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

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.

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.

Tags: Alaska, Alaska Travel, hiking trails, Keystone Canyon, Mineral Creek, Shoup Bay, Solomon Gulch, Valdez