The Forest Service’s Crooked Creek Information Site (907/835-4680, daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. late May–early Sept.) is out on the Richardson Highway about a mile from town. In late summer, walk out on the boardwalk to see salmon go through the final act of their incredible life cycle. The TV inside the information center provides a live underwater view of the spawning action for salmon voyeurs. A four-mile paved bike path leads north from town past Crooked Creek.

Continue out on the Richardson about 3.5 miles to where a historical sign points to Old Valdez. The only thing left of the old town site besides the post office foundation and memorial plaque are the mileposts on the Richardson: Mile 0 still starts here.

In another three miles, turn right onto Dayville Road. In several miles you come to the hydroelectric plant and Solomon Gulch Hatchery (907/835-4874). Pause here to see the powerful small falls and to take a self-guided tour around this private pink and coho salmon hatchery. The staff is generally around to answer questions. Black bears sometimes emerge from the nearby forest to catch salmon in late summer.

The Alyeska Pipeline Terminal is farther out on Dayville Road, but it’s no longer open to the public due to security concerns.