The Best City to E-Bike in Alaska: Valdez
Valdez, Alaska is a city like no other. Nestled in a temperate coastal rainforest, it’s surrounded by lush green landscapes, towering mountains, and breathtaking water views. Despite its northern location, Valdez experiences significant rainfall, making it one of the wettest areas in Alaska.
This unique rainforest climate creates a rich, verdant environment perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and, of course, e-biking. Whether you're riding through the misty mountains or along the serene waterfront, Valdez offers an unparalleled experience for cyclists. In this post, we’ll take you through the best routes, dining spots and must-see attractions, proving why Valdez is the best city for e-biking in Alaska.
Explore Valdez on the DOT Bike Path
One of the best ways to explore Valdez by e-bike is along the DOT Bike Path, a paved trail that runs from town out for approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) to the Robe River subdivision. As you ride, you'll pass the scenic Valdez Duck Flats, a popular area for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The path also takes you by the original Valdez townsite, a historic location that gives you a glimpse into the town's past.
Continuing along the trail, you'll cross over Crooked Creek, which is an excellent spot to view spawning salmon in late summer. If you're lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of bears feeding near the Valdez Glacier Stream, another highlight of this ride. The path offers a beautiful combination of wildlife and scenic views, making it an ideal route for both nature lovers and cyclists.
Another section of the DOT Bike Path runs down Dayville Road, heading towards the Solomon Gulch Hatchery, which is a prime location for even more wildlife viewing opportunities, including sea lions, bald eagles, and more bears. This route offers a unique mix of stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and educational stops, all accessible from the seat of your e-bike.
View from below the bridge across from the Solomon Gulch Hatchery
Ride to the Valdez Marina
Another fantastic e-bike route is heading down to the Valdez Marina. This bustling harbor is home to both local fishing charters and sightseeing boats. The marina is a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon ride, offering beautiful views of the boats docked in the harbor and the mountains in the distance. One of the highlights is watching the daily return of fishing charters in the evening when they come back to clean their catch. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll spot bald eagles swooping down to catch fish scraps, providing a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Along the marina, you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants. Take a break to explore the local boutiques or grab a bite to eat as you enjoy the serene harbor atmosphere.
Where to Stay: RV Parks in Valdez
If you’re planning to stay in Valdez for a few days, the town has several RV parks that cater to e-bike enthusiasts. We stayed at Valdez RV Park, which offers convenient access to town. The park is clean, well-maintained and offers full hookups, although the sites are rather close together. Additionally, staying in the RV park allows for easy access to the multi-use path, so you can hop on your bike and start exploring right from your campsite.
Where to Eat in Valdez
Valdez may be a small town, but it boasts a surprisingly vibrant food scene, perfect for refueling after a day of e-biking. Here are some of the best places to grab a bite while you're in town:
Coffee: Valdez is Alaska's Most Caffeinated Town
Valdez is famously known as the most caffeinated town in Alaska, and coffee lovers will have plenty of options to choose from. The Coffee Co. is a popular spot to start your day, offering a wide range of coffee beverages, from drip coffee to specialty lattes. If you’re out and about, you’ll also find several coffee trucks and shacks around town, each serving up a great cup of joe. No matter where you go, you'll be sure to find a strong caffeine boost to kickstart your day.
Brunch at The Potato
For brunch, The Potato is a must-visit. This cozy eatery is well-loved by both locals and visitors, and their Spudnicks (a delicious breakfast dish featuring fries, gravy and other toppings) is a fan favorite. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal before hitting the bike trails or just a relaxing brunch with friends, The Potato won’t disappoint.
Dinner at The Old Town Diner or The Fat Mermaid
When dinner rolls around, Valdez offers some great options for a filling meal. The Old Town Diner is known for its delicious burgers and classic diner fare. If you’re craving seafood, head over to The Fat Mermaid, a lively spot that serves up fresh Alaskan seafood. Both restaurants are located within biking distance from town, making them convenient stops after a day of riding.
Dessert: Homemade Rolled Ice Cream from Glacier Grindz
No trip to Valdez is complete without indulging in dessert from Glacier Grindz, a food truck that serves homemade rolled ice cream. The ice cream is freshly made right before your eyes, and with a variety of flavors and toppings, it’s the perfect treat after a day of exploring. We loved it so much that we went back at least three times during our stay!
Nearby Must-See Attraction: Keystone Canyon & Thompson Pass
While e-biking is the best way to explore Valdez, there are nearby attractions that are worth a short drive. Just up the road on the Richardson Highway lies Keystone Canyon, a breathtaking area famous for its dramatic cliffs and stunning waterfalls. The canyon is home to several impressive falls, including Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, both of which are visible right from the highway. Whether you're driving through or stopping for photos, the waterfalls are a must-see for nature lovers.
Further along the Richardson Highway is Thompson Pass, one of the snowiest places on Earth, receiving more than 500 inches of snow each year. The pass offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, and it’s a popular spot for winter sports and summer hikes. While it may be a little too far of a ride by e-bike, Thompson Pass is well worth the drive for its awe-inspiring scenery and opportunities to explore the rugged Alaskan wilderness.
Your Next E-Bike Adventure Awaits in Valdez
Valdez is a dream destination for e-biking enthusiasts. From the scenic multi-use paths that take you past the Valdez Duck Flats and Solomon Gulch Hatchery to the bustling marina and its abundance of wildlife, there’s so much to see and do from the seat of your bike.
Add in the town’s charming coffee spots, local restaurants, nearby attractions like Keystone Canyon and Thompson Pass and Valdez truly stands out as one of the best cities for e-biking in Alaska. So, whether you’re here for a day or a week, charge up your e-bike and get ready to experience all that Valdez has to offer!