NATUREWATCH: Alaska Crooked Creek Information Site At a Glance

At a Glance - Species - Habitat - How to Get There - Links to More Info

	Description:  Nestled at the head of Valdez Arm, the Crooked Creek Information Site is poised between the marine world of Prince William Sound and the forests of the mainland. Staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the site features spawning chum and pink salmon, abundant waterfowl and an occasional hungry black bear.
		Facilities, Activities and Species These symbols denote available facilities, permitted activities and species of interest. The species icons will lead you to a  page about that species.					Viewing Information: The Crooked Creek Information Site is a small, 3 acre site which harbors a waterfall and a clear water stream where pink and chum salmon return each summer to spawn. Occasionally, black bears can be observed feasting on the returning fish. The first salmon generally appear in the stream by mid-July and are present through October. Across the Richardson Highway, the intertidal wetlands of the Valdez "Duck Flats" provide staging habitat for a variety of migrating birds and provide nesting habitat for ducks and geese. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Chugach National Forest staffs a small information site at Crooked Creek. Informational exhibits and Forest Service guides help visitors understand this fascinating area. Safety First: (for the salmon!) The spawning salmon at Crooked Creek have had a difficult life! After one to four years in saltwater, they battle ocean currents, dodge orca whales and commercial fishing nets, and avoid hungry bears to return to these streams to spawn and die. Please do not make their lives more difficult -- do not harass the salmon!! Directions: Viewing site is located on the outskirts of Valdez, Alaska at Mile .50 of the Richardson Highway. Ownership & Management: USDA Forest Service, Chugach National Forest, Cordova Ranger District (907) 424-7661 Closest Town: Valdez, Alaska
		Best Viewing Season
		Map of Crooked Creek This image will take you to directions to Crooked Creek Information Site.
		Photos Coming Soon! View a photo gallery of Crooked Creek Information Site.

NATUREWATCH is a program of the USDA Forest Service