The best walks and hikes around Valdez

The Shoup Bay Trail: Section A offers a delightful journey through diverse Alaskan coastal scenery, making it an easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) hike near Valdez. You'll wander through lush alder and spruce forests, cross Mineral Creek flats, and enjoy expansive views of Port Valdez and the surrounding mountains. The path features rolling coastal terrain with gentle uphill and downhill sections, leading to Gold Creek, which serves as a convenient turnaround point.

This trail is easily accessible from Valdez, making it a popular choice for a day trip. While the route is generally well-maintained, be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially after wet weather, so waterproof hiking boots are essential. Wearing long pants is also a good idea to protect against local vegetation like stinging nettle.

Shoup Bay Trail: Section A is notable for its rich wildlife viewing opportunities; keep an eye out for eagles, waterfowl, and marine mammals like sea otters and harbor seals in Port Valdez. This section provides a milder, more accessible experience compared to the challenging Section B, making it an excellent option for those seeking a scenic and manageable outdoor adventure with 347 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 12 minutes.

The John Hunter Memorial Trail offers a compact yet incredibly scenic hiking experience near Valdez, Alaska. As you climb through coastal spruce forests, the trail opens up to reveal dramatic canyon vistas, rushing streams, and waterfalls. The highlight for many is the panoramic view of Solomon Lake, framed by the impressive Sugarloaf Mountain, alongside sweeping perspectives of Valdez, Port Valdez, and the Chugach Mountains. This easy 1.4-mile (2.3 km) route, with 448 feet (137 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 46 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick, rewarding outing.

Before you head out, be mindful that project vehicles sometimes use the trail, and early in the season, you might encounter snow and ice, so appropriate footwear is a must. While trailhead access is straightforward, always practice bear awareness in this region. The trail's moderate sections, despite its overall easy rating, provide a good workout, and you'll find picnic tables and covered pavilions at the Solomon Lake viewpoint for a well-deserved rest.

Historically known as the Solomon Gulch Trail, this path is more than just a scenic walk; it offers unique views of the Trans Alaska Pipeline and the area's hydroelectric plant, with large penstocks visible along the route. Survival expert Bear Grylls even recognized it as one of the world's best hikes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and eagles, as you traverse this diverse terrain.

The Thompson Pass Pack Trail offers a quick, easy immersion into Alaska's dramatic alpine landscape. Despite its short length of 0.5 miles (0.9 km) and minimal 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, taking only about 14 minutes, you'll experience rugged, rocky terrain, mossy forests, and alpine tundra. Keep an eye out for distant glaciers and the majestic Chugach Mountains, especially when wildflowers are in bloom during summer.

This easy hiking route is highly accessible, with multiple entry points along the Richardson Highway between Mile 19.6 and Mile 25.7. It's a fantastic option for families or those seeking a brief, high-reward outdoor experience. Remember that hiking is best from mid-June to early September due to the extreme snowfall Thompson Pass receives, so always check weather conditions before you go.

Historically significant, this trail follows a segment of the original pack trail used by prospectors during the 1898 Gold Rush, making it a living piece of Alaskan history. Thompson Pass itself is notable as the highest road-accessible point in the Chugach Mountains, providing relatively easy access to an otherwise remote alpine environment and offering endless opportunities for exploration beyond this short path.

The Goat Trail in Valdez offers a delightful journey through Keystone Canyon, winding alongside the Lowe River. This easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) hike, with a gentle 517 feet (158 metres) of elevation gain, provides continuous scenic views and a tangible connection to Alaska's past. You'll experience the landscape that once challenged pioneers, now accessible for a pleasant outing that takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes.

Planning your visit to this historic route is straightforward, with access likely along the Lowe River in Keystone Canyon. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the trail is well-suited for a relaxed exploration during warmer months, allowing you to fully appreciate the views without concerns about historical snow and rock slide conditions. It's an ideal choice for those seeking an easy hike with a touch of history.

This trail holds significant historical importance as part of the original Military or Valdez Trail, a crucial link between Valdez and interior Alaska. Although the route was abandoned after the Richardson Highway was completed, hiking the Goat Trail today allows you to relive a piece of that history while enjoying great views of the surrounding scenery and the modern highway. It's a unique way to connect with the region's heritage and natural beauty.