In spring and fall, millions of birds and waterfowl stop in the Copper River Delta. They include 7 million dunlins and the entire population of western sandpipers. If birdwatching is one of your travel interests, these two seasons provide a clear seasonal window. Events also have their own dates in spring and winter: the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival is held annually in Cordova on the first weekend in May. Check event dates before your trip.
Delta, Glaciers and Trails
The Copper River Highway provides access to the Copper River Delta, a wildlife-rich wilderness with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Most of the highway is a gravel road. Two trail descriptions show different destinations: the Sheridan Glacier Trail runs 1.5 miles to the edge of a lake and offers views of Sheridan Glacier. The Saddlebag Glacier Trail begins at Mile 25 of the Copper River Highway, on a signed gravel road. From there, the easy, 3-mile trail passes through deciduous and spruce forests to Saddlebag Lake, where icebergs that have broken off from the glacier can be seen.
The seasonal opportunities at Mount Eyak also differ. The Ski Hill Trail is accessible directly from Cordova and runs through the meadows and forests of the Mount Eyak Ski Area in summer. Along the way, it offers views of Orca Inlet and the surrounding mountains. The Mount Eyak Ski Area is a short walk from the town center. For skiing and snowboarding, it offers 800 feet of vertical drop; the runs are covered by 118 inches of snow annually. This sets a summer route with views of the inlet and mountains apart from winter sports with a specified vertical drop and snowfall amount.
The City of Cordova’s parks and recreation system connects residents and visitors with nature. When planning outdoor activities, the specific differences between destinations can help: a trail with glacier and lake views, an easy forest path to a lake with icebergs, or a summer route through the meadows and forests at Mount Eyak. Trail conditions can vary; check them before setting out.
Culture and Events
A fully articulated whale skeleton is on display in the two-story entrance atrium of the Ilanka Cultural Center. If you plan a visit, check visitor information before your trip. The Cordova Historical Museum’s exhibits cover local marine life, Cordova’s early history, and railroad history. A three-seat bidarka kayak made of spruce wood and seal skins is also on display. The subjects range from marine life to historical developments and a specific example of kayak construction.
The annual Iceworm Festival is also part of the event calendar: it has been held every February since 1961 and includes, among other things, a parade and the Survival Suit Race. Since dates and program details for both the festival and the Shorebird Festival are important for trip planning, it’s a good idea to check the latest event information before departure.
Kayaking and Rafting
Orca Inlet, north of Cordova, is suitable for kayaking. Outfitters in Cordova rent kayaks, offer transport services, and organize guided tours in Orca Inlet and other bays around Cordova. For a different kind of river experience, outfitters organize guided rafting adventures on the Copper River, ranging from half-day to multi-day trips. Kayaking and rafting differ in both the type of waterway and the tour formats described. Outfitters and availability can change; ask about current options before planning.
Discover more destinations: Slana, Copper Center, Tatitlek, Tonsina, Valdez, Glennallen, Copperville.
Return to the regional travel overview: Valdez-Cordova Census Area.
