely. The Solomon Gulch Hatchery is a prime location during salmon spawning season (mid-June through August) to observe large numbers of salmon, sea lions, seals, and potentially bears. The Valdez Duck Flats are also popular for birdwatching and spotting bears feeding on salmon. Marine wildlife, such as whales and sea otters, can often be seen during boat tours in Prince William Sound.

Yes, Valdez is a gateway to several glaciers. The Worthington Glacier Waterfall offers roadside views and a paved trail for close-up viewing. Columbia Glacier is a massive tidewater glacier accessible by day cruises, and Valdez Glacier Lake is often dotted with icebergs, offering kayaking opportunities. Shoup Glacier, located in Shoup Bay State Marine Park, also provides impressive views.

Valdez is home to two notable museums. The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive delves into the history of Valdez, the Copper River Basin, and Prince William Sound, covering topics like the 1964 earthquake and the Gold Rush. The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum, located at Prince William Sound Community College, houses one of the world's largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts, alongside natural history displays.

Yes, Valdez offers several easy trails. The Dock Point Trail is a gently rolling loop close to town with scenic harbor views. The John Hunter Memorial Trail and Shoup Bay Trail: Section A are also considered easy. You can find more easy options in the easy hikes around Valdez guide.

The drive into Valdez via the Richardson Highway is very scenic. Keystone Canyon is a highlight, featuring dramatic waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, impressive rock walls, and a visible tunnel from an old railroad attempt. Further north, Thompson Pass offers stunning mountain views and is a popular spot for outdoor activities depending on the season.

The Valdez Harbor and Waterfront is the vibrant heart of the city. It's a charming area with restaurants and accommodations, offering views of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline Terminal and its massive storage tanks. It's a great place to stroll, observe local life, and enjoy the marine atmosphere.

Yes, kayaking is a popular activity in Valdez. Prince William Sound offers excellent opportunities for sea kayaking among icebergs calved from glaciers like Columbia Glacier. Valdez Glacier Lake is also a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, often dotted with icebergs. Shoup Bay State Marine Park provides a quiet lagoon for paddling with views of Shoup Glacier.