The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Valdez, Alaska
Valdez, Alaska, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of incredible places to visit, but the small town’s natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere are definitely worth a look. With its gorgeous coastal views, snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and rich Native American heritage, Valdez has plenty to offer visitors looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure. Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Valdez.
Downtown Valdez
The first place on our list is downtown Valdez. This is the perfect place to start your journey because it’s full of art and culture. You can explore the many galleries and museums, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
If you’re looking for a more mountaneous experience, you can hike one of the many trails in the area. Start at Elk Lake Trailhead and walk up through the forest before reaching Harding Icefield Trail. Continue past Eagle Pass as you hike up toward Mount Kukak which offers spectacular views of Mount Drum from an even higher vantage point.
Be sure to stop at Lynx Creek Falls along the way where you’ll see some incredible waterfalls cascading down mossy rock faces into a pool below!
Eagle Glacier
Valdez is home to some of the most beautiful glaciers in Alaska, and Eagle Glacier is no exception. With its towering mountaneous walls and deep blue waters, it’s easy to see why this glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
And for those who appreciate art, the glacier’s unique formations are sure to impress. With all their twists and turns, they look like a painter’s palette that was spilled out onto the ice. But if you’re more into serenity than sightseeing, then head over to the Solitude Creek Trailhead which will take you on a three-mile roundtrip hike through forested slopes with views of mountains.
Or, head south towards Goldstream Falls to admire the waterfalls spilling down over boulders and onto the rocks below. To find these spots, consult your map or ask a local where they would recommend visiting near Valdez.
Three Sisters Wilderness
The Three Sisters Wilderness is one of the most beautiful places in Valdez. It’s a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with its glaciers, mountains, and forests. The area is also home to some of the best fishing in Valdez. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, this is the place for you. Be careful not to venture too far off trail though – it can be easy to get lost if you’re not paying attention.
Keep an eye out for wildlife as well – you might even see bears or moose wandering through the forest! The Alpenglow Picnic Area: Alpenglow Picnic Area is located on the shore of Kenai Lake near Anchorage. A popular spot for picnics and camping trips, it offers breathtaking views across the lake at sunset and sunrise.
You’ll often find visitors gazing over the water and taking photos of the changing sky. The easiest way to reach the picnic area is by car; otherwise, you’ll need to hike 2 miles along a paved bike path (or bring your own bike). There are no restrooms nearby so come prepared! Skilak Lookout: Located on U.S.
Chugach National Forest
The Chugach National Forest is one of the most beautiful places in Valdez, Alaska. With its towering mountains and pristine valleys, it’s no wonder this national forest is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. If you’re looking for a place to truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than the Chugach National Forest. On top of being home to some breathtaking views, the Chugach also features plenty of opportunities for recreation like biking, fishing, hiking and more.
There are many hiking trails that can be found in the Chugach National Forest. These trails range from short walks with scenic views to multi-day backpacking trips with even more incredible sights along the way.
Misty Fjords National Monument
Valdez is the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, one of the most beautiful places on earth. The fjords were carved by glaciers during the last ice age and are now home to towering mountains, pristine lakes, and wildlife. A visit to Misty Fjords is a must-do for any nature lover. You can access the park from either Haines or Skagway and you will be blown away by its natural beauty.
If you have time, plan a stay at Portage Lake Lodge near the entrance to the national monument. You won’t regret it! Since this is an untouched landscape with virtually no development, the lodging options in the area are limited to camping (all sites with running water) or bed and breakfast. There’s a large variety of trails to explore in both the forested areas that line portions of the coastline as well as rockier terrains where snow fields remain year round.
You’ll want a sturdy pair of hiking boots but if you don’t happen to have your own then worry not! They sell shoes here too!
Tongass National Forest
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States and is known for its dramatic coastline, towering mountains, and old-growth forests. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, brown bears, and orcas. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and enjoy some truly stunning scenery, Valdez is the perfect destination.
Not only does it have breathtaking landscapes, but there are plenty of things to do on your visit! In addition to exploring the city, visiting Kachemak Bay State Park or taking an Alaskan cruise tour, you can go skiing or explore nearby glacier hikes. You’ll find many great places to stay near downtown Valdez as well as beautiful parks like Sandy Beach, which features panoramic views of the bay.
Take a day trip up scenic Richardson Highway for amazing views at Thompson Pass and end your day with dinner at one of our excellent restaurants such as Aldo’s Bistro Italiano or Ginger Salmon Sushi Bar & Grill.
Worthington Glacier
Valdez is a small town in Alaska that is nestled between mountains and glaciers. It is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor recreation. If you are looking for a place to get away from it all and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, Valdez is the place for you. Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Valdez: The Worthington Glacier National Park has many glacier tours available. You can either take a boat tour up close to the glacier or an aerial tour around the glacier on a helicopter. The best time to see the ice crystals forming on the glacier is late August when they are at their largest size.
You can also take scenic flights over Prince William Sound, or join a fishing excursion with experienced guides who will teach you about freshwater and saltwater fish as well as how to cast your line.
The Solomon Gulch Hatchery
Valdez is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. From the rushing waters of Solomon Gulch to the serene landscapes of the Chugach Mountains, there are plenty of breathtaking places to explore in this Alaskan town. In addition to these incredible vistas, Valdez has a rich cultural history and a thriving tourism industry. It’s no wonder that more than 400 people move here every year! Read on for some ideas on where to see all the sights.
In addition to incredible fishing and stunning views, you can also try your hand at kayaking or mountain biking at Valdez State Park or head into downtown for a memorable meal at one of our many restaurants. With so much to offer visitors, it’s easy to see why this is one of America’s most popular destinations.
Columbia Glacier
Valdez is a beautiful place with many hidden gems. One of the most popular tourist destinations is the Columbia Glacier. The glacier is located in the Chugach Mountains and is one of the largest glaciers in North America. Visitors can take a boat tour or helicopter ride to get up close and personal with the glacier. They also offer hikes where visitors can explore more than 100 miles of trails.
There are plenty of scenic overlooks that provide spectacular views of the ice-capped peaks and lush valleys below.
Wrangell-St Elias National Park (Chitina) offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the country. For example, if you’re looking for an easy hike then try exploring nearby Gold Creek Falls. It’s about 3 miles roundtrip but well worth it for a nice scenic view as well as a cool dip on hot days!
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s always Cataract Canyon Trail which takes hikers through old growth forests before ending at spectacular Cataract Falls.
