Date: 04/01/25 Bear Sighting! The first reported spring bear sighting goes to John and Cathy Cianci, of Placerville, California. After their mesmerizing journey through a snow-sculpted Thompson Pass, they pulled into the parking lot of the U.S. Forest Service’s not-yet-open Crooked Creek Information…
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Valdezeans are nothing if not optimistic. In the latter part of March, the slightest warming trend, just a hint of melting snow, and we start talking spring. It’s as if these vernal prompts reawaken a part of our brain rendered dormant with the onset of winter cold. I know, I know. Every year we…
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In a particular sense it is a world unto itself, wrought with contradictions that prove an irresistible draw. Set within town limits—at least on paper--this paradoxical hub of both surging activity and moody introspection seems in some indefinable way separate, beyond geographical borders. It is an…
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Its origins are swathed in the mists of antiquity, a whispered legend told around wilderness campfires. It is a story recounted by the real old timers, those sourdoughs who have seen mysterious things in the Land of the Midnight Sun. With eyes averted, they stare into the dark woods, and they are…
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It rises into a drab winter sky, this contorted obelisk of ice, frozen in mid-cascade. A startling blue against the low-cloud gray, Bridal Veil falls forms a stairway of sorts, its sculpted benches marking the spot of summertime tumbling over water-shorn rock. To some, its dizzying…
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Summer - 21 Things to Do! 1. Trolley & Shuttle Tours – great way to view the city when you have less time and don’t want to miss anything. 2. Glacier & Wildlife Cruises – for the best ocean views and wildlife experience - land and sea! 3. Kayak or Paddle Board – either with rented equipment, your…
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Alaskans are always prepared for whatever weather gets thrown at them. We either suit up and head outside or take advantage of some great indoor options. In Valdez, we have plenty to do, both inside and outdoors. Be prepared with some ideas of what to do on a rainy day in Valdez, because it does…
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For a small town, Valdez, Alaska’s eating scene really packs a punch. Maybe that’s why we say: small town, big attitude! Here’s a guide to help you explore the international food options around Valdez – where to get foreign and not-so-foreign food. We’ll be eating Thai, Cal-Mex, Italian, Filippino…
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If you're not flying or coming by boat, chances are you’re driving to Valdez. And that’s a great idea! Driving to Valdez is a great way to get to an incredible destination while seeing a lot of Alaska’s beauty along the way. Give yourself plenty of time to drive to Valdez, you’ll want to stop en…
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Far from being a sleepy seaside town during the winter months, Valdez boasts an active winter sports scene that keeps the adrenaline flowing through the "off season" of February, March and April. In just the next two weeks Valdez will see three major winter sporting events take place out on the…
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