I'm leaving for Alaska on Aug 4 and was hoping for some last minute inspiration. Any hiking recommendations for the following locales? Looking for easy to moderate difficulty, not too long in duration, since the age range of our group is 8 to 77, with all in good shape:

1. Valdez
2. Kennicott-McCarthy area
3. Seward

Any feedback is appreciated!

I'm going to dig out my stuff to see the names of the hikes we loved in Valdez. I'll get back to you! And of course, there's the Exit Glacier hiking . . . I hope you're including that in Seward.

In Seward, hike at Exit Glacier. Many easy trails. Good views of glacier.

http://www.alaskagold.com/valdez/hiking.html

http://www.steliasguides.com/

If you are going towards Seward, you will have multiple opportunities to hike
Also,Cooper Landing, which is ten minutes from the "Y" turn off, cross the river and look for the Russian popular spot, though parking can be tricky on certain days..
Going towards Sterling, there is the Skilak Lake area. Also Peterson/Kelly Lake with a trail and beautiful spots to take photos of.
Lots of help here.. do a search for trails, or pick up a Milepost or free tourist magazines once you arrive. They are a terrific resource and have the maps and suggestions. Have fun, J.

Sorry, Russian River Falls campground and trail. I made it sound like there was a gathering spot for Russians

Valdez -- Shoup Glacier trail, but to shorten it -- as it's 11 mi. one-way -- just hike from the trailhead off W. Egan Rd (hope I'm remembering the right name) to Gold Creek. It's a relatively easy hike overlooking the sound.

Seward -- I've done the Harding Icefield trail which is stunning, but it IS long, 5-7 hours. A good one would be to take a water taxi from Lowell Point to Caines Head State Recreation Area, then hike the coastal trail back. You have to plan it around low tide, but any water taxi company would be able to check on that for you. One to try is www.millerslandingak.com

I wish I could help with Kennicott & McCarthy. It's near the top of my wish list though!

That Russian gathering spot, er, I mean, Russian River Trail, is a great hike. Just be sure to talk and make some noise along the way. We saw grizzlies (mom with 2 cubs) there in June, 05.