Valdez is nestled on the shores of Prince William Sound, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains. Known for its dramatic landscapes and vibrant history, Valdez is both a gateway to outdoor adventure and a testament to resilience. The town’s history is shaped by its role in the Gold Rush, its recovery following a catastrophic earthquake in 1964, and its importance as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The Valdez Museum provides insight into these events, highlighting the community’s pioneering spirit. Today the town is a vital hub for commercial fishing, and you can learn about efforts to sustain the region’s wild salmon population at Solomon Gulch Hatchery. Valdez also offers unparalleled recreation opportunities in the Alaskan wilderness, such as whitewater rafting through Keystone Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls. Other adventures include hiking expeditions to Worthington Glacier, helicopter flights over Columbia Glacier, and kayaking trips amid the blue icebergs of Valdez Glacier.