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Alaska

Looking for the best kayaking 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 Kayaking Spots in and near Alaska

  • Whittier, Alaska

    Kayak Across Alaska's Prince William Sound

    5.0
    The hundred mile paddle across PWS is a right of passage for Alaska kayakers. Like most big adventures in AK, it’s a daunting proposition to launch into what locals refer to as both beautiful and terrifying. Sometimes in the same sentence. At it’s best, you can paddle in a t-shirt and shorts, sto...
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  • Seward, Alaska

    Kayak in Pedersen Lagoon

    Hikers are used to being confined to hiking trails most of the time. Kayakers ... not so much.How you get to Pedersen Glacier is the part that requires the most planning. Chances are very good that you'll be in the town of Seward, Alaska, and will arrange for either a water taxi or a guided paddl...
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  • Gustavus, Alaska

    Kayak the West Arm of Glacier Bay National Park

    5.0
    0 mi / 0 ft gain
    Ever wanted to sleep beside a calving glacier? Wake up with a humpback whale feeding along the shoreline of your private beach? Watch the sunset for hours until midnight?Witness bears foraging in the tidal zones or watch a moose go for a swim? This, and more, is possible in Glacier Bay.Starting a...
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  • Lake and Peninsula, Alaska

    Climb to the Summit of Mount Katolinat, AK

    8 mi / 2200 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Seward, Alaska

    Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

    5.0
    8.2 mi / 3000 ft gain
    None of Alaska’s eight national parks are easy to get to, but Kenai Fjords National Park is one of only three national parks in the state that can be accessed (partly) by road. It’s also the closest national park to Anchorage, which makes this an easier jaunt from the capital. While this park is ...
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  • Juneau, Alaska

    Kayak Mendenhall Glacier Channel

    Kayaking in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is an exciting and breath-taking experience. There are multiple ways in which to organize this fun activity: bring your own kayak, rent a kayak from town, or sign up for an on-shore excursion at one of the various booths within the city of Junea...
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  • Ketchikan, Alaska

    Kayak the Blank Islands

    You'll start your journey from the docks of Ketchikan, Alaska, where there are plenty of outfitters willing to rent boats to experienced paddlers looking to make the 14-mile out and back trip.Starting from the docks of Ketchikan, paddle across the Tongass Narrows towards Pennock Island. Watch out...
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  • Seward, Alaska

    Camp and Kayak at Holgate Glacier's Beach

    4.0
    There 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...
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  • Gustavus, Alaska

    Camp at Bartlett Cove Campground in Glacier Bay NP

    5.0
    1 mi
    Depending on how you arrive to Gustavus, (which may or may not be the most difficult part of this adventure) you'll want to head to the Visitor Information Center at Bartlett Cove within the park to grab a free camping permit if you are there during the summer season and to sit through an orienta...
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  • Seward, Alaska

    Kayak Aialik Glacier

    If you're visiting Alaska, you're probably there to see glaciers, and Aialik Glacier is worth the money and time to see. Imagine a towering 1.5 mile wide glacier surrounded by rugged peaks and a thick green forest rising from the blue water. The chance to spot whales, puffins, sea lions, porpoise...
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  • Palmer, Alaska

    Explore Eklutna Lake

    This beautiful lake is fed by Eklutna Glacier.   There is so much to do here:  Rent bikes or kayaks (bring your own too).  Info about renting is here.   Walk or bike along the trail that wraps around the lake Hike Twin Peaks TrailIf you want a more difficult hike, do Pepper Peak. This hike incorp...
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  • 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...
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  • Seward, Alaska

    Sea Kayak at Fox Island

    In order to get to Fox Island, you’ll need to hop a boat from the beautiful town of Seward. We went with Kenai Fjords Tours who ferried us out to the island. The great thing about going with a tour company is that they’ll stop whenever they see wildlife. Only ten minutes after departing, we pause...
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  • 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...
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  • Cooper Landing, Alaska

    Paddle on Kenai Lake

    I set off down the road towards “the lake I saw on the way in that was really blue”. From Seward, AK I knew that Kenai Lake was along State Highway 9, our only road out of town. It was deceiving to see the south end of the lake about 10 miles outside of Seward- but I found that the most accessibl...
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  • Juneau, Alaska

    Hike to Eagle Glacier Cabin

    11 mi / 300 ft gain
    Eagle 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...
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