October in Valdez
October is a great time to visit Valdez, with so much to do. Check our local events calendar for more updates.
Glacier And Wildlife Viewing
By October, most of Valdez's local glacier and wildlife tours will have closed for the season. However, smaller boat charters are still available for tours to tidewater glaciers and wildlife viewing areas around Port Valdez. Helicopter tours are available throughout October as well for those interested in flying over or even landing on a glacier.
Of course there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to discover glaciers and wildlife on their own around Valdez this time of year. Stop off at Worthington Glacier in Thompson Pass during the drive to Valdez, or take Airport Road out to see the icebergs in Valdez Glacier Lake. The Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery on Dayville Road is open for free, outdoor, self-guided tours through October, and makes for a great viewing point to see returning salmon, birds, marine mammals, and bears.
Hiking And Biking Trails
The fall colors make October a beautiful time for hiking in Valdez. While the town may see some light snow during the month, the summer trails are generally still available throughout the fall for hiking without the need for winter gear.
Check out the fall colors on the Homestead Trail and watch as the last of the salmon return to Mineral Creek. Another great option is to walk or bike the Bike Path from town out to the Crooked Creek Forest Service Cabin to view returning salmon or migratory birds on the Duck Flats. Local rentals are available for bicycles as well as e-bikes.
History, Arts & Culture
Valdez's cultural attractions make for a nice walking tour around town in the beautiful October weather. The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive on Egan Drive is open year-round. Over on Kobuk Avenue, the Valdez Art Co-Op is open most days until 6 PM, featuring galleries of art from local artists. The Whispering Giant wood carving off of Pioneer Drive makes for a great photo opportunity.
If you're interested in exploring outdoors, check out Old Valdez. The original Valdez townsite, known locally as "Old Town" is only a few miles out of town alongside the Richardson Highway. Walk through the original town streets and see the foundations where Valdez stood before the town was relocated following the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake.