Where Is Valdez Alaska? | Incredible Things To Do

A picturesque town tucked into the heart of Alaska’s stunning wilderness, Valdez is known for its rugged beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventures. This beautiful and peaceful destination on the southern coast offers much more than most travelers expect. Before planning your trip, it’s important to understand exactly where this town is located and what makes it so special.

Where Is Valdez?

This town is located on the southern coast of Alaska in the Prince William Sound region, renowned for its natural beauty. Set at the foot of the Chugach Mountains, it sits at the head of Port Valdez, a deep-water fjord connecting to the Gulf of Alaska. The combination of towering peaks, lush forests, and awe-inspiring glaciers makes this a breathtaking destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Key Takeaways from Visiting Valdez Alaska

Scenic drive on the Richardson Highway with stops at iconic waterfalls.
Valdez Glacier Lake for kayaking among icebergs or winter sports.
Fishing, hiking, and glacier tours offer endless opportunities for adventure.
Rich history, including the town’s rebuilding after the 1964 earthquake.
A year-round destination with activities for every season.

How to Get There

Getting there requires a bit of effort, but that’s part of its appeal. The remote location means visitors enjoy pristine wilderness with fewer crowds, making the journey more rewarding. Whether arriving by road, air, or sea, the trip is a scenic adventure in itself.

By Car: Scenic Drives Along the Richardson Highway: The primary route is the Richardson Highway, which stretches 368 miles south from Fairbanks. This scenic drive is one of the most beautiful in Alaska, offering jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and towering peaks. You’ll pass through Keystone Canyon, where waterfalls cascade down steep cliffs, creating perfect photo opportunities. From Anchorage, it took us about 6 hours of driving along beautiful highways.

By Air: Valdez has its own airport, the Valdez Airport (VDZ), which connects the town to major Alaskan hubs like Anchorage. For those looking for a quicker option, flying into Valdez is a great choice. The airport serves both small regional flights and private aircraft.

By Ferry: Scenic Ride Along the Alaska Marine Highway: For a truly Alaskan experience, consider traveling via the Marine Highway System. Ferries depart from Whittier and Seward, offering a scenic ride through Prince William Sound. The journey provides stunning views of the coastline and is a relaxing way to reach the town.

What is special about Valdez Alaska?

One of the exciting aspects of visiting is the accessibility to some of Alaska’s impressive natural landmarks, including waterfalls, glaciers, and fjords. Below are some top outdoor destinations and things to do in the area.

Rudleston Falls: A Serene Stop on the Highway:

Located in Keystone Canyon, Rudleston Falls is a beautiful waterfall easily accessible from the highway. Just pull off the road into the large parking area, and you’ll find a short trail leading to the base of the falls. The falls tumble down rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque scene. In winter, they freeze into an ice sculpture, offering an entirely different kind of beauty. This is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the surrounding mountain views.

Bridal Veil Falls: A Scenic Roadside Attraction

A short drive north leads to Bridal Veil Falls—a striking waterfall that plunges down a steep rock face, creating a veil-like effect. This natural wonder is particularly spectacular during spring and summer when the snowmelt increases the flow. In winter, the falls freeze into beautiful ice formations. There’s a convenient pull-out area for stopping, taking photos, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Although you can’t get up close, this easily accessible waterfall is not to be missed.

Horsetail Falls: A Beautiful Cascade

About 17 miles away, Horsetail Falls is another stunning waterfall in Keystone Canyon. The falls cascade down a cliff in a thin stream, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, making this a favorite for photographers. In winter, the falls transform into breathtaking ice formations. There’s a parking area nearby, so it’s easy to stop and enjoy the beauty of the falls.

Valdez Glacier Lake

Located near the glacier, the lake is one of the most stunning spots in the region. Famous for its vibrant blue color, caused by glacial silt and rock flour carried in by meltwater, floating ice chunks create a surreal scene. In summer, kayaking around these icebergs is a popular activity, providing an up-close look at glacial remnants. In winter, the lake freezes over, perfect for ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Mountains, Glaciers, and Fjords

Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, this area offers ample opportunities for hiking, climbing, and glacier exploration. One of the biggest attractions is the Columbia Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers worldwide. Boat tours provide chances to see massive ice formations and witness the dramatic calving process. Whether you’re into glacier hiking or ice climbing, this area offers incredible access to these awe-inspiring natural features.

Worthington Glacier, located along the Richardson Highway near Valdez, is a unique and easily accessible natural wonder. Unlike many glaciers that are hard to reach, it’s just a short walk from a parking area, making it a popular stop for visitors of all ages. Surrounded by the stunning Chugach Mountains, it offers dramatic views and is an excellent spot for photography. As a valley glacier, its dynamic ice flow has shaped the landscape over thousands of years, and it provides year-round beauty—whether visitors are exploring its blue ice in the summer or admiring its snow-dusted formations in winter.

A Road With Snow Covered Mountains In The Background

A Rich History: The Story Behind

This region isn’t just a natural paradise—it also has a rich history. Founded in 1898 during the gold rush, it became a vital gateway for prospectors heading into the interior. Its strategic location made it an important hub during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

1906 Railroad Tunnel. Valdez’s history is steeped in both triumph and tragedy, and one of the more fascinating remnants of its past is the 1906 Railroad Tunnel. Located in Keystone Canyon, this tunnel was hand-carved into solid rock by workers with the ambitious goal of connecting the Copper River and Northwestern Railway to the port of Valdez. The tunnel, however, was never completed due to a dispute between investors and a shift in transportation priorities. It is located just off the Richardson Highway, making it a great stop for those interested in Valdez’s rich past.

A Woman Standing In Front Of A Cave With Old Railroad Tunnel In The Background

Great Alaskan Earthquake. Its history is marked by resilience. In 1964, the town was devastated by the Great Alaskan Earthquake and the resulting tsunami. However, the community rebuilt, and it is now a symbol of strength. Visitors can learn more about the past at the local museum and historical archive.

The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill was a catastrophic environmental disaster in which the Exxon Valdez tanker spilled approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, near Valdez, Alaska. The spill devastated local wildlife and ecosystems, coating thousands of miles of shoreline and causing long-term damage to the region’s marine life. Despite extensive cleanup efforts, the environmental impact is still felt today, with recovery taking decades and ongoing concerns about the ecosystem’s health.

Outdoor Adventures: A Hub for Nature Lovers

This stunning location makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Here are some popular activities to try:

Fishing. Renowned for exceptional fishing, particularly for salmon and halibut, the waters are teeming with fish, making it a popular destination for anglers. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a beginner, guided fishing tours help you catch the big one.

The Solomon Gulch Hatchery, located just outside of Valdez, Alaska, is a key facility for the region’s salmon industry, primarily focused on producing pink and chum salmon to support both commercial and recreational fishing. It plays a vital role in maintaining healthy fish populations in Prince William Sound by incubating eggs and releasing millions of salmon fry each year. Visitors can tour the hatchery, learn about its operations, and witness the life cycle of the salmon, making it an informative stop for nature enthusiasts and those interested in conservation efforts. Set against stunning mountain views and rich wildlife, it’s also a great spot for birdwatching and photography, particularly in the summer when the surrounding waters teem with marine life.

Wildlife Watching. In addition to its natural beauty, there are excellent opportunities for wildlife watching. During summer, you can spot humpback whales, bald eagles, and sea otters. Taking a boat tour around Prince William Sound gives you a chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Hiking and Glacier Tours. The surrounding mountains are a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs. For something more adventurous, glacier tours allow you to hike on glaciers or even try your hand at ice climbing.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Valdez Alaska depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) is the most popular season for outdoor activities, offering mild weather for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Winter (November to March) is great for winter sports like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing. Whether you prefer summer or winter, this destination offers something year-round.

Accommodations in Valdez

Whether you prefer the comfort of a cozy bed-and-breakfast or the amenities of a larger hotel, Valdez has accommodations to suit every preference. For a truly Alaskan experience, consider staying in a lodge with waterfront views, where you can wake up to spectacular scenes of the fjords and glaciers.

Totem Hotel and Suites offers affordable rooms with free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant in central Valdez.
Mountain Sky Hotel provides budget rooms with free breakfast and Wi-Fi near downtown.
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn offers budget-friendly rooms with breakfast and harbor views.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Valdez Alaska

The small town Valdez Alaska may be modest, but it packs a punch regarding natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich history. From stunning waterfalls and glaciers to world-class fishing and hiking, there’s something for every traveler. We explored the area’s history, taken in breathtaking scenery, and enjoyed ourselves in outdoor activities and the drive. It was a trip experience we’re glad to have taken, and when you go, you won’t soon forget Valdez Alaska.

Begin planning your Alaskan road trip now! Explore our recommended accommodations, secure your tickets ahead of time, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Alaska is ready to be discovered, calling you to experience all the must-see highlights.