HISTORY:
Because of the increased use of the 1899 Pack Trail, it was decided to upgrade the trail in order to accommodate sleds, wagons, and eventually automobiles. The Valdez Transportation Company was, by 1905, offering a nine day stage trip to Fairbanks for $150. In 1913 the first automobile went from Valdez to Fairbanks over the improved trail, even though the Goat Trail section was difficult to maintain due to snow and rock slides. The Snowslide Gulch area posed a particular problem as massive snowslides would remove or at least severely damage any bridge.

The Goat Trail was in use as late as 1952 due to a major flood which destroyed the 317 foot Lowe River Bridge located just upstream from the mouth of Keystone Canyon. What remains of the concrete piers can still be seen in the river bridge.

The last of the four bridges spanning Bear Creek was built in 1943. This 300 foot steel arch bridge is a good example of World War II construction.

DIRECTIONS:
From the West end of the parking area at Bridal Veil Falls, walk about 200 yards toward Valdez and intersect with the Wagon Road, which takes off to the right. Walking up a slight grade, the Pack Trail turn off will be passed at 3 tenths of a mile on the left. Interesting flowers are often found on the rock cliff just past this point.

The Wagon Road continues along through alder and spruce. There are two rather exposed trail sections high above the Lowe River which offer excellent views, but care is advised when on these sections.

Snowslide Gulch is reached at 2.2 miles and caution is urged if one attempts to cross this creek. At present (2002), remains of a bridge are still in place and can be used to cross. Excellent views of Dutch Flats can be obtained from this location.

The road descends from here and two concrete piers can be seen in the Lowe River. This bridge was destroyed in 1950, necessitating the rerouting of traffic over the Goat Trail to Valdez. The Wagon Road takes off to the left at the sign. Do not go past the 3 large boulders unless you wish to descend to the river bed.

Another 7 tenths of a mile and the Bear Creek Bridge is reached. The dike access trail is just 2 tenths of a mile past the bridge on the right. This 10 minute trail leads down to the Bear Creek Dike and hence to the Richardson Highway.

The Wagon Road continues for another mile and one tenth. At the "trail" sign and arrow take the side trail to the right. This leads for 2 tenths of a mile to the 18 mile turnout. A phone is available to the left when exiting the trail.

DISTANCE & TIME:
The distance along the highway from the Bridal Veil Falls parking area to the 18 mile turnout is 4 miles.

—Map and Compilation by Jim Shephard, Valdez Parks and Recreation