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Old Railroad Tunnel

4.7
(72)
4.7
(72)
•#18 on "Top 50 things to do and attractions in Valdez"
Historical landmark

About

In Valdez, Alaska, the Old Railroad Tunnel is a fascinating piece of history dating back to the early 1900s. Located near Rudleston Falls in Keystone Canyon, this tunnel was originally constructed for transporting copper from the Kennecott Mine outside McCarthy. Visitors can walk through the tunnel and explore its historical significance. It's recommended to bring a flashlight to observe the ceiling and upper side walls. The area also offers ample parking and an opportunity to appreciate another nearby waterfall.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Explore a piece of Alaskan history from the early 1900s
  2. 2
  3. Walk through an old railroad tunnel with intriguing stories attached
  4. 3
  5. Enjoy beautiful waterfall and river views nearby
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Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
This is easy to miss, it is just a pull out of of highway and when it is raining the tunnel could have a lot of water in it. Also, be sure to look at the other end of the pull out area to see the waterfall and river view! (The only sad part is the graffiti in the tunnel.)
Stopped by here on way to Valdez coming from north. Saw a tunnel to the north first and mistook it for this one. Had to climb along side of river to get there. It's not super challenging but a little tricky. Then, we went to the intended tunnel. Interesting tunnel. Did not traverse due to wet conditions. There is a really nice waterfall to the south of this tunnel. I didn't get a pic of it 😕.
The sign explaining what it is and how it was made and why.You can walk from the entrance to the other side but have to walk back the way you came in. Bring a flashlight so you can see the ceiling and upper side walls. You will see lots of rock on the ground. Nor sure if it fell or got left there from the workers in 1907
This is easy to miss, it is just a pull out of of highway and when it is raining the tunnel could have a lot of water in it. Also, be sure to look at the other end of the pull out area to see the waterfall and river view! (The only sad part is the graffiti in the tunnel.)
Stopped by here on way to Valdez coming from north. Saw a tunnel to the north first and mistook it for this one. Had to climb along side of river to get there. It's not super challenging but a little tricky. Then, we went to the intended tunnel. Interesting tunnel. Did not traverse due to wet conditions. There is a really nice waterfall to the south of this tunnel. I didn't get a pic of it 😕.
The sign explaining what it is and how it was made and why.You can walk from the entrance to the other side but have to walk back the way you came in. Bring a flashlight so you can see the ceiling and upper side walls. You will see lots of rock on the ground. Nor sure if it fell or got left there from the workers in 1907
See all reviews
Map
Address
Richardson Hwy, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
Website
https://www.valdezalaska.org/discover/history/railroad-tunnel/
Richardson Hwy, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
https://www.valdezalaska.org/discover/history/railroad-tunnel/

Know before you go

  • Bring a flashlight for better visibility inside the tunnel
  • Visit during dry weather to avoid water accumulation in the tunnel
  • Take time to read about the historical background of the tunnel for a richer experience

Reviews

Visitors find the Old Railroad Tunnel to be a hidden gem, with mentions of its historical significance and the opportunity to explore it on foot. Reviewers recommend bringing a flashlight to admire the tunnel's features, such as the rock formations and upper walls. Despite some graffiti, visitors appreciate the history behind this unique stop along their journey through Alaska.
Review score
4.7
out of 5
Exceptional
72 reviews
From Google
5 stars
54
4 stars
13
3 stars
4
2 stars
1
1 star
0
5/5Mark B
•
May 29, 2024 from
Google
This is easy to miss, it is just a pull out of of highway and when it is raining the tunnel could have a lot of water in it. Also, be sure to look at the other end of the pull out area to see the waterfall and river view! (The only sad part is the graffiti in the tunnel.)
4/5Jimmer W
•
Jun 29, 2025 from
Google
Stopped by here on way to Valdez coming from north. Saw a tunnel to the north first and mistook it for this one. Had to climb along side of river to get there. It's not super challenging but a little tricky. Then, we went to the intended tunnel. Interesting tunnel. Did not traverse due to wet conditions. There is a really nice waterfall to the south of this tunnel. I didn't get a pic of it 😕.
4/5William C
•
Aug 17, 2020 from
Google
The sign explaining what it is and how it was made and why.You can walk from the entrance to the other side but have to walk back the way you came in. Bring a flashlight so you can see the ceiling and upper side walls. You will see lots of rock on the ground. Nor sure if it fell or got left there from the workers in 1907
4/5Donna S
•
Aug 10, 2025 from
Google
This is at a pull out that you could miss. It is right on a curve, so be careful. It is very interesting.
4/5Julie C
•
Aug 10, 2024 from
Google
Very cool to read the history behind it and walking through the tunnel
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Map
Address
Richardson Hwy, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
Website
https://www.valdezalaska.org/discover/history/railroad-tunnel/
Richardson Hwy, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
https://www.valdezalaska.org/discover/history/railroad-tunnel/
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Trip planner mobile app
Travel maps
Blog
Report security issue
Terms, Privacy policy & Copyright
Browser extension
Travel budgeting & cost tracking
How to embed a map on your travel blog
Jobs
Google data disclosure
Trip planners by destination
Explore cities and countries
Road trips by destination
Best places to visit by category
Popular search terms by destination
Weather around the world
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Maps of cities and national parks
Destinations at different times of the year
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Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
Made with ❤ in SF & more
© 2025 Travelchime Inc.