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
Explore a piece of Alaskan history from the early 1900s
2
Walk through an old railroad tunnel with intriguing stories attached
3
Enjoy beautiful waterfall and river views nearby
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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
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.
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