Location, location, location! We enjoyed our stay at Bearpaw with the harbor and shops a very…read moreshort walking distance away. We were also close to the breweries. Jackie in the office was very helpful and kind. The facilities (laundry room and restrooms) were very clean. The price of staying here is very reasonable for full hookups.

We've stayed at Bearpaw Campground a couple times now while being in Valdez for work. Although we…read morehave a camper, I'm not big on this type of park because you're packed in like crazy but they have their purpose and it works. For us, it works because we're there for work and have our own space with everything we need. The electric, water and sewer hookups make it all come together nicely, along with WiFi. I believe it's a husband/wife team that owns/runs it... the wife is so friendly and the husband... so crotchety! It is what it is. For those that choose to not use or don't have the full hookups, they offer clean restrooms with showers for use. It's nice because they're key code accessed which means only the campground guests are using it. Although I didn't use them, several in our party did out of ease. They're good about keeping the place maintained, emptying the multiple garbage cans though out the park daily. GCI apparently pulled out of Valdez, so they don't have cable tv hookup anymore, but that has never effected us. We've found that the people seem to be respectful of the tight spaces and for the most part aren't too disruptive. There are no fire pits in the park, however each site does have a picnic table. We bring an easy up to keep situated and also our smokeless fire pit. Personally, we have decided that when we go again, we will actually rent two spaces, side by side so we can spread out a bit and be more comfortable, especially since our friends/colleagues tend to hang around out site. All in all... we'll continue to stay here when visiting Valdez!

Glacier View Park is another worthwhile attraction/landmark to check out while visiting Valdez,…read moreAlaska. It's located just 7 miles from downtown Valdez. When driving from Richardson Highway...if you make a turn on Airport Road and go 3.5 miles all the way towards the end, you'll arrive here. And btw, the last portion of the 3.5 miles is on dirt road, but it's a smooth ride. Then, just find a place to park where there'll most likely be a few other cars pulled up near the entrance as well. During my visit in the month of August, it was very peaceful and quiet. You could categorize being here as an under the radar scene for walking along the shoreline and taking in the refreshing setting with the Chugach Mountains peaking in the background. Generally, it's a nice spot for picnicking. On a sunny day you can capture some photogenic pictures with the mountains reflecting off the lake's pristine waters. I also noticed a few people kayaking out on the lake. Unfortunately, though, there's really no glacier in view which I was hoping wouldn't be the case. Well, still, Valdez Glacier used to be visible from the lakeshore, but due to receding and calving over time, all you really witness are large icebergs floating in the distance on Valdez Lake. I took some time to walk beside the lakeshore but didn't notice any trailheads for hiking. If you take a moment to sit down and appreciate the pleasant sights, it could feel like you're transported away from reality. Some extra notes.... - There is no fee for the park. - Underneath the welcome sign it says "no overnight camping". - Hours are daily, 6am - 10pm. - According to alaska.org, Anadyr Adventures runs daytrips out onto the lake. - If you're solely here to check out the surroundings, 1 hour is enough time. Lastly, I'd just say that this Glacier View Park pairs well with many activities located in close proximity around Valdez. Returning to my car, I next headed 11 miles over to the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery, another interesting highlight of the area that shouldn't be missed.

Beautiful and majestic! About a 15-20 min walk in... follow the blue chalk path (if it's visible)…read moreto weave through the field and look for caves, and tons of deep blue shapes in the ice! Great easy to do activity for heli ski down day...

Food is comfortable and delicious, service is outstanding! The lodge is gorgeous and comfortable.read more

Was fortunate to be able to stay two nights at Tsaina off-season (late September) as we visiting up…read morefrom San Diego for a wedding being held at the lodge. The dining area is gorgeous, the food was amazing and as someone else noted, they have true (and unique) craft cocktails. Our room overlooked the Richardson Glacier, a sublime and million-dollar view. Rooms were cozy but well appointed, very clean and modern. Am making a vow to come back sometime in the winter and use Tsaina as a base of operations for some heli-skiing.

In 1978 me and my folks lived in Valdez, each time we traveled out of Valdez we would stop in…read moreThompson Pass. I remember it like it was yesterday, when people tell me "to go to my happy place", I always flash to Thompson Pass. It was so quiet up there, the air was thin and clean, and the views are the closest thing you can get to heaven. I am heading back to Alaska in 2024 and can't wait to spend some time at the Pass and going to visit blueberry hill.

Every time I drive through here, I think: "Man, why don't I do this more often?"…read more Although the elevation of the pass isn't high by lower 48 standards, it is by Alaska standards (I think it's the 2nd highest pass in Alaska, the first if you only count paved roads) In the winter, you definitely feel like you're not supposed to be here. You feel so close to the 360 degrees of snow that even a minor avalanche could sweep you off of the road! It's a skiiers paradise. It makes me want to learn how to backcountry ski. (but I'd have to, y'know, learn how to "regular" ski first) These landscapes are usually only seen by climbers and ski mountaineers, but you can see it from the comfort of your cozy car! In the summer, it's a great place to look out over the mountains and enjoy the midnight sun. I need to come back here and dedicate myself to some photography and videography. I'm usually just blasting through on the way to the Valdez Ice Fest, I need to dedicate some time to documenting just how gorgeous this place is. It's worth the 5-6 hr drive from Anchorage, trust me.

DEFINITELY a must see if you are in the Valdez area. Worthington Glacier is apparently the most…read moreaccess glacier in Alaska, so I was super surprised I had never heard of it. It is ESPECIALLY accessible for folks with mobility issues as there is a gentlly sloped ramp to 2 vewing points that get you very close relative to other glacier sites. It has receded tremendously in the last 50 or so years, so make sure you don't miss your chance to see it. $5 parking fee. Pit toilets on site. Best visited in summer or early fall (September) One comment- I do 100% with Seth's review about the viewing of this glacier. It is actually viewed and photographed BEST when approached from the north on Richardson Hwy because you can see the WHOLE glacier from this angle. It's huge. When you visit the official state rec site, the glacier has receded so much that the view is truncated by the angle of the mountain. That said, it's still fun to get up and close if you've never had the chance before.

I sort of have 2 different stories to tell about my time spent exploring/witnessing Worthington…read moreGlacier. First off, Worthington Glacier is located right off Richardson Highway, about 33 miles east of Valdez, Alaska. Worthington Glacier is actually situated within a State Recreation Area. Through my experience...I found that exploring in the State Recreation Area was quite average and mediocre. Yet...the views of Worthington Glacier from the pullovers along Richardson Highway were outstanding!!! I stopped on by here in late July 2022. I was driving in the afternoon time and making my way towards Valdez, AK. I recommend coming here in the afternoon because the sun was at my back and made for perfect photo opportunities with the light beaming down on the glacier. Worthington Glacier was quite colorful from the road. Before arriving at the State Recreation Area...I'd say there were about 3 - 4 roadside pullovers where I casually took my time viewing the surroundings. And like I said...it was so photogenic from a distance! I was impressed and had high expectations for stopping in at the Rec Area for a closer perspective. Upon pulling into the parking lot...they require you to pay a $5 entrance fee. That was not a problem. Anytime I get to witness a glacier it's priceless, imo, lol. You deposit the $5 into a drop box using the honor system because there were no attendants patrolling the grounds. Now...inside the State Rec Area...they offer a very simple pathway to walk (maybe it was a total of 1/2 mile in length) where you can stop at an overlook spot to view Worthington Glacier in the very far distance. But I was not impressed with it. In fact, I found it to be a letdown. You are much, much, better afforded to take your time at the roadside pullovers where you're positioned higher up in terms of the surroundings to better catch a glimpse of the glacier looking from eye level out by Richardson Highway. At the State Rec Area...you're just standing too far down below at the base of the landscape setting to really appreciate the moment. But, interestingly, right as I was returning to my car and ready to leave the Rec Area and make my final drive to Valdez, I noticed off to the left-hand side of the parking lot there was a hiking trail leading up towards Worthington Glacier. There was a sign stating that this trail is strenuous and climbs a significant amount of feet in a short period of time. So...I just knew this pathway would lead to probably the best aspects of Worthington Glacier, but unfortunately, it was too late in the day to start making a journey like this. I knew it would require a good portion of the day to handle this type of climb. Had I stopped on by here in the morning...I could have attempted this hiking trail. And btw, I don't remember if there was a name to the hike...only that...it was situated off to the left side section of the parking lot. Overall, my most memorable moments of admiring Worthington Glacier were from the views I captured along a few pullovers of Richardson Highway. And these roadside stops were located just a few miles away from the State Recreation Area. Meanwhile, hopefully in the future if I return to Valdez, I can make the arduous looking trek towards at least "The Toe" of the glacier on the hiking trail inside the State Rec Area. I believe it will reward me with the most efficient/worthwhile photo taking possibilities.

Reviews We had an awesome glacier lake kayak tour with…read moreLogan. There were just four of us (two couples); once we were outfitted with waterproof boots, jacket, and suspenders, we had about a 15 minute drive to Valdez Lake. Logan gave us a choice of paddling to the base of the glacier which would have required longer paddling or to meander around the icebergs. We chose the latter and had so much fun! Logan said the icebergs shift every day, and because of that, it becomes a bit of a maze. We even had to backtrack when we hit a dead end. Logan shared information about the history of the glacier; it was interesting to learn that many of the icebergs were a result of a strong calving in 2020. Shout out as well to Sami who answered the phone when we inquired about two possible tours so we could decide which one would be best for us. She was also there when we checked in. Her friendly personality was a welcome greeting before we set off for our tour.

We had a blast on our glacier kayak tour! So fun and thanks to our guides Goose and Aiden! Thanks…read morefor making our trip that much more fun!!

Just really neat to take your time and explore all the nooks and crannies of Valdez! Definitely…read morewill come back! Update: Incredibly beautiful and stunning! Can visit this over and over. It does get busy in the summer, but off season you can enjoy the stunning beauty without the crowds! Even though there are a lot of tourists it really does look untouched!

This Keystone Canyon area is terrific and a great introduction to your time spent in Valdez,…read moreAlaska. Besides Keystone Canyon being a very photogenic section of Richardson Highway to appreciate...with towering walls hovering all around you, the two primary highlights while driving through here are Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. Both waterfalls are situated right beside Richardson Highway, they cannot be missed! And...there are roadside signs for them just in case you're not looking around while driving and admiring the overall setting. Keystone Canyon sits 18 miles east of downtown Valdez, AK. So...just when you're all excited about getting to experience Valdez, you stop here briefly and get that "appetizer" starter that (at least for me) "sets the bar" for seeing Valdez, a pretty remote part of Alaska. First off is Bridal Veil Falls...a towering 600-foot waterfall plunge! I stopped on by in late afternoon of July and had the sun at my back which made for quite photogenic perspectives. Lol...and the sun, always in a tussle to cooperate with me when I'm trying to capture the best picture moments. So, obviously, I highly suggest you stop at Bridal Veil Falls in the afternoon time or otherwise if you come in the morning, the sun will be in your face. I needed 15 minutes at Bridal Veil Falls. I even got lucky enough to have a rainbow set at the base of the falls when snapping my pictures. And...right next door to Bridal Veil Falls is Horsetail Falls, maybe 1/4 of a mile away. So...you're afforded two awesome appearing waterfalls within one amazing setting. Horsetail Falls cascades down the mountainside for only 300 feet. It's not as stupendous as Bridal Veil Falls, but it's still picturesque. Even though I was standing beside it completely in the shade...my camera still took some memorable photos of Horsetail Falls. And, again, ya know...just taking 10 - 15 minutes to stare at such an undisturbed waterfall really had me in a positive mood. Nature is beautiful and I try never to take anything for granted. Lastly, I actually discovered this Keystone Canyon section including Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls through postcards at a gift shop. Otherwise, who knows if I would have driven past this area without stopping. See, lol, goes to show although no one ever uses postcards anymore...they can still come in handy! Alright, well, this Keystone Canyon part of Valdez is really worthwhile and also paired with Worthington Glacier situated just 10 miles northeast of here makes for fun times before even arriving in Valdez.

We had an amazing, unforgettable experience with Lu-Lu Belle boat, Captain Fred and his lovely…read morecrew! Captain Fred is a wealth of knowledge about Valdez and his extraordinary experience with the waters! He navigated very tight spaces for wildlife and got us within 1/4 mile to the face of the Columbia Glacier. The smaller boat (which is Captain Fred's home) made for a more cozy and warm ambiance, oriental rugs and all! :) There is food and snacks available during the cruise, they even baked fresh brownies, which warmed the soul in the cold weather! We were also allowed to bring a cooler of snacks! They don't serve alcohol but we were told you are able to bring your own wine and beer. For me, this is the best wildlife cruise in Valdez.

We looked at the two major glacier trips out of Valdez and choose this one because of the reviews…read more Boy were they right! We had the best day of our trip so far. Captain Fred and crew Sara & Jake were fantastic. You can tell they really want you to have the best time. The boat was so clean and the food was simple but good. The smell of the fresh cooked brownies was not fair, you had to have one! We saw so much wildlife and stopped extremely close to the glacier. We would do this trip again in a heartbeat. Go for this trip on the Lu-Lu Belle you will not regret it.