Alaska: Moving
Updated: Aug 9
Part 2 of 3
Alaska's got some of the most amazing natural sights and cool experiences you'll find in the United States. Welcome to Part 2 of our 3-part series! We're taking you from Palmer to Valdez, and then on to Whittier, showing off a mix of glaciers, wildlife, waterfalls, and charming little towns. This three-day trip is packed with scenic drives, outdoor fun, and local eats, making it ideal for anyone wanting to dive into Alaska's wild beauty. Here's a detailed guide to help you get the most out of your adventure.
Day One: Drive to Valdez
Kick off your day in Palmer with a quick bite to get you ready for the journey ahead.
The Noisy Goose is a local favorite known for its huge comfort food servings, awesome all-day breakfast, and one-of-a-kind, rustic Alaskan vibe.
After a delightful breakfast, embark on an exciting 1-hour and 15-minute drive to the Private Matanuska River Scenic Float! This thrilling two-hour guided float trip, starting at 10:30 a.m. and priced at approximately $99, is your ticket to a serene adventure on the river’s tranquil waters amidst breathtaking wilderness. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this gentle float is the ideal way to dive into Alaska’s amazing outdoor activities!
Afterwards make sure to stop just 8 minutes down the road at the Matanuska Glacier Scenic Turnout for some epic views of one of Alaska’s largest glaciers. It's the perfect spot to grab some photos. The blue ice of the glacier stands out against the green mountains, creating a breathtaking scene.
Take a break and enjoy lunch at The Long Rifle Lodge just down the road. This rustic motel, restaurant, and rest stop is famous for its panoramic views of the Matanuska Glacier right from the dining room windows. Indulge in hearty American comfort food, featuring premium burgers, salmon sandwiches, blueberry chipotle fish tacos, and fresh homemade pies.
Keep the wheels rolling for another 1 hour and 30 minutes, and make a pit stop at the bustling Marathon, The Hub Gas Station! This lively, top-rated 24-hour fueling station is a major travel hotspot in Alaska. It's the perfect spot to refuel your car and stock up on snacks for the journey ahead. Marathon may be a small community, but this gas station is packed with all the essentials. Snack up and gas up for the exciting road ahead!
Stop #1: Willow Mountain View Station: Just a quick 30-minute drive and you'll uncover the ultimate destination to dive into jaw-dropping mountain scenery! Take in the spectacular views of Willow Lake and the majestic Mt. Blackburn range.
Stop #2: Worthington Glacier Lookout Trail: Brace yourself for an exhilarating adventure just an hour away! Take on this short yet thrilling 0.3-mile paved loop that safely leads you from the parking lot to an elevated viewing platform. From there, you'll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring direct view of the glacier's stunning face, dramatic rocky cliffs, mesmerizing mountain waterfalls, and the exhilarating rush of Ptarmigan Creek's glacier waters below.
Stop #3: Horsetail Falls: Just 20 minutes down the road, discover the breathtaking 330-foot snow-fed waterfall cascading down a rugged cliffside within the spectacular Keystone Canyon.
Just 20 more minutes and you'll be in Valdez! Make sure to hit up the Dock Point Trail to stretch your legs and soak in some amazing views. This trail takes you through a beautiful spruce rainforest covered in vibrant moss. If you hike the loop clockwise, you'll get to go down the short, steep hill instead of climbing it.
For dinner, check out The Fat Mermaid, a favorite local spot. Famous for real New York-style thin-crust pizza, fresh Alaskan halibut, burgers, and local craft beers. You can grab a seat inside or chill on the outdoor patio with views of the harbor and mountains.
Day Two: Ferry to Whittier
Rise and shine for an early start and make your way to Sam’s Spot for breakfast! Opening bright and early at 6am, this local favorite is the perfect place to indulge in mouthwatering morning delights like biscuits and gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and incredible specialty coffee.
Get ready for a beautiful ferry ride from Valdez to Whittier! Make sure to get to the Valdez Ferry Terminal at least an hour and a half early so you have plenty of time to check in and hop on board. The trip takes about five and a half hours and offers stunning views of fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. During the busy summer months, there are frequent morning departures, usually at 7:00 AM or 8:30 AM. They've got a limited menu on board, but I’d recommend waiting for the fantastic food and views in Whittier.
\Welcome to Whittier, famously known as “the town under one roof!” This unique destination invites you to dive into its charm, where most residents live in a single 14-story concrete fortress. Once you arrive, immerse yourself in the magic of this quaint town by exploring its delightful small shops. Make sure you indulge in a treat at Whittier Ice Cream and Pizza, a beloved local hotspot with fantastic views of the Harbor. Grab something for later so you can relax after our final stop today!
Before you relax for the evening, drop by Lu Young Park. Tucked between Cove Creek and Prince William Sound, this laid-back spot is great for escaping the busy cruise ports. Just remember to bring some strong bug spray since the mosquitoes can be pretty intense in the cove. And if you’re planning to explore the wet, tangled areas around the creek mouth, waterproof boots are essential.
Day Three: Whittier/Seward
Start your morning with breakfast at the Wild Catch Cafe. They whip up a top-notch breakfast with big platters, huge breakfast sandwiches, and awesome specialty coffee. This cozy spot is a seasonal favorite among travelers looking to fuel up before heading out on a fishing trip, cruise, or train ride.
After breakfast lets fit in a short hike at the Horsetail Falls Trail a scenic, 2-mile out-and-back hike with a moderately gradual climb. The trail transitions smoothly from a gravel access road into an enchanting temperate rainforest. It is well-known for its beautifully maintained wooden boardwalks, steps, and switchbacks
Swing by the Marina about an hour early to check in for your Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive at 1 pm. Jump aboard for a 4-hour scenic catamaran cruise through Blackstone Bay for $224. This awesome Glacier Quest Cruise takes you 45 miles into Blackstone Bay, where you'll catch sight of seven glaciers and enjoy breathtaking views from the mountain peaks above to the turquoise waters below. Lunch includes Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, Julienne vegetable salad, a cheese stick, a fruit snack, and a Peppermint Pattie.
Time to cruise over to our next Alaskan town through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This 2.5-mile tunnel is a cool shared highway and railroad tunnel that connects the Seward Highway to Whittier. It's actually the longest dual-use highway tunnel in North America, where cars and trains take turns using the single-lane passage. It costs $13 for a regular car to get through, and the traffic alternates from one side to the other to keep things moving smoothly. Since our cruise wraps up around 5, the next slot to drive through is from 6pm to 6:15pm from Whittier. But if we finish up before 5 and hustle, we can catch the 5pm to 5:15pm slot.
When you're driving to Seward, take a break after about an hour and grab some dinner at The Trail Lake Lodge Restaurant & Bar. It's a favorite spot because of its amazing views of Trail Lake, delicious comfort food, and close access to all the outdoor fun on the Kenai Peninsula. They've got Angus beef burgers, fresh Alaskan salmon, fish and chips, and homemade pies.
Just a little over a half hour to go and you'll arrive in Seward, Alaska! The ultimate gateway to the spectacular glaciers and marine wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park.
This itinerary offers a balanced mix of driving, outdoor activities, and local culture. It highlights Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and small-town charm, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the state’s natural beauty at a comfortable pace. Whether you’re floating down a river, cruising past glaciers, or exploring quaint towns, this trip shows why Alaska is a destination worth moving for.
Plan your trip carefully, book tours in advance, and prepare for changing weather. Alaska’s landscapes are always moving, and this journey lets you move with them.
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