Alaska Photography: Photographing Valdez Alaska

Took a trip to Valdez last week. Weather sure did not cooperate, it rained on us for 3 days. Made some stops on the way there and on the way back. Stopped at the Matanuska Glacier about an hour from my house. You can drive to within a quarter mile of the glacier and even hike on it. There are even guides that will take you on a tour.

Meg and Coki on the Matanuska Glacier.

The Matanuska Glacier is a two hour drive up the Glenn Highway from Anchorage. It is 24 miles long and 4 miles wide. The hike was through some muddy moraine, but very beautiful.

Found some flowers and some rare sunlight prior to the hike. This summer has been very gloomy for us in Alaska.

Weather deteriorated once we crossed infamous Thompson Pass and the scenic views Valdez usually gives us were no where to be found.

Pink salmon were in the harbor and saw some competition for the commericial fishermen.

These are a group of about 10 or 12 sea lions just off shore. They were having a grand time playing with the fish they were catching. They would roll over on their back and flip the fish in the air. Seagulls were playing the game as well, trying to get some leftovers. It was pouring down rain so only took a couple shots. I stood and watched them for about an hour before they got bored with us and moved further off shore. Sometimes you have to just put the camera up and enjoy your surroundings. I have learned to do this more and more.

One thing I have looked for when the sky is overcast is a waterfall. A gray sky makes it easier to get some great effects when photographing waterfalls. Valdez has some great waterfalls right on the road system.

Bridal Veil Falls

Horsetail Falls

Lower part of Horsetail Falls

On the way home, we made a detour to Chitna. This is an area of Alaska that I have always loved. My favorite place to camp is just outside of Chitna, Liberty Falls. Unfortunately, the campsite was closed. We hiked in to find out why and discovered it had flooded.