Alaska is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, and thrilling adventures that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. With its vast wilderness areas, towering mountains, sparkling glaciers, and abundant marine life, Alaska is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, climbers, fishermen, and wildlife watchers.
Alaska's climate and geography are as diverse as they are dramatic. The weather in Alaska can vary widely depending on the time of year and location, with summer temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F and winter temperatures dropping to -30°F or lower in some parts of the state.
The terrain is equally varied, with rugged mountains, vast tundra, dense forests, and pristine lakes and rivers. Alaska is also home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, sea otters, whales, and more. Visitors to Alaska can expect to encounter some of these creatures in their natural habitats, whether by hiking through the wilderness or taking a wildlife tour.
Whether you are seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful escape into nature, Alaska has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we will explore the best places to visit in Alaska for outdoor enthusiasts, from the famous national parks to the hidden gems off the beaten path. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the Last Frontier!
Best National Parks in Alaska for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Alaska is a land of incredible natural beauty, with vast expanses of rugged wilderness that are home to some of the world's most impressive wildlife. Alaska's national parks are a testament to this, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
From the towering mountains of Denali to the glacier-carved fjords of Kenai Fjords, and from the remote wilderness of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the rugged coastline of Glacier Bay, Alaska's national parks are renowned for their incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most spectacular and unspoiled wilderness in Alaska.
The park is home to North America's highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), which towers over the surrounding landscape at 20,310 feet. Hiking and backpacking are popular activities in the park, with over 6 million acres of wilderness to explore, including breathtaking valleys, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains.
Denali is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou, and visitors can take a wildlife tour to observe these creatures in their natural habitats. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all levels of fitness and interests, from scenic drives and wildlife watching to mountaineering and backcountry camping.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of glacier-carved fjords, lush rainforest, and abundant marine life.
The park is located on the Kenai Peninsula, south of Anchorage, and is accessible by boat or plane. The highlight of the park is the Harding Icefield, a 700-square-mile expanse of ice that feeds numerous glaciers and creates stunning vistas.
Hiking trails in the park offer breathtaking views of the fjords and surrounding mountains, and visitors can explore the coastline by kayak or boat to see sea lions, otters, and whales up close.
For the more adventurous, Kenai Fjords also offers guided glacier hikes and ice climbing tours.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a wilderness wonderland that offers some of the most pristine and remote landscapes in Alaska.
The park is the largest national park in the United States, with over 13 million acres of rugged wilderness to explore. The park features towering peaks, sprawling glaciers, and endless expanses of tundra and forests, making it a hiker's paradise. Visitors can explore the park by backpacking, mountaineering, or taking a guided tour, with opportunities to see wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, and moose.
The park also offers thrilling outdoor adventures such as rafting, kayaking, and fishing in its numerous rivers and lakes.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, featuring stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant marine life.
The park is located in southeast Alaska and is accessible by boat or plane. The highlight of the park is the impressive array of glaciers, some of which extend for miles and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can take a boat tour through the park to witness the calving of these magnificent glaciers or paddle a kayak among the icebergs for a more up-close experience. The park also boasts a diverse array of marine life, including humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises.
Hiking trails in the park offer a chance to explore the surrounding forests and mountains, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Best Hiking Trails in Alaska
Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park
The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park is a steep 8.2-mile round-trip trek that takes hikers up to the top of the Harding Icefield, a 700-square-mile expanse of ice that feeds numerous glaciers in the park.
Along the way, hikers will encounter stunning views of the Exit Glacier and the surrounding mountains, as well as diverse wildlife such as mountain goats and black bears. The trail is challenging, with steep switchbacks and rocky terrain, but the reward of reaching the top and standing amidst the otherworldly landscape of the icefield is truly awe-inspiring.
Mount Marathon Trail in Seward
The Mount Marathon Trail is a 3.5-mile round-trip trek that takes hikers up to the summit of Mount Marathon, a 3,022-foot peak that towers over the town of Seward.
The trail is steep and rocky, with challenging switchbacks that will test even the most experienced hikers. However, the reward of reaching the summit is well worth the effort, as hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding mountains. The Mount Marathon Trail is also famous for its annual Fourth of July race, where elite runners from around the world compete in a grueling race to the summit and back down again. For outdoor enthusiasts who are up for the challenge, the Mount Marathon Trail is a must-do activity in Seward and a highlight of any visit to Alaska.
Kesugi Ridge Trail in Denali State Park
The Kesugi Ridge Trail is a 27-mile trek that traverses the rolling hills and tundra landscapes of the park, with stunning views of the Alaska Range and Denali, the highest mountain in North America.
Along the way, hikers will encounter diverse wildlife such as moose, caribou, and Dall sheep, as well as pristine alpine lakes and rivers.
The Kesugi Ridge Trail is a challenging hike, with steep ascents and descents and rugged terrain, but the reward of standing atop the ridgeline and soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape is well worth the effort.
Crow Pass Trail in Chugach State Park
The Crow Pass Trail in Chugach State Park is a 21-mile round-trip trek that takes hikers through some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska, including glaciers, mountain peaks, and crystal-clear streams.
Hikers will be able to see historic mining ruins and scenic waterfalls. The trail is steep and rocky in places, with challenging terrain that will test even experienced hikers. However, the reward of reaching the summit of Crow Pass and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape is well worth the effort.
Best Wildlife Viewing Spots in Alaska
Alaska is home to a vast array of incredible animals. The state's vast size and varied landscapes provide visitors with numerous opportunities to experience wildlife in its natural habitat.
Whether it's exploring the rugged coastlines of Glacier Bay, hiking through the Denali backcountry, or paddling through the remote waterways of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, there are countless ways to encounter wildlife in Alaska.
Visitors to the state can also take guided tours, such as bear-viewing expeditions or whale-watching excursions, that offer safe and responsible ways to witness these incredible creatures up close.
Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park
Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park is widely considered one of the best wildlife viewing spots in Alaska, if not the entire world.
The falls are home to a large population of brown bears, who congregate at the falls each summer to fish for salmon. Visitors to the falls can watch in awe as the bears skillfully catch fish in their jaws, or witness thrilling battles between competing bears.
The falls also offer opportunities to view other wildlife such as bald eagles and river otters, and the surrounding landscape is stunningly beautiful. The park offers guided tours and viewing platforms that provide a safe and respectful way to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Tracy Arm Fjord in Tongass National Forest
Tracy Arm Fjord is a breathtakingly beautiful and remote glacier-carved fjord located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest.
The fjord is home to an abundance of wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds. Visitors to the fjord can experience up-close encounters with these incredible animals while taking in the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Boat tours are available that take visitors on a journey through the fjord, offering a unique and unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine and remote wilderness area located in northeastern Alaska. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, muskoxen, and a variety of migratory birds.
The vast expanse of the refuge provides visitors with unparalleled opportunities to view these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Visitors can embark on guided tours that take them deep into the refuge, where they can witness caribou migrations, observe grizzly bears fishing in the streams, or spot wolves roaming through the tundra.
The refuge is also home to stunning landscapes, including vast expanses of tundra, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes and rivers.
Kenai River
The Kenai River is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Alaska, but it is also a great spot for wildlife viewing.
The river is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, bald eagles, and a variety of fish species such as salmon, trout, and halibut. Visitors can take a leisurely float down the river or hike along the riverbanks, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
The river also offers stunning scenery, with crystal-clear water and towering mountain peaks in the background.
Best Adventure Activities in Alaska
Alaska is a land of adventure, offering endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore its rugged wilderness and experience some of the most exhilarating activities on the planet.
This vast state is home to towering mountains, sprawling glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine forests, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.
Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing in Matanuska Valley
If you're looking for an exhilarating adventure in Alaska, glacier hiking and ice climbing in Matanuska Valley should be at the top of your list.
This valley is home to the Matanuska Glacier, one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in Alaska, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the icy wonderland up close. Hiking on a glacier is a truly unforgettable experience, as you traverse over frozen rivers and climb up icy ridges surrounded by breathtaking vistas. or the more adventurous, ice climbing offers an even greater challenge, as you scale vertical walls of ice using specialized gear and techniques.
The Matanuska Glacier is also easily accessible, with guided tours available for all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for families, beginners, and experienced adventurers alike.
Sea Kayaking in Prince William Sound
Sea kayaking in Prince William Sound is a must-do activity for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Alaska up close.
This vast and pristine sound is home to an abundance of marine life, including whales, sea otters, and seals, as well as countless species of birds. Paddling through the calm waters of the sound, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, is a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience.
There are many guided sea kayaking tours available that cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced kayakers, and offer the chance to explore hidden coves, remote islands, and even paddle up to a glacier.
Whitewater Rafting in Nenana River Gorge
Whitewater rafting in the Nenana River Gorge is a thrilling and unforgettable adventure that should be on every outdoor enthusiast's Alaska itinerary. The Nenana River is one of the most popular rafting destinations in Alaska, offering rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV, making it a perfect choice for beginners and experienced rafters alike.
As you navigate the rapids, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including towering mountains, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife. Rafting tours are available from several companies, with experienced guides providing safety and instruction, so even first-time rafters can enjoy the adrenaline rush of this exciting activity.
Ziplining in Hoonah
Hoonah, located on Chichagof Island, is known as the "Xunaa Shuká Hít" or "Huna Tribal House," and is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. The zipline tour offers a thrilling ride through the rainforest canopy, where you'll have the opportunity to see the stunning views of the island and its surrounding waters.
During the tour, you'll learn about the local Tlingit culture and traditions, as well as the area's flora and fauna. The zipline course consists of several lines, some reaching up to 1,320 feet in length, and offers a mix of high-speed zips, suspension bridges, and rappelling.
Best Places for Fishing in Alaska
Alaska is world-renowned for its incredible fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from all over the globe.
Whether you're looking to catch the elusive king salmon, giant halibut, or trophy rainbow trout, Alaska's fishing spots are sure to deliver.
Kenai River
Kenai River is a world-renowned fishing destination located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The river stretches over 82 miles and is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden.
The river also offers excellent opportunities for fly fishing, spin fishing, and drift fishing, making it a versatile destination for anglers of all kinds. In addition to its excellent fishing, Kenai River is surrounded by stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and forests, providing a truly unforgettable fishing experience.
Kasilof River
Kasilof River is a lesser-known gem located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, and is an excellent fishing spot for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Kasilof River is known for its abundance of silver salmon, which are known for their acrobatic jumps and strong fight. In addition to salmon, the river also offers excellent opportunities for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing, making it a great destination for anglers of all kinds.
The river is surrounded by stunning scenery, with views of snow-capped mountains and thick forests, making it a peaceful and serene location for fishing.
Bristol Bay
Bristol Bay is home to an abundance of fish species, including all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, and grayling.
The most prized catch among anglers in Bristol Bay is the sockeye salmon, which is known for its rich, flavorful meat and hard fight. The bay is also known for its fly fishing opportunities, with many anglers opting for a fly fishing experience in the crystal-clear waters of Bristol Bay.
In addition to its excellent fishing, Bristol Bay offers breathtaking scenery, with its rugged coastline and pristine waters providing a picturesque backdrop for any fishing trip.
Prince of Wales Island
Prince of Wales Island is located in Southeast Alaska and is a premier fishing destination for anglers of all skill levels.
The island is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. The island is particularly known for its trophy-sized halibut, which can weigh up to 400 pounds, making it a thrilling catch for any angler.
Tips for planning a successful outdoor adventure in Alaska
Planning an outdoor adventure in Alaska requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure a successful trip.
First and foremost, it's important to research the area you plan to visit and understand the terrain, weather conditions, and wildlife you may encounter. It's also crucial to pack appropriate gear and clothing, including layers to prepare for changing weather conditions.
Additionally, it's important to inform others of your travel plans and carry a map or GPS device in case of emergency. When planning activities, consider booking tours or guided trips with experienced professionals who can provide insight into the area and ensure safety.
Lastly, be respectful of the natural environment and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the wilderness for future generations. With careful planning and preparation, your outdoor adventure in Alaska can be a safe and unforgettable experience.
