Some of the best things to do in Valdez include:
- Great Glacier Cruises: While it may not get as much attention as Seward or Whittier, Valdez—with five nearby glaciers— is an excellent starting point for day cruises. Besides the glaciers themselves, this side of Prince William Sound actually has a lot more wildlife than the Whittier side. Plus, it also has extremely calm waters, which you can’t always count on from glacier cruises out of Seward.
- Water sports: The Sound and the nearby rivers make for excellent rafting and kayaking, while Valdez is also a locals’ favorite for fishing, offering every kind of salmon, huge halibut and lots of competitive fishing derbies.
- Winter Sports: In the winter, the neighboring Chugach mountains get 600 to 900 inches of snow, perfect for snowcat and heli-skiing, as well as snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Or, strap on ice-climbing gear and make your way up a frozen waterfall.
Day Tours & Excursions (view all...)
Stan Stephens Cruises
This family-run company operating out of Valdez will show you the best glaciers, with great customer service along the way. On any given day trip you’ll likely see huge rafts of sea otters, horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, humpback whales, or even bald eagles. Stan Stephens offers two daily tours, one of which features Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in South Central Alaska. And the company prides itself on staffing its vessels with all local Alaskans.
Anadyr Adventures Sea Kayaking
Throughout the decades, Anadyr has carefully tailored its trips to offer an option for just about anyone. Never kayaked before? Try the Valdez Glacier Tour for a relaxing paddle on a lake with an easy hike to the glacier. You’ll explore icebergs and even kayak into a glacial cave. Got a six year old that can’t wait to get out there? At 3-4 hours, the Duck Flats tour offers a mix of wildlife (sea lions and otters are common) and Valdez history. And if you want the comfort of a bed along with remote rugged views, then a mothership tour or lodge-based experience with delicious meals is in order.
Sights & Attractions (view all...)
Crooked Creek Information Site
The Crooked Creek Information Center and salmon viewing platform are located on the outskirts of Valdez at Mile 0.5 of the Richardson Highway. Pink and chum salmon return to this clear water stream each summer to spawn with peak numbers seen in mid-August. Occasionally, black or brown bear can be observed feasting on the returning fish.
Billy Mitchell Mt Historical Roadstop (mi 52)
This roadstop honors Lt. "Billy" Mitchell, considered the father of the modern air force, and showcases the mountain named in his honor.
Marshall Pass (mi 25.4)
During the winter of 1907 the A.J. Meals Co. freighted a 70-ton steamboat over Marshall Pass from Valdez. The steamer was carried piece-by-piece on horse-drawn sled to the Copper River, 31 miles east. The 110-foot-long ship traveled 170 miles of the Copper and Chitna Rivers.
Guide to the Copper River Watershed
Eight signs will guide you through the Copper River watershed landscape. See if you can visit all eight signs on your tour through this upriver basin formed by the ancient, glacial Lake Atna!
Old Valdez Town Site (mi 4)
This was the original port and city of Valdez. The city was moved to its current location 4 miles down the road after it was devastated by the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake.
Old Railroad Tunnel (mi 18.9)
This railroad tunnel was hand-cut starting in 1905. Nine companies were battling to take advantage of the short route from the coast to copper country. Progress on the tunnel was interrupted and after a gun battle, construction halted and the tunnel was never finished. You can read about the tunnel and these events in Rex Beach's novel, The Iron Trail.
Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
The Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum has one of the world's largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts. Displays include Trophy Class Taxidermy mounts, Native Alaskan dolls, beadwork, baskets, masks, archaeological artifacts, and a large collection of ivory carvings and tools.
HoursSummer: Daily 9am-7pm
Winter: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, 1pm-5pm, More...
Valdez Museum & Historical Archive
The museum portrays the community's unique and colorful history from European exploration in the 1700s to contemporary oil transportation. Permanent exhibits are accented by temporary exhibitions of arts and crafts. Major artifacts include a 19th century Fresnel Lighthouse Lens, a beautifully restored 1907 Ahrens "Continental" steam fire engine and a companion 1880s Gleason & More...
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
The Alaska Avalanche Information Center works to increase public awareness and safety through avalanche education, and the networking of avalanche professionals. It is entirely run by volunteers who are passionate about the outdoors.
Parks & Trails (view all...)
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
Bridal Veil Falls and the Valdez Goat Trail: This two-mile-long hike is a restored section of the Trans-Alaska Military Pack-train Trail that was the first glacier-free route from Valdez to the interior of Alaska. There's a fantastic overlook about a mile down the trail.
Lowe River Access Trail
There are only a few places where you can spend time along the Lowe River without the sound of cars and motor homes—this unmarked turnoff is one of them. From here you can explore a little bit upstream and find a nice place to relax next to the river. And the only people you may see are local rafters, as this is used as a pickup spot after floating through Keystone Canyon.
More...
Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site
Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is made up of 113 acres, and includes one of the most visited spots in the Copper River Basin, Worthington Glacier. There are trails, picnic sites, and picnic shelters within the roadside park, along with water and restrooms. Make sure to stop at milepost 28.7 on the Richardson Highway to view this favorite glacier, or take a short walk to More...
Thompson Pass/ Marshall Pass Trail
Hike uphill until you reach about 3100ft where you will find a good place to cross the stream. At 3500ft you will need to cross yet another stream. Walk alongside the hill until you reach a laks. The trail opens for many options here, all with excellent views of glaciers, ravines, and peaks.
Solomon Gulch Trail
About four miles in, there is a fish hatchery on this trail. The trail was created to provide a close look at the hatchery's dam, lake, and aqueducts. It also offers a good view of the Port of Valdez. It can be a step hike at times.