107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686

Join our upbeat, knowledgeable crew, as we offer a unique means of exploring a remote and stunningly scenic corner of Alaska. From sea kayaking amongst the icebergs and wildlife of Prince William Sound, to rafting the canyons of the Chugach Mountains, to backcountry hiking into the depths of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, we offer a wholesome array of fun ways to experience the Alaskan wild.

Valdez, AK

An accessible glacier with a hiking trail that offers spectacular views.

112 N. Harbor Drive, Valdez, AK 99686

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises has been at home in Valdez and Prince William Sound since 1971. Known then as North Star Marine Charters, Stan and Mary Helen Stephens operated fishing and hunting charters on their first vessel the 26 foot m/v Mary Helen. Seven year later in 1978, the entire family joined the business as Stan, Mary Helen and their three daughters operated their first tour to Columbia Glacier on board the m/v Vince Peede. At this time the company changed it name to Stan Stephens Charters, Inc., and to Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises in 2003. Between 1987 and today Stan, Mary Helen, their daughters and extended family (also know as co-workers) have worked to develop their operations and increased awareness of Valdez and the Sound amongst travelers. During this time the company has operated a variety of tour boats between the three larger communities of Prince William Sound; Valdez, Whittier and Cordova. In addition to operating cruises, Stan Stephens Cruises also operated Growler Island Wilderness camp located just south of Columbia Glacier for 15 years. On Good Friday 1989, life for the residents of Prince William Sound changed when the Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef. Stan's vessels were some of the first to carry response observers to the site. Due to the need for spill research, the Stephens's purchased two additional boats. It was the early days of the spill as Stan was observing the response that he dedicated the remainder of his life to working with industry to protect Prince William Sound. Today, the crew at Stan Stephens Cruises lives by Stan's example and works to share the corner of Alaska he worked so hard to protect. Since 1971 the vessels and tours that Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises have operated have changed, but the one thing that has not changed is their commitment to the customer and the company's long term dedication to the Valdez and Prince William Sound.

225 N Harbor Drive, Valdez, AK 99686

Half day to 7 day wilderness kayaking expeditions departing from Valdez Alaska. Glacier kayaking at it's finest with small group sizes and naturalist trained guides.

1455 Dayville Road, Valdez, AK 99686

VFDA built the Solomon Gulch Hatchery (SGH) in 1981, and released its first pink salmon fry in 1982. It has operated consistently since then. The water for the hatchery is provided by the Solomon Gulch Hydroelectric Plant, owned by the Copper Valley Electric Association through a cooperative agreement. VFDA employs a hatchery crew of twelve full and part-time employees, and is directed by Hatchery Manager Rob Unger. Other staff includes an assistant manager, fish culturists, maintenance support staff, and night watchmen. The hatchery staff lives in the Valdez community. SGH has a permitted green egg capacity to incubate 230 million pink salmon and 2 million coho salmon each year. These egg capacities are strictly controlled by the State of Alaska. With this capacity, VFDA achieves annual releases of approximately 218 million pink salmon fry, and 1.75 million coho salmon smolt. Egg take or spawning happens in late summer. Hatchery staff may spawn as many as 16,000 adult brood stock each day. These fish return to the hatchery spawning building by entering the facility using a fish ladder, which carry the fish from salt water to raceways on shore. Over the winter, the hatchery staff tends to the eggs as they hatch into alevin and settle into simulated gravel to subsist from their yolk sacs. In early spring, the fry emerge and are ready to go to sea. VFDA pumps the fry to net pens off shore where they are fed using commercial salmon feeds until they reach a target weight of at least 0.5 grams. From there, the smolts are released to complete their life cycle in the open sea. This process is known as ocean ranching. The adults, which average about 3.5 pounds each, return the following summer, and the process starts all over again. Average adult returns to the hatchery are approximately 13 million adult pink, and 160,000 coho salmon. After harvesting a small percentage of the return for cost recovery and brood stock, the remainder is harvested primarily by the commercial purse seine fishermen. While the hatchery walking tour is open all summer, the absolute best time to visit is during one of the salmon runs. Pink salmon return to the hatchery in July and coho (silver) salmon return in August. This also allows for the best opportunity to view Alaska wildlife as all manner of animals come to the hatchery to feed on returning salmon. You can see seals, sea lions, black and brown bears, eagles and other birds and much more. There is a large paved parking lot located just west of the hatchery site with plenty of parking for guests as there is no parking allowed on the site. The walking tour is wheelchair accessible and paved. While there is no fishing allowed directly in front of the hatchery, many anglers catch their limit of wild Alaska salmon on the east and west sides. It is a must-see attraction in Valdez.

Valdez, AK

The largest tidewater glacier in Alaska.

217 Egan Dr P. O. Box 8, Valdez, AK 99686-0008

The Valdez Museum preserves and presents the heritage and culture of Valdez, the Copper River Basin, and Prince William Sound.

Valdez, AK

Area known for great river rafting.

Kobuk Drive, Valdez, AK

Join Captain Fred Rodolf on board the Lu-Lu Belle, as he takes you to the mighty Columbia Glacier, the second-largest tidewater glacier in North America and largest in Prince William Sound. Experience some of the most spectacular calving events in the world, from the decks on the Lu-Lu Belle. See for yourself as the ice falls into the sea causing thunderous explosions resulting in massive plumes of spray and wave activity. We will stay at the glacier for at least an hour to make sure you have a chance to photograph and/or record some of those amazing events.

Valdez, AK

Guided glacier hikes, iceberg tours, rock and ice climbing around Valdez and Worthington Glacier. Operating year round by local residents, we are experts on the area. Join us to climb inside and under a glacier or canoe inside an iceberg, our tours not only show you the best of Valdez but leave you with a sense of thrill and adventure. We also offer custom private tours, and northern lights tours.

Valdez Airport, Valdez, AK 99686

Don't miss the trip of a lifetime! The most beautiful flying in all of Alaska is HERE in the world famous Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound. Experience walking on a glacier...drink the water, see your reflexion in a crystal clear blue pool of glacier water! See the majestic Columbia Glacier up close. See huge pieces of ice calve off into the ocean and hear the thunderous roar. Walk amongst the massive icebergs that get trapped on the shore as the ocean tide goes out. This is a MUST DO in Alaska!!! It's like having your very own National Geographic experience...in person! An experience to remember for a lifetime! If you are planning a flight seeing tour in Alaska, THIS is the one to do!!! We have the longest tours for the best prices in all of Alaska and the scenery is absolutely breath taking. Read what our guests are saying about us! We look forward to creating a magical experience for you...one that you will be talking about for years to come.

303 Lowe Street, Valdez, AK 99686

Valdez, AK 99686

Salmon fishing, Rock Fish, Ling Cod in pristine Prince William Sound. Valdez is the jump off point for some of the best fishing experiences in. Alaska. Salmon runs start mid July to mid August onwards. Other fish can be caught anytime. Water taxi services to any Prince William Sound destination also available April through to October. Sightseeing and hiking available April through October as well.

Glacier Campground road, Valdez, AK 99686

Kobuk Drive, Valdez, AK 99686