Our walk today allowed us to further explore the small town of Valdez, Alaska. We left from the Eagle’s Rest RV Park and headed to the small boat harbor, the Dock Point Trail, back along the harbor, the Overlook Trail, past Ruth’s pond and back to the RV park for a combined total of 4.1 miles. The weather was overcast and we got a couple of sprinkles.
The walk along the small harbor is always scenic. We also took a closer look at the excellent fish cleaning stations available at the docks.
Valdez Small Boat Harbor
Fish cleaning station
The Dock Point Trail takes off just past the boat launch at the end of the harbor. This short loop trail is just 0.83 miles with a short steep section with 50 feet elevation gain. From this elevated section you can look our over the harbor. Their are two view points overlooking Harbor Cove. Continue the loop and you reach the salt marsh lands which provide a home to ducks and small fry (Dolly Varden and Pink or Dog Salmon). The trail rejoins the beginning of the loop back at the boat harbor.
View from Dock Point Trail of Harbor Cove
Salt Marsh
Next we walked back along the boat harbor to the other end and headed up to the Civic Center to check out the Overlook Trail. this is another short trail, just 0.4 miles with a short steep section with 75 feet elevation gain. This provides another elevated view of the harbor and the town of Valdez.
View of Valdez from Overlook Trail
View of Small Boat Harbor from Overlook Trail
We continued around the corner to walk past Ruth’s Pond where we ran into a mother duck with her ducklings. Near the ferry terminal we saw a small classic car get together.
Ruth’s Pond
Mother duck with her ducklings
Small classic car gathering
We walked back to our RV to complete our loop. Valdez is a small town where it is easy to get around on foot or by bike. The harbor is a great area to get out and explore.
