Cordova: Birdlife, Glaciers and Culture

Cordova offers a range of experiences for a stay: seasonal bird stopovers in the Copper River Delta, trails with glacier views, activities on the water and insights into local history. Which ones shape your trip also depends on the season: birdwatching, winter sports and recurring events each have their own seasonal focus.

Birdlife and the seasons

In spring and fall, millions of birds and waterfowl stop in the Copper River Delta. These include 7 million Western Sandpipers and the entire population of Western Sandpipers along the West Coast. The annual Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival takes place in Cordova on the first weekend in May. The spring and fall stopover periods and the specific festival date are two different points of reference for planning your trip; check the festival dates before you travel.

The Copper River Highway provides access to the Copper River Delta and is mostly a gravel road. The delta offers many opportunities for hiking, fishing and birdwatching. The combination of scenery and activities makes the outing appealing to travelers who want to spend time outdoors. Road and trail conditions can vary; check them before planning a specific outing.

Trails to lakes and glacier views

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, an easy, 3-mile trail leads through deciduous and spruce forests to Saddlebag Lake. Icebergs calved from the glacier can be seen there. Lakeshores, forest sections and glacier views give the two trails distinct highlights.

The Ski Hill Trail is accessible directly from Cordova. In summer, it winds through meadows and forests in the Mount Eyak Ski Area; along the way, views open up over Orca Inlet and the surrounding mountains. This gives you another hiking route with its own scenery to choose from, in addition to the trails along the Copper River Highway. Trail conditions can vary and should be taken into account when planning.

Water activities and winter

Orca Inlet lies north of Cordova and is well suited to kayaking. Outfitters in Cordova rent kayaks, offer transportation and organize guided tours in Orca Inlet and other bays around Cordova. Outfitters also run guided rafting adventures on the Copper River, ranging from half-day to multi-day trips. Trip length is one concrete difference to consider when choosing between these water activities. Since outfitters and availability can change, check the options in advance.

In winter, the Mount Eyak Ski Area offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. It is a short walk from the town center. The area has 800 feet of vertical, and its slopes receive 118 inches of snow annually. This winter sports focus is distinct from the hiking trails, which are associated with the landscape and birdlife in summer or in spring and fall.

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 to visit the center, check visitor information before your trip. The Cordova Historical Museum complements this look at marine life with exhibits on Cordova’s early history and its railroad history. Also on display is a three-seat bidarka kayak made of spruce wood and seal skins.

The annual Iceworm Festival is another highlight of the events calendar: it has been held every February since 1961 and includes, among other things, a parade and the Survival Suit Race. Compare its February date with the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival on the first weekend in May if you want to plan your trip around an event. Check the dates and program details in advance.

Explore more destinations: Tonsina, Slana, Glennallen, Valdez, Copperville, Copper Center, Tatitlek.

Back to the main travel overview: Valdez-Cordova Census Area.