Valdez (pronounced Val-deez) is my favorite town in Alaska and where I have been working the past two summers as a raft guide. Valdez is quintessential Alaska with all the major industries, fishing, oil, and tourism. This isn't some tourist trap that solely exists to cater to out of towners, it would exist regardless if you choose to come visit. You get the real Alaska.

My first year in Alaska I was working in Denali National Park and I liked it, but when I visited Valdez I discovered what I've been missing out on. The ocean access, greenery, remoteness, wildlife, glaciers, and wild rivers is what I love most about Alaska and Valdez has all of it. Of course, there's still tons to do here if your traveling through, from kayaking on the ocean next to calving glaciers to whitewater rafting through 700 foot tall canyons.

Valdez is the perfect level of remoteness. You get the feel of the Kenai without the insane summer crowds and massive cruise ships (just the smaller cruise ships and they aren't here everyday). There are massive salmon runs where even the worst fisherman (me) can catch fish. Easy access to glaciers and icebergs. You can access it by road or ferry from Whittier. Just far enough off the regular tourist route to make it special but still close enough that there are things to do and guides to show you around.