Valdez, Alaska’s Best Kept Secret: The Hiking Trails

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You just got to Valdez, Alaska and now you’re wondering what people do here besides fish. Why don’t you grab your camera and check out the many trails Valdez has to offer. These trails are one of Valdez’s best kept secrets because they are not very well publicized. The breathtaking scenery you will see is second to none! Valdez has frequently been called “Little Switzerland” for good reason. For directions to any of these trails, check with the Valdez Visitor’s Center or just ask one of our friendly locals. We’re always happy to help. So put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and join me on a little hike into Alaska’s wild beauty.

Dock Point Trail

This short trail abounds with photographic opportunities. The variety of plant life abounds on this trail is enough to keep any nature lover happy. Two overlooks provide excellent views around Port Valdez. Seeing snow capped mountains rising from the water’s edge is enough to take your breath away. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to enjoy this three-quarters mile round trip. To find this trail simply walk across the road from the boat launch ramp.

Mineral Creek Trail

The Mineral Creek Valley is a photographer’s dream with high mountains towering above the river and too many waterfalls to count. Most of this six mile plus trail is actually a rough gravel road. Due to washouts and rockslides you won’t get very far in a vehicle. I would recommend mountain bikes, which can be rented in town if you didn’t bring your own. The last eight-tenths of a mile is a dirt trail that leads back to an old stamp mill where gold ore used to be processed. This is gold country and you may also see recent signs of gold prospecting on your trek. Bring a gold pan along and try your luck in the river.

Solomon Gulch Trail

This beautiful hike takes starts off Dayville Road near Allison Point. This moderately difficult (has a couple steep spots) will take you through spruce forests and along a short section of the pipeline maintenance road. Sorry, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is buried along this stretch. There is a viewing area near the top that offers a great view of Port Valdez. Valdez looks so small tucked against the mountains on the other side. A well marked trail will take you the rest of the way up to the dam and Solomon Lake. One of the first things you will notice is the unusual green color of the water. This is due to large amounts of copper in the area. In fact, there is even an old copper mine submerged when the valley was flooded.

Shoup Bay Trail

This scenic trail cuts across the Mineral Creek flats and meanders along the base of the Chugach Mountains. The many varieties of Alaskan wildflowers will astound you. In late summer, you may lose track of time as you stop to feast on Salmonberries along the way. The first three miles will bring you to Gold Creek. This is a good turning around point for most of us. There is a bridge, but the floods in 2006 have rerouted the creek around it. You may need a good sense of adventure, and rubber boots, to get across. Once across Gold Creek, the next six and a half miles will bring you to Shoup Bay where you can check out Shoup Glacier and a Kittiwake rookery. This section of the trail can be difficult but the views are worth it.

Keystone Canyon

I personally think that Keystone Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. Keystone Canyon has two restored trails: The Keystone Canyon Pack Trail and the Goat Trail. Our flooding in 2006 knocked out at least one bridge on the Goat Trail so you may not be able to hike the entire length. I would recommend parking at the pullout across from Bridal Veil Falls. The Goat Trail starts here and climbs to wind through the canyon. A short way along you will find the Pack Trail diverging off the Goat trail. This will take you over the top of Horsetail Falls and wind back down to the Valdez side of Keystone Canyon. Along both trails be on the lookout for old artifacts as this was the original route through Keystone Canyon long before the road existed.

Along all of these trails, remember you are in Alaska. You may see bears or other wildlife. Be a noisy hiker so they know you’re coming. Keep your distance if you do spot wildlife. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring along plenty of water. Alaskan weather is always prone to change, so bring along an extra hoodie or sweater, just in case. Make sure your camera is fully charged and enjoy your hiking along the trails of Valdez.

 

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Resource Box:
Shane Bryan, a long-time resident of Alaska, shares his love of Alaska with you at http://AlaskaSpirit.com. Also don’t forget to check out his store where you can get Alaskan smoked salmon and other Alaskan gifts shipped directly from Alaska. http://AlaskaSpirit.com/store/

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Note: Winter is not really the best time to be hiking Valdez’s trails. This is a great article to file away for your future travel plans to Alaska.

So you’re stuck in horrible conundrum, wondering what kind of gift could possibly impress your wife/ father/ boss or next door neighbor. But have you thought about Alaskan smoked salmon? No one needs yet another fountain pen, and if you get your wife a vacuum cleaner she’ll go berserk, trust me. But with Alaskan smoked salmon you have the ultimate gift, with a great deal of versatility. Just what kind of occasions does smoked salmon work for when giving gifts? Read on, and we’ll give you some suggestions that will really get you thinking!

Corporate Gift Giving

In this age of low-carb diets and higher health premiums tied to weight, the last thing you want to send to a client or partner is a box of cookies or chocolate. They may like it, or they may be extremely angry with you after they eat the whole box in a frenzy of sugary delight. But if you send a nice package of Alaskan smoked salmon with some gourmet crackers, you’ll be in their good graces for a while. This is a classy gift without too many personal connotations, which is simply perfect for your business gift needs.

Christmas Gifts

Your Aunt Sue is the kind of lady who has everything, likes nothing, and won’t tell you what she wants for the holidays. Usually you would just send her a card, but this year she’s coming to your place and you want her to feel welcome for the holidays. But what on earth do you get her? Alaskan smoked salmon is the perfect gift for that tricky person on your list because it’s considered a tasteful (and tasty) gift that can be shared with others, or kept all for oneself. Feel free to pair the gift with a bottle of wine, perhaps one of your favorites. Salmon goes best with a dry white wine; try a Chardonnay or a Riesling. Brut Champagne also makes a really good complement, as well as a great holiday gift.

The New Neighbors

In this day and age we tend to ignore our neighbors more than anything else, but why not try to welcome the new folks and foster a sense of community. Hey, you never know when you’ll need someone to water your plants. Moving is exhausting, and they probably don’t want to eat pizza yet again. Alaskan smoked salmon is a great gift for new neighbors because it is shelf stable, which means that even if they don’t have their fridge plugged in yet the food won’t go bad. Add some crackers, cream cheese, fruit, and a bottle of wine and the new neighbors might just have a delightful gourmet picnic in their new abode.

The Relative Living in Far-Far-Away

You want to send something special to Cousin Joe in Greece, but you simply don’t know what to send. Most food will be stale by the time it gets there, and many gifts are easily breakable and won’t survive the journey. This is why ordering Alaskan smoked salmon on the Internet is such a great option. This delicious treat is shelf stable, and travels well over long distances. Simply place your order, and the salmon will be sent wherever you want. You don’t even have to wrap it, package it, or stand in a long line to mail it. And once the gift reaches its destination, you’ll have a happy cousin with a full belly.

Whatever your gift giving needs are, Alaskan smoked salmon is a versatile and delectable option for any situation. If you need a classy gift with taste, and style, look no further. A premium jar of Alaskan smoked salmon, paired with gourmet crackers or a fine bottle of wine, makes the perfect gift for any occasion.

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Resource Box:
Shane Bryan, a long-time resident of Alaska, shares his love of Alaska with you at http://AlaskaSpirit.com. Also don’t forget to check out his store where you can get Alaskan smoked salmon and other Alaskan gifts shipped directly from Alaska. http://AlaskaSpirit.com/store/

 

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Visit Exit Glacier by Seward, Alaska with us. This is one of Alaska’s few “drive up” glaciers and is one of the most visited. Exit Glacier is really easy to get to. Look for Exit Glacier Road just a few miles north of Seward. This scenic 9 mile long road will take you right back to the glacier. I’ll let the video show you around from here.

 

BTW: In the video, you saw this guy walk right up to the overhanging ice. This is potentially dangerous as ice has broken off and injured people over the years. How would you like to be squashed by the world’s largest ice cube? That being said, I’ve done it many times. It makes for great pictures. I’m not gonna tell you not to do it; I just want you to know the risk involved.

Alaska is a vast and beautiful land. I do think that everyone should visit Alaska at least once. If you do travel to Alaska, the Exit Glacier is well worth seeing. Seward also has many other attractions including a sea life center. When you do visit Alaska, give yourself as much time as possible. You won’t even begin to get started with only a week. If possible, give yourself at least 3 weeks to travel around Alaska. You still won’t see it all, but at least you will have a better feel for Alaska.

Perhaps, like millions of other people, you are watching your diet, and you wonder, is Alaskan smoked salmon a good dietary choice for you? Rejoice, because dieticians and doctors alike have declared that the health benefits of this delectable treat are abundant. Even if you aren’t watching what you eat and simply love the flavor of smoked salmon you can appreciate the health benefits brought on by eating it. We’ll help you by breaking down the benefits further.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Everywhere you turn these days; it seems someone is talking about Omega-3 fatty acids. Now it’s my turn to add my two cents worth. This magical unsaturated fatty acid in your Alaskan smoked salmon provides a plethora of health benefits, and are the major reason why eating smoked salmon is so beneficial. We’ll go into detail later about what Omega-3 fatty acids can do for you. Suffice it to say that they are an essential part of your diet, and one of the best places to find them is in oily fishes such as salmon!

Heart Health

One of the major health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids is the boost they give to your heart. If eaten regularly they can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and also the chances of having a primary or secondary heart attack. If taken in amounts of one gram per day, a study found that Omega-3 can reduce the risk of death from sudden cardiac arrest by 45%. That’s a huge benefit! Omega-3 can even help calm irregular heartbeats. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat at least two servings of oily fish per week, such as Alaskan smoked salmon. For people with heart problems, there really is no more beneficial snack.

Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most important nutrients for our brain. They have been shown to alleviate the affects of disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in Alaskan smoked salmon, help build grey matter in our brains and coat the myelin sheaths that protect our nervous systems. In developing children these nutrients are especially crucial for proper development. Omega-3 fatty acids can even help stabilize you mood. So the next time you’re feeling blue, grab yourself some Alaskan smoked salmon.

Cholesterol

These days everyone is watching out for their cholesterol. Don’t you wish there was a food that could fight back against those evil VLDL’s? Well, you may have your answer in Alaskan smoked salmon. An American study completed in March of 2007 has found that patients who ingest at least four grams of Omega-3 fatty acids per day lowered their triglycerides by 45% and their VLDL levels by 50% on average. Imagine, cutting your cholesterol in half while eating a food you enjoy, like Alaskan smoked salmon. This sounds like a dream come true!

Joint Health

Maybe you play sports or are a runner; both activities that can have a high impact on your joints. Or say you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, which can render your hands almost unusable. If you eat Omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis however, you may escape much of the pain of swollen and painful joints. Studies done have shown that people who ingest sufficient quantities of Omega-3 fatty acids suffer from less inflammation and swelling in the joints, and arthritis sufferers feel some alleviation as well. Eating Alaskan smoked salmon on a regular basis ia a great way to add Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.

But I’m on a Diet!

That’s just fine! Alaskan smoked salmon has the good kind of (unsaturated) fats, and contains no carbs. It’s also full of healthy proteins, which help you feel full longer and also provide essential fuel for your body. Alaskan smoked salmon can be found on many menus and at many gatherings, so you always have a healthy option to choose from.

Now that you know the truth about how wonderful Alaskan smoked salmon is for your body, you have no excuse not to have some for a snack right this second. We won’t keep you waiting.

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Resource Box:
Shane Bryan, a long-time resident of Alaska, shares his love of Alaska with you at http://AlaskaSpirit.com. Also don’t forget to check out his store where you can get Alaskan smoked salmon and other Alaskan gifts shipped directly from Alaska. http://AlaskaSpirit.com/store/

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Mixed in with all the junk from my Sunday paper was a little cook booklet from Kraft. Turns out they had a little contest Taste of Alaska. The grand prize and first place winners were kind of cheesy. They won mainly because their recipes used a lot of Kraft products. There were some decent recipes in the booklet. Here are a couple I thought worthy of a try.

Party Roll-Ups

• 1/2 cup Philadelphia Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
• 1/4 cup Athenos Crumbled Reduced Fat Feta Cheese
• 4 spinach-flavored flour tortillas (10 inch)
• 6 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves

Mix cream cheese spread and feta cheese until well blended; spread onto tortillas. Top with salmon and spinach.

Roll up tortillas tightly; wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours.

Cut each roll-up crosswise into 12 pieces to serve.

Makes 16 servings.

 

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Ginger-Seared Salmon

• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp finely chopped gingerroot
• 1 Tbsp canola oil
• 4 salmon fillets (1 pound)
• 1 env. Good Seasons Asian Sesame Dressing Mix
• 1 pkg (6 oz) frozen snow peas, thawed
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 cups hot cooked brown rice

Cook and stir onions and ginger in hot oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 3 minutes.

Add fish, flesh-side down; cook on high heat 2 minutes. Turn fish over; sprinkle with dressing mix. Top with vegetables. Stir in water; cover.

Cook on medium low 7 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Serve over rice; top with sauce from skillet.

Makes 4 servings.
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For more Great Tastes of Alaska, make sure you have my free Alaskan cookbook with over 70 great Alaskan recipes!