Shoup Bay Trail Out-and-Back

Dogs Unknown

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

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.

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.