Valdez Journals

Alaska

A travel journal to Valdez by biggamehunter

Quote: A brief overview of the home of the infamous EXXON VALDEZ oiltanker. As devistating as the event was, Valdez, the little Switzerland of Alaska, is one of the most breathtaking cities in the state.

Alaska

Overview

Quote:

Having lived here for 28 years, I tend to forget some of the beauty our city has to offer. 12 miles out of town, you will find "Bridal Veil" and "Horsetail" Falls. Both rise up out of Keystone Canyon. You can actually stand under the falls if you can take the pressure and the cold. The terminus of the Trans Alaska pipeline is right across the bay. A 25 minute helicopter ride will put you right on top of the mighty Columbia Glacier or you can take one of the tour boats. You can set foot on one of the worlds largest concrete floating docks. Catch halibut in excess of 200lbs. Looking for some adventure, Keystone Rafting offers a float trip on class 3 & 4 rapids through Keystone Canyon. How about downhill...Read More

Quick Tips:

Depending on your quest for adventure, Valdez has 2 seasons, winter and summer. The snow goes away around the end of may. We get an average of 325" a year. February and March are the best time for skiing. From mid June to the end of August, you will be treated to the finest fishing around in Prince William Sound. Hotel space is limited, but numerous bed and breakfast accomidations can be found as well as campgrounds for those who drive. There is only two ways to Valdez. Fly or drive on the only road in and out. Thats right, only one road and Valdez is at the very end. Expect to pay top dollar for meals. Dinner for 2 will run about . Don't forget to bring a raincoat. I remember in the spring of 1981, it rained non-stop for 54 days. It washed the only road in away.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around is to drive, however, bicycles can be rented in the summer. you can fly in on ERA Aviation from Anchorage. There is only 1 taxi company with limited drivers. There is a car rental agency at the airport, 4 miles out of town. Walking around town is easy. The town is roughly 2 miiles square. After 9/11, the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal suspended all tours, but tour boats that travel to Columbia Glacier travel within 1 1/2 miles for a good view of the tankers while loading Alaska North Slope Crude. Read Less

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About the Writer

biggamehunter
Valdez, Alaska

"I am a 28 year Alaska resident. I enjoy traveling, hunting and fishing. I am married with 2 boys. On..."
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