Revitalizing a Valdez Icon to Anchor Local Tourism
Tucked between towering mountains and the shores of Prince William Sound, Eagle’s Rest RV Park has long been a gateway for travelers exploring Valdez. Its panoramic views, proximity to glacier tours and fishing charters, and full-service amenities make it more than a place to stay; it’s a vital part of the Valdez experience. For decades, the park has connected guests to wildlife excursions, glacier cruises, and the unforgettable landscapes of coastal Alaska.
In 2025, the Bisson family purchased the property from original owners Jeff and Laura Saxe to preserve and modernize this iconic property. Their vision included upgrading facilities, enhancing guest services, and ensuring the park could thrive year-round. This property also integrated wayhavenresorts.com. Like many rural, tourism-driven businesses, securing traditional financing was a challenge, particularly for a seasonal enterprise with infrastructure needs.
Through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Loan Guarantee Program, managed by the Alaska Small Business Development Center at University of Alaska Anchorage, First National Bank Alaska provided a $3.6 million commercial real estate loan backed by a 50% SSBCI guarantee. This support reduced lender risk and made the transaction possible, enabling the Bisson family to acquire the property and begin long-term improvements.
“After more than 25 years watching Eagle’s Rest develop into a cornerstone of the Valdez visitor industry, I was honored with the opportunity to help start a new chapter. From my first meeting with Patrick and Mychele Bisson, I recognized they were a perfect fit for the Park’s culture and had the vision to continue its improvement and growth,” said Will Stark, First National Bank Alaska Vice President and Valdez Branch Manager. “The SSBCI guarantee enabled more flexible loan terms, helping the Bissons improve the Park and introduce Valdez to visitors.”
With financing secured, renovations include revitalized RV sites, upgraded restroom and laundry facilities, and infrastructure enhancements across the park’s 172 full-hookup spaces, 5 glamping tent sites, and 19 cabins. Partnerships with local charter services are also expanding, reinforcing Eagle’s Rest as a trusted hub for fishing trips, glacier cruises, and wildlife tours.
“Eagle’s Rest has always been more than an RV park — it’s a reflection of the heart the Saxes poured into this place and into the Valdez community. We didn’t come here to replace that legacy; we came to protect it. Jeff and Laura will always be part of the Eagle’s Rest family, and guests will still see them around. Our role is simply to carry their vision forward, invest thoughtfully, and ensure this park continues to serve families, travelers, and the community for generations to come,” said Mychele Bisson, CEO of Bison Peak Ventures.
Today, Eagle’s Rest RV Park is charting a new course: honoring its history while preparing for the future. Updated amenities, improved guest experiences, and a sustainable growth plan position the park to continue welcoming travelers from across Alaska and beyond.
This project reflects the true impact of the Alaska State SSBCI Program. By providing guarantees that make lending possible in rural and tourism-driven communities, the program supports business transitions that protect jobs, preserve critical infrastructure, and strengthen Alaska’s local economies. In Valdez, that means ensuring Eagle’s Rest RV Park remains a gateway to adventure and a pillar of the region’s future. Learn more at eaglesrestrv.com.
