Valdez is a city in the Chugach Census Area in Alaska. It is home to 3,985 people, according to the 2020 US Census. It is the third-most populated city in the Unorganized Borough of Alaska. In 2010, the city’s population was 3,976 people.
Sawmill Bay State Marine Park
Sawmill Bay State Marine Park is located fifteen miles from Valdez. It is one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Valdez Arm and is surrounded by mountains. The marine park is home to seals, land otters, and bears. If you love wildlife, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to photograph them in the park.
If you’re looking for an adventurous experience, you may want to try a wildlife boat tour. These tours can cost around $100 per person. You can also take a helicopter tour of the area, landing on the nearby Columbia Glacier. The park is also home to Mareas Glacier, one of the few glaciers in North America that is still advancing. If you’re traveling to Valdez on a budget, try kayaking or a wildlife tour to see this amazing feature.
If you’re interested in whale watching, take a boat tour. You can find several companies offering these tours. You can also hire a kayak and explore the local lakes on your own. You can even join a group tour. It’s definitely a memorable experience to see wildlife up close.
While you’re in Valdez, you might want to spend some time in the historic Old Valdez district. It was once known as Old Valdez until the tsunami devastated the town in 1964. The town was rebuilt four miles away, but the historic buildings were preserved as a memorial. There are signs to direct you to each building on your way, and QR codes that offer more information about each one.
Located on the north side of Valdez, Shoup Bay State Marine Park covers most of Shoup Bay. It also includes the southern half of Shoup Lake, which is also known as the inner lagoon. In the mouth of the bay, there’s an underwater moraine that creates a series of shallow shoals.
Worthington Glacier
The Worthington Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. It is located 29 miles from Valdez and can be viewed from the Richardson Highway. This natural wonder is a must-see when you are in the Valdez area. There is a one-mile hike that leads to the glacier. You can also drive to the glacier and see it from above.
The Worthington Glacier is one of the best things to do in Valdez, Alaska. It’s easy to access, with paved pathways leading to the lookout point, and there are binoculars along the perimeter. The park also has restrooms and picnic areas.
Visitors can also experience the beauty of the glacier by kayaking. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The Valdez tourist information centre offers a comprehensive list of activities. Kayaking tours can take place in Robe Lake, Valdez Glacier Lake, Sawmill Bay, and Columbia Bay. Kayak rentals are also available.
Another popular attraction in Valdez is the town’s overlook trail. It is 0.4 miles long and has a moderate climb. It offers 360-degree views of the Valdez area. The trail also features benches and covered areas for resting.
While visiting Valdez, you can also check out Valdez Museum and Historical Archive. The museum is located on Lowe Street and is close to the airport and Prince William Sound College. It has a great collection of Native Alaska art. The museum welcomes locals as well as tourists. You can also see artifacts from the region and a film about the 1964 oil spill.
Another excellent attraction in Valdez is the Valdez Glacier Lake. It is a short drive away from the city and offers spectacular scenery and outdoor activities. Be careful though! There are glaciers in Valdez, so be sure to take precautions to avoid accidents.
Valdez Museum
Valdez is home to many museums, including the Valdez Museum, which explores local history. The museum’s exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and local art. The exhibits are arranged by subject matter and are sure to pique your interest. This museum is a must-see for visitors of Valdez.
A trip to the Valdez Museum will help you understand the colorful history of this Alaskan town. You will find permanent and temporary exhibits that highlight the region’s vibrant past. You’ll find items such as a nineteenth-century Fresnel Lighthouse Lens, a 1907 Ahrens “Continental” steam fire engine, and an 1880s Gleason & Bailey hand-pumped fire engine. The museum also features exhibits on the local marine life and gold rush. There’s also a section highlighting the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the 1964 earthquake.
The Valdez Museum is an educational and cultural resource that promotes tourism and economic development in the region. The museum has adopted innovative approaches to teaching the community’s history, including combining virtual and in-person interactions. For example, 6th graders studied oil and water in a Zoom-style experience, and 9th graders looked through photographs from the Valdez Museum’s collection via a virtual reality app.
The museum’s mission is to preserve the history of the city of Valdez, as well as the copper River basin and the Prince William Sound. It also preserves and interprets the local culture. For seven dollars, you can see a variety of fascinating exhibits on topics such as the gold rush, the trans-Alaska pipeline, and the 1964 earthquake.
Valdez Arch
For those who want to explore the area, there are a variety of ways to see the Valdez Arch and its surrounding landscape. The overlook trail, near the Civic Center on Clifton Court, is 0.4 miles round-trip and offers a 360-degree view of the city. It also features benches and a covered area to relax in.
The Arch itself is a major tourist attraction in the town. It stands at the southern end of the Richardson Highway and welcomes visitors to the small town of Valdez. A small population of around 3,800 people, it is a good place to stop for a quick photo and explore the town. There are a number of shops and restaurants to choose from in this end-of-the-road town. If you have time, be sure to visit Valdez Museum and the Valdez Historical Archive. These museums will provide you with information on the region’s rich history, such as the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake and the development of Old Town Valdez.
Solomon Gulch Hatchery
One of the most unique things to do in Valdez is to go whale watching. The area is filled with numerous species of whales. Along with these magnificent creatures, you can also find sea lions, bald eagles, bears, and other wildlife. If you visit during the winter, you can also catch a glimpse of the glaciers in the nearby area.
Located in Valdez, the Solomon Gulch Hatchery is one the best places to visit if you love nature and wildlife. This hatchery was built in 1981 and is now one of the largest single-species salmon hatcheries in the United States. It produces over 250 million pink salmon fry each year, as well as around 1.8 million Coho salmon smolts. The hatchery is located 15 minutes away from downtown Valdez, and parking is plentiful.
If you like hiking and exploring nature, this is an excellent place to go during the winter. A 1.8-mile trail goes up to the Bridal Veil Falls. Another popular hiking trail is Dock Point Trail. You should dress for the weather, and make sure to pack waterproof gear. If you’re worried about spotting bears, you can also pack bear spray.
Another popular attraction in Valdez is the Valdez Museum. There, you can learn about the city’s history and the early explorers. The museum also has exhibits about native Alaskan culture. You can also visit the Columbia Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. You can also take a boat cruise to visit the glacier, which is one of the best places to visit in Valdez.
The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum is another excellent place to visit in Valdez. It features the largest collection of Native Alaskan artifacts. It tells the story of Alaska’s native population. The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive is also worth checking out. The museum contains two buildings, providing a comprehensive look at the history of Valdez.
