Alaska : Valdez

Our first destination in Alaska was Valdez.

Valdez is a cute port town nestled in Southeast Alaska. From the Good Friday Earthquake to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Valdez has a fascinating history.

The Beautiful Drive from Tok to Valdez

The drive from Tok to Valdez was simply breathtaking. We were blessed with clear skies, making our drive through Thompson Pass something I will never forget. I have never felt so small! God’s power overwhelmed me as we drove through the pass. I was filled with reverence and wonder towards my God.

Psalm 90:2

“Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting, You are God.”

Exploring Keystone Canyon

After driving through Thomson Pass, we stumbled across Horsetail Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in Keystone Canyon. I would love to see how these waterfalls transform into ice in the winter!

The sheer amount of waterfalls throughout Alaska did not dissapoint. I was definitely getting Jurassic Park vibes. We also saw two moose on our way in.

Where to Stay in Valdez, AK

We stayed at Valdez Glacier Campground (not in town, but a short 5 minute drive)

• Electric only - dump and water available- options for dry camping.
• Big, hot, private showers and restrooms.
• $35/ night.

The camp host here is very passionate about this place. She was more than willing to share recommendations for activities, food, and places to visit.

Tip: If you are going to drive to Alaska, expect your vehicle to be FILTHY.  

Where to Eat in Valdez, AK:

We splurged and tried The Nat Shack while we were there, thanks to our camp host's recommendation. They had yummy crunch wraps and halibut tacos, not to mention the amazing 360 mountain views and beautiful ocean scenery.

  

Perk of Full Time Traveling: Meeting Camp Hosts

The campground exudes a delightful rustic ambiance and showcases a picturesque setting. The fellow camp host shared a snippet of his journey with us—he left his job to pursue his dream of offering kayak tours. 

Upon arrival, he found the company that hired him was absent. Fortunately, the camp host, noticing him living in a small tent with just a bicycle, provided him a job and a trailer at the campground. Eventually, he landed a role giving kayak tours of Glacier Lake. 

These stories that renew faith in humanity are truly heartening. Although we didn't take the tour, we strolled to Glacier Lake from the campground, where Scott and my son braved a chilly dip—Scott's watch indicated a brisk 47-degree water temperature!

During our conversation the camp host noticed we mentioned God a few times. He opened up about his faith in God, expressing that discussing it could feel daunting due to varying perceptions of Christians.

I completely understand where he is coming from. While I acknowledge my imperfections, my faith in Jesus motivates me to strive for improvement. My hope is that when I share my beliefs, people feel embraced and understood, not judged or pressured.

John 13: 34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Favorite Things To Do in Valdez, AK:

One of our field trips while in Valdez, was visiting the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery. We completed a self guided tour and learned quite a bit. We were there in the beginning of June, so it was little early for the salmon run. I would love to go during season in order to watch the eagles, bears, and sea lions!

Lastly, Valdez offers plenty of hiking opportunities. We embarked on a short hike in town the day we arrived. We all needed to move after the long day’s drive. We ended up hiking at 9:00 pm and it was still so bright out. We were a little delirious!

Never Ending Days

The long days took time to adjust to, but we loved it! We didn’t worry about leaving early to travel because it was always light upon arrival. Dinner often slipped our minds until 10:00 PM, followed by evening walks. We ended up exhausting ourselves.


I can truly appreciate the way the long summer days in Alaska are spent fishing, preparing for winter, and relishing in the abundant daylight through various activities and moments of camaraderie, only to eventually yield to the shorter winter days, which offer much-needed rest and nourishment.

Reflection

My prayer for us all is that we will take the time to be in awe of God through His nature, that we will be bold and spread God’s love to ALL people, and that we embrace both the bustling times of productivity and the serene seasons of rest with equal joy and gratitude.

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