Alaska
Looking for the best backpacking in Alaska? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Alaska. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Alaska
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Lake and Peninsula, Alaska
Climb to the Summit of Mount Katolinat, AK
8 mi / 2200 ft gainThis adventure begins long before you start climbing the mountain. First you need to make your way to Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park on the Alaska Peninsula. The Alaska Peninsula is not connected to the road system of Alaska so all travelers must arrive by either boat or plane. Fly to the sm...Read more -
Skagway, Alaska
Backpack the Chilkoot Trail
4.033 mi / 6800 ft gainThe Chilkoot Trail follows the access route from the Alaskan coast to the Yukon goldfields used during the Klondike gold rush. You can get to Skagway via road (from Whitehorse), flight, or ferry (from Juneau). Whale spotting on a ferry from Juneau is a great way to start the trip! There are 9 of...Read more -
Yukon-Koyukuk, Alaska
Backpack Gates Of The Arctic National Park
25 mi / 2000 ft gainThe absolute most important part of planning a trip to Gates Of The Arctic is accepting the fact that you’ll be improvising for the majority of the experience. The park is larger than several US states, so remote that not a single road or hiking trail exists within the park, and the vast majority...Read more -
Chitina, Alaska
Summit Bonanza Peak, Wrangell-St. Elias NP
9 mi / 4000 ft gainThis journey begins at the northern terminus of the historic Kennecott Mines, following the Root Glacier trail to the north. Follow this trail between 1-2 miles until you reach a split in the trail. Follow the split to the southeast and continue along this trail until you reach another split. If ...Read more -
Seward, Alaska
Camp and Kayak at Holgate Glacier's Beach
4.0There are many options to go about your adventure in Kenai Fjords National Park. Once you've finally decided on this spot, you'll be glad you chose it! First step on how to get here is by making a reservation with a company to get out there. Most people start from Seward or Homer, as it's the clo...Read more -
Chitina, Alaska
Backpack to Stairway Icefall at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
14.4 mi / 2305 ft gainWe began our trek at the Kennecott Mines, which is a short van ride from the town of McCarthy, which is (semi) road accessible. I say semi because to get there you must drive 60 miles on a dirt road and park nearby the town, which is not road accessible, and cross a foot bridge. Once you've hau...Read more -
Juneau, Alaska
Mount McGinnis
10.73 mi / 4226 ft gainAt a shop in Juneau, I saw a photo of from the top of a mountain that blew me away. I began searching and soon found that it was taken atop Mount McGinnis, one of Juneau's Big Five Summits. Juneau's Big Five are a list of front range summits that are Walk Up summits. Which, in other terms, mean...Read more -
Valdez, Alaska
Paddle Valdez Lake to Valdez Glacier
The end of the Airport Road just North of Valdez brings you to the side of the lake. Begin your adventure here, or just come check out the view and watch the icebergs float among the lake while you picnic in the parking area. Should you choose to approach the glacier, paddle Northwest. It to...Read more -
Kodiak, Alaska
Hike to the Summit of Sharatin Mountain
5.07 mi / 3000 ft gainFrom downtown Kodiak drive southeast on W Rezanof Dr, turn onto Anton Larson Bay Rd north towards Buskin Lake. Follow Anton Larson Rd over the Red Cloud River Bridge and there will be a small turnout to park on just after the bridge. Look to your left and you will see a trail cutting through the ...Read more -
Juneau, Alaska
Camp at Boy Scout Beach in Juneau
1.5 miFar from where the tourists venture, this is an incredible hang out and camping spot in Juneau. The trailhead is at the 25 mile marker on Glacier Hwy. There are a couple of roads when you exit the highway, but stick to the right and you will end up in an obvious parking lot. From here, there is o...Read more -
Nondalton, Alaska
Camp at Woodward Priest Rock
Someone in my group was lucky enough to find this very cabin available to stay at in the national park, while we all were doing our research for camping spots in our big Alaska National Parks' Trip. We were stoked to be able to stay at such a historic and beautiful place. Getting there was defini...Read more -
Fairbanks, Alaska
Backpack Granite Tors
5.015 miWe split this 15-mile loop into an overnight backpacking trip and had an amazing time. Our route started up the eastern side of the loop and took us past the trail shelter. Once we reached the tors, we settled in and set up camp. It was stunning and we actually wished we would have left a day bet...Read more -
Juneau, Alaska
Hike to Eagle Glacier Cabin
11 mi / 300 ft gainEagle Glacier cabin is one of twelve different backcountry cabins in the borough of Juneau, Alaska that are cared for by the National Forest Service and DNR. Some are perched near lakes, some have views of glaciers, others near rocky beaches and salt water. To stay at any of these cabins, you...Read more