Trail Run Project Logo

A great day-trip along beautiful Shoup Bay.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

6.8

Miles

10.9

KM

91%

Runnable

336' 103 m

High

16' 5 m

Low

851' 259 m

Up

851' 259 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The Shoup Bay Trails Section A (Gold Creek) and B (Shoup Bay) were completed by Alaska State Parks in 1999. The trail connects Valdez with Shoup Bay State Park where three Recreational Use Cabins were constructed in 1997. Funding for this trail was provided by a Marine Recreation grant through Exxon Valdez Settlement monies.

Description

The first mile of the trail is about 4 feet wide, straight, and goes through some lowland areas. There are several muddy areas and other drainage issues after wet weather so dress accordingly. Long pants are also advised.

At about 1 and 1/4 mile in, the trail narrows to about 1 and 1/2 feet wide and starts to climb at about a 30% grade. The trail climbs for about 1 mile and then goes up and down for another half mile before it tops out at 337 feet. Views from this point are spectacular. The trail tread has moved downhill along this stretch because of major brush pushing it downhill. At this point, the trail descends at over 40% grade in some places and is difficult to pass in some areas. At about the 3-mile marker the trail levels out and connects to the Gold Creek Campsite Trail.

If doing this as an out-and-back (as mapped), turned around here. Otherwise, continue west along Shoup Bay Trail: Section B, or camp at Gold Creek Campsite for the night.

Shared By:

Nick Weicht

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#1

in Valdez

#4140

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Valdez

#61

in Alaska

#4,140

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,785 Since Aug 8, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%

Photos

Making the descent to Gold Creek on a sunny day in Valdez.
Aug 8, 2016 near Valdez, AK
Passing through the Fireweed along the ocean on the Shoup Bay Trail.
Aug 9, 2016 near Valdez, AK

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.