Alaska
The untamed last frontier. While visiting Denali National Park is on many traveler's bucket list, and while it's well worth the trip there's no reason to stop there. Alaska is chock full of hiking, backpacking, packrafting, kayaking, rafting and more. It's truly difficult to put into words the scale and magnificence of an untamed Alaskan landscape -- you'll just have to see for yourself.
Top Spots in and near Alaska
-
Healy, Alaska
Camp at Wonder Lake
Sitting at mile 85 of the 92 mile park road through Denali National Park, Wonder Lake Campground is an oasis in the wilderness. Wonder Lake is also the the closest you can get to Denali. (Note: You may see the big mountain called Mt. McKinley on maps, but everyone in Alaska calls it Denali.) Pr...Read more -
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Winter Camp at Wonder Lake
There are multiple ways to do this trip - ski, mush, or by flying in a bush plane and then meeting up with a group of mushers. I highly recommend doing ANY of them, but most likely you will need to assess your time, skill, and budget to decide what is best for you. The 2 most likely of the 3 will...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Winter Hike to Portage Glacier
6 miThis hike must be done in the deep of winter! Around February, Portage Lake is often frozen solid-solid enough to make walking safe. Hikers, bikers, skiers, skijourers, and snowshoers will form a 3 mile trail out to Portage Glacier. This trail is appropriate for children. For younger children, ...Read more -
Palmer, Alaska
Mint Hut via Gold Mint Trail
5.018.1 mi / 2802 ft gainStart your adventure by driving 1.5 hours north of Anchorage to the Gold Mint Trailhead about 20 mins away from the town of Palmer. Pay for parking, there is a day fee and a camping (choose either depending on your ambitions). This trail can be broken down in four (unequal) sections. The easy...Read more -
Fairbanks, Alaska
Snow Biking in Alaska's Arctic
100 miWhite Mountains National Recreation Area is run by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and is best traveled during the winter months. The BLM maintains three trailheads to provide access to 12 public recreation cabins that are connected by extensive trail systems. Trailheads for the Wickersham Cr...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Thunderbird Falls
4.11.98 mi / 404 ft gainThunderbird Falls is just 1 mile from the parking area off the Glenn Highway. The trail starts off with climb but quickly levels off. It skirts the Eklutna Canyon through a birch forest with viewing decks overlooking the cayon and falls. The trail splits near the end. If you stay to the right yo...Read more -
Healy, Alaska
Backpack the Mt. Eielson Loop
16 mi / 2000 ft gainIf you are looking for an overnight backpacking trip in Denali National Park with spectacular views of Denali, this is a great option. There is no trail and if you happen upon one, DO NOT follow it. The best part about Denali is that there are not many trails and most of the park is designated wi...Read more -
Healy, Alaska
Climb the Ridge Behind Toklat Road Camp in Denali
5.05 mi / 2700 ft gainFrom the Toklat Contact Station look due west and that is the mountain you are about to climb. Directly across the from the tent there is a drainage. Walk up the drainage hugging the right side until you are above the treeline (about 300-400ft). Once you are above the trees climb out of the drain...Read more -
Trapper Creek, Alaska
Hike Byer's Lake Loop
5.2 mi / 100 ft gainThe Byers Lake Loop Trail begins in the Byers Lake Campground. If you're not planning on camping, you can park in the day use area (the first right hand turn, off of the campground entrance), pay the $5 fee, and walk towards the campground loops. At the bottom of B loop, there is a sign which sim...Read more -
Chitina, Alaska
Hike to Kennecott's Ice Caves
4.04 mi / 500 ft gainDisclaimer: We do not recommend entering the caves as the ice can become unstable, especially in the warmer months.If you are in Kennicott and have the physical ability to get to these caves, make this the top of your priority list.You'll walk down the path heading north out of the town towards t...Read more -
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 -
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...Read more -
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Hike Mount Healy Overlook Trail
4.02.7 mi / 1700 ft gainThe trailhead for the Mt Healy Overlook Trail is located at the visitor center, just inside Denali National Park. Take the Taiga Trail, and follow signs to the Mt Healy Overlook Trailhead. There is plenty of signage and it's an easy trail to follow. The first mile or so of this 2.7 mile out-and-b...Read more -
Healy, Alaska
Camp at Savage River Campground
5.0The campground has limited cell reception and no wifi. Open fires are permitted at the campground. There are three group campsites available, which facilitate 9-20 people. Normal campsites host a maximum of 8 people. A free bus service is available, the Savage River Shuttle, to travel from this ...Read more -
Sitka, Alaska
Hike Harbor Mountain via the Gavin Hill Trail
6 mi / 800 ft gainThe first part of the trail involves a series of switchbacks through gorgeous forests of Sitka spruce. About a half mile in, you will come to the first bowl/overlook, which will provide a taste of the view to come. Another 1.25 miles from here you will begin to clear the forested area onto the pe...Read more -
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...Read more
