Easily accessible from Fairbanks and full of wide-open spaces and outdoor adventures, Valdez is the perfect weekend getaway destination. Photo courtesy of Jiyeon Juno Kim.
Just over a six-hour drive from Fairbanks, nestled between Prince William Sound and the Chugach Mountains, sits the coastal town of Valdez. Perfect for weekend warriors and outdoor enthusiasts looking for COVID-safe travel destinations,Valdez is full of wide-open spaces for social distancing and adventure.
Along the route, drivers are treated to mountain views in Thompson Pass, and Worthington Glacier comes into view right from the road. A paved trail leads to an overlook a short distance from the toe of the glacier, and hiking trails offer even better vantage points. After returning to the highway, travelers enter Keystone Canyon, home to the famed Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, before arriving in Valdez.
Once in Valdez, saltwater fishing is a popular way to spend a day. From barn door halibut to feisty salmon, there are plenty of fish to reel in. August is prime time for stocking the freezer with silvers, with the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby running July 24 – Sept. 5. The Halibut Derby
also runs through Sept. 5, and the ladies take over for the Women’s Silver Salmon Derby on Saturday, Aug. 14. For a top-notch Alaska fishing adventure, visitors can embark on a half-day or full-day fishing charter. Anglers can choose various fishing locations and species to target, and most charters include tackle, bait and cleaning the catch of the day. It is also possible to catch right from shore, one of the most popular spots is Allison Point.
The best way to get the lay of the land in Valdez is hiking. Around town, there are hikes of all lengths and difficulty levels, each offering breathtaking views. Easier hikes include Overlook Trail with views of the city and Homestead Trail to spot salmon. A moderately difficult hike is John Hunter Memorial Trail which leads to the reservoir overlook near the Solomon Gulch Spillway and Dam. Shoup Bay Trail is a challenging option for experienced hikers, leading to viewing opportunities of Shoup Glacier. Those who enjoy both history and the outdoors should check out Mineral Creek Trail, which leads to an abandoned gold-rush-era stamp mill, or Trail of ‘98, which follows the route of the 1898 Gold Rush.
Wildlife viewing is also a must-do. Marine animals like harbor seals, whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions and Dall’s porpoise call Prince William Sound home. Visitors can spot these majestic animals by embarking on a wildlife and glacier cruise or a guided sea kayaking excursion. There are many companies around Valdez that operate guided tours or rent equipment. Other wildlife viewing options include kayaking or paddle-boarding on Robe Lake, birding at the harbor or taking a self-guided tour around Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery, where bears, sea lions and seals feast on the returning salmon.
A perfect place to explore wide-open spaces and find that next awe-inspiring adventure, Valdez is one of the best places to visit in Alaska while staying COVID-conscious. Creating the ultimate travel itinerary is easy with a free vacation guide, available at ValdezAlaska.org.