#valdez

Nice drive up from Valdez to the Glenn Highway but not as dramatic as the drive south into Valdez for a couple of reasons; one we were headed north and the views were not as spectacular and two, because it was cloudy and raining heading out of Valdez. We had been told the Glenn Highway into Palmer was a little torn up but for the most part it was pretty good. We passed by the Matanuska Glacier which was pretty cool but without hiking, it wasn't a very close look. The trees seemed to become more lush and deciduous as we got closer to Palmer/Wasilla. The Glenn Highway also became more crowded and intersecting roads became more and more prevalent. By the time we reached Palmer/Wasilla it was clear we were now in the suburbs of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city making up about 40% of the population of the entire state. Some things we hadn't seen in weeks started to appear - stoplights, 4-lane highways, big box stores, etc. In some ways, it felt good to be in civilization again!

Our stop for the night, Palmer/North Anchorage KOA - Journey, was just a short layover for the night. There seems to be plenty to do in this area but that wasn't the plan this time. We took care of a couple of needed tasks (car wash and groceries) but other than that we were looking for a good night's sleep and back on the road first thing in the morning.

Unfortunately, the news we received later that evening from some fellow North Carolinians made us contemplate whether that was going to happen or not...

Here are some pics from previous days since we didn't have any from this travel day.

Oh my! What a ride down the Tok Cutoff to the Richardson Highway and into Valdez. About 45 miles on the Tok Highway to the intersection with the Richardson Highway as it runs along the western edge of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. A stop at the Visitor Center at the intersection of the Richardson & Glenn Highways, known as "The Hub" because of its location at the intersection of two major Alaskan highways. The staff member at the Visitor Center was extremely engaging and very helpful. A few miles down the Richardson Highway is the Visitor Center for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Well done Visitor Center, interesting exhibits and helpful park rangers. There is also a nice walking trail with beautiful overlooks with views of the peaks of the Wrangell-St. Elias mountains. Heading south on the Richardson Highway, the scenery becomes more and more dramatic as we approach Valdez. The highway is filled with peak after peak of snow-capped mountains and glacier fed creeks and rivers. The drama reaches a crescendo at Washington Glacier and Thompson Pass shortly after that. The pass @ 2678' above sea level provides magnificent views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, truly spectacular! As you move down the mountain from the pass toward the Port of Valdez, amazing waterfalls (specifically Bridal Veil and Horsetail) dot the landscape. Finally we arrived into the Port of Valdez on the Valdez Arm surrounded by more snow-capped mountains coming down to the beautiful crystal clear blue water!

Our home for the next few days is Bear Paw RV Park II. It is right on the inlet to the Valdez marina and within easy walking distance to downtown Valdez. All utilities so that is nice. Nice shade although not needed on this trip as temps were cool (50's for highs, 40's for lows). Gravel parking area, no grass or lawn. Spaces pretty tight.

Without a doubt the highlight of our time in Valdez was our trip on the Lulu Belle with Captain Fred! The wildlife (i.e. sea lions, seals, sea otters, whales, salmon, bald eagles), scenery (i.e. mountains, sea, waterfalls, icebergs, glaciers) and the narrative by Captain Fred were all outstanding! A Must-Do if in Valdez!

Visited a couple of local museums while in Valdez. The Remembering Old Valdez Exhibit (ROVE) details the earthquake of 1964 and the subsequent move of the town of Valdez to its current location. The Valdez Historical Museum covers all of Valdez's history from native tribes to present day. It has a special exhibit detailing the history of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Visited the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery which was extremely interesting.

Finally, we visited a couple of nice restaurants while in Valdez: Fat Mermaid - excellent, salmon pizza and pork BBQ, outside seating right in downtown. Mike's Palace - also downtown but inside, Carla had a really delicious salmon pasta.

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The Prospector "Quality Apparel and Sporting Goods," Valdez, Alaska, 2025.