Visiting Valdez.

• Author: Dixon, Brian
• Position: Alaska

Visiting Valdez is a rewarding experience any time of year. A colorful history provides many attractions for the one-day visitor, and the friendly population assures fond memories for those lucky enough to go.

Located among the Chugach Mountains that rise from sea-level to 7,000 feet, Valdez provides an awesome vista for climbers, parasailers and the World Extreme Skiing Championships. It is the United States' northern-most ice-free port, and the fjord in Prince William Sound is home to the trans-Alaska Pipeline terminus.

Driving along the Richardson Highway to Valdez offers excellent views, little traffic and plenty of enjoyable rest stops. Coming through Thompson Pass is a neck-bending experience. In winter, the record snow fall will keep any skier - cross-country, down-hill, or snowboarder - constantly scouting the hills. In summer, these same sites provide excellent hiking and climbing.

For a more unique approach to this port city, you might consider the Alaska ferry system. Prince William Sound is home to an abundance of marine wildlife including whales, seals, otters and birds. These waters are also the location of the Prince William Sound Regatta, Valdez fishing derbies and scenic kayaking.

Once you're in town, there are more than 50 bed and breakfasts, seven full-service hotels, five RV parks and plenty of camping sites to accommodate you. The Valdez Visitor Center, at 200 Fairbanks Street, 800-835-4636, is a great place to start your day. During the summer season, it provides exhibits, guides, and general information about the area, open seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm.

The Valdez Museum, located at 217 Egan Street, is said to be the best small-town museum in the state. You can find exhibits from the goldrush days, view an entire steam locomotive, and check out several relics from Valdez's colorful history, including the 1964 earthquake, and the more recent and infamous Exxon Valdez oil spill.

You can combine a 15-minute drive for a $1 tour of the fish hatchery with a hike up the steep steps of Solomon Gulch. A one-hour round-trip trek leaves you plenty of time to check out the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal.

To make the day perfect, you should check out one of the many guided cruises...