Page 272 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

Back on Richardson Highway #4 area averages a whopping 58 feet of KEYSTONE CANYON along the beautiful
to Valdez, an hour’s drive allows you snow each year, with a record 81 feet Lowe River as it shifts color from
to discover WORTHINGTON GLACIER falling in the early ‘50s. Many extreme glacial silt. The terrain changes from
STATE RECREATION SITE at Mile 28.7. skiing movie scenes are filmed here mountainous coniferous forest to taller,
One of the most visited spots in the and these mountains are very popular greener Alaskan rainforest. At Milepost
Copper River Basin, visitors can easily for heli-skiing and snowboarding. Even 13.9, 330-foot high HORSETAIL FALLS
hike in flower-filled alpine meadows and in summer, weather can be challenging provides hiking access to the ancient
enjoy sheltered picnic sites. The glacier crossing the pass, with heavy mist, rain Native American Goat Trail. A mile closer
nearly flows onto the road, making it and wind obscuring the way. to Valdez, BRIDAL VEIL FALLS plunges
extremely accessible. for 400 feet. The canyon is popular for
Shortly after crossing the pass, you’ll rafting and kayaking, while mountain and
Two miles further toward Valdez, drive through the narrow, spectacular ice climbers enjoy honing their skills on
pull-offs and hiking trails mark the crest its steep-sided rock walls.
of THOMPSON PASS, where the Alaska
Pipeline from Prudhoe Bay begins its Valdez offers incredible recreational
downward path to journey’s end. This

270 Drive Alaska