Valdez, End of the Pipeline

(2018 Alaska Ep 32)

We left the Alaska Highway after a couple nights in Tok and travelled southwest via the Glenn and Richardson Highways to Valdez (RabbiTRAILS Alaska Map, pt #37).

(as an aside, major highways in Alaska are usually referred to by their names and not by the road number.  The name often has historical significance)

Enroute, we crossed the Thompson Pass in heavy rain and fog, and descended into the Valdez area.  Valdez is located on Prince William Sound and is surrounded by snowtopped mountains.  The lower mountain slopes are covered with bushes and there are numerous waterfalls from snow and occasional glaciers.  It is beautiful!

We hiked various trails during the week.

One was along marshy flats close to the sound. The trail was muddy from rain and went through VERY think vegetation – from long growing days!!

We saw bear droppings and footprints in the mud, and were glad to have bear spray just in case.

The next day we hiked a steep trail to a reservoir that provides water for a salmon fish hatchery across the bay.  Part of the trail follows the infamous Alaska Oil Pipeline – it is buried in that area however.  On the return hike we saw a black bear on the trail several hundred yards away.  Fortunately our shouts scared him off.

The most challenging hike was along a trail used by prospectors in 1899.  It was rocky and crossed several streams, and we had to use a knotted rope to descend one VERY steep section.  Meanwhile we were being feasted upon by hungry Alaskan mosquitoes.  We used our head nets for the first time during the trip!

Most of the week it was overcast and occasionally drizzly.  The weather cleared on the last day and we were treated with stunning views of the mountains from the campground.  

Before leaving for Anchorage the next day, we drove up to Thompson Pass and enjoyed a hike to Worthington Glacier.

Please watch for an upcoming blog post with interesting Valdez history.