Solomon Gulch Hatchery
A salmon hatchery across the harbor. During the run, thousands of salmon crowd the stream mouth, often drawing brown and black bears to feed.
The hatchery is run by the Valdez Fisheries Development Association on Dayville Road, about 17 kilometers by car from downtown, and mainly releases pink and silver salmon. From late July each year, large numbers of salmon return here, packing the stream mouth and fish ladders. Sea lions, seals and bald eagles hunt by the water, and black and brown bears often appear by the roadside, making this one of the easiest places in Valdez to see wildlife. In summer you can visit for free on a self-guided tour with information boards. Next door are Solomon Gulch Falls and a hydroelectric plant. Nearby Allison Point is a popular shore-fishing spot for salmon. When watching bears, keep your distance and stay by your car or in the viewing area.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 in summer; free self-guided visits
Nearby sights
- Old Valdez Townsite
- Dock Point Trail
- Valdez Small Boat Harbor
- Valdez Museum
- Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
- Valdez Glacier Lake
- Shoup Bay State Marine Park
- Keystone Canyon & Bridal Veil Falls