WHITTIER KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle to Waterfalls: The Gold Creek Coastal Journey from Valdez
A six-hour coastal kayak expedition from the small boat harbor in Valdez to Gold Creek State Park that pairs wildlife-packed paddling with a beach picnic and a rainforest hike to waterfalls.
Paddle to Waterfalls: The Gold Creek Coastal Journey from Valdez.
Launching from Valdez’s small boat harbor, this coastal exploration threads Port Valdez’s sheltered water and winds up on the wild beaches of Gold Creek State Park. Along the way paddlers watch for seals, sea lions and sea otters before landing for a picnic and a hike through old-growth spruce to cascading waterfalls—a full day that combines sea and forest in one continuous outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Coastal mammals within arm’s reach
The paddle across Port Valdez brings frequent sightings of seals, sea lions and sea otters—marine life that typifies the trip’s first act and keeps the shoreline lively between harbor and beach.
Beach picnic and old-growth rainforest
The tour pauses on a remote beach for lunch before a short hike into ancient spruce stands where visitors find cascading waterfalls and a vivid example of coastal temperate rainforest.
A remote out-and-back along Port Valdez
This more remote paddle follows the same route out and back between the small boat harbor and Gold Creek State Park, offering a sustained day on the water for paddlers seeking a longer, more challenging outing.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day unfolds as a steady progression: on-land gear-up and instruction, a focused paddle across Port Valdez with marine life sightings, a drawn-out beach break that opens onto an inland trail through old-growth forest and waterfalls, then a measured paddle back to the harbor. It’s a single continuous excursion that blends active sea time with a short land hike—an excellent choice for paddlers prepared for a longer day and a bit more challenge.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and what to watch for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a six-hour all-day tour; expect about one hour of on-land prep, two to three hours paddling out, an hour for lunch and a hike, then two hours to return to the harbor.
Meet at 107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686—this is the small boat harbor launch location and the Pangaea office return point.
Avoid cotton. Bring lunch, water, long pants, a lightweight shirt, medium/heavy polypro or fleece, a warm wind-cutting layer to wear under rain gear, warm socks (wool or polypro), preferred warm gloves or liners, a warm or rain hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera and binoculars.
Pangaea supplies rain gear (tops and bottoms), rubber duckie boots, neoprene pogies, dry bags, personal flotation devices, sprayskirts, sea kayaks and paddles. Hot drinks and trail-mix/pretzel snacks are served on all-day tours (except Duck Flats and rafting).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Gold Creek Coastal Journey?
The tour runs approximately six hours.
Where do I meet for the trip?
Meet at 107 N. Harbor Dr., Valdez, AK 99686 (the small boat harbor / Pangaea office).
What wildlife might I see?
Paddlers commonly see seals, sea lions and sea otters from the kayaks; on the hike you may observe black bears and salmon activity near waterways.
What gear is provided and what should I bring?
The operator supplies rain tops and bottoms, rubber duckie boots, pogies, dry bags, PFDs, sprayskirts, sea kayaks and paddles; bring a non-cotton lunch, water, layered clothing, warm socks, gloves and a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera and binoculars.
How difficult is the paddle?
The tour is described as a more remote paddle and an excellent choice for those looking for a longer day and a bit more of a challenge, indicating sustained paddling and a shoreline hike.
Is food provided?
Participants should bring their own lunch; the operator serves hot drinks and trail-mix/pretzel snacks on all-day tours (with some specified exceptions).