Alaska is a hiker's paradise, with its vast wilderness areas, towering peaks, and pristine landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, the Last Frontier offers something for everyone.
Here are ten of the best places to hike in Alaska, along with tips for safety and enjoyment.
Chugach State Park
Located just outside of Anchorage, Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the country and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Alaska. The park features a variety of trails that range from easy walks along the coast to challenging backcountry adventures. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Winner Creek Trail, which winds through the rainforest and crosses a historic gold rush tramway, and the Pioneer Ridge Trail, which provides stunning views of the Knik River Valley and the Chugach Mountains.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of Alaska's most dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and forests. The park offers a range of hiking opportunities, from easy walks along the coast to strenuous backcountry treks. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Exit Glacier Trail, which leads to the face of the glacier and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other popular trails include the Harding Icefield Trail, which takes you to the top of a massive icefield, and the Aialik Bay Trail, which winds along the coast and provides views of glaciers, sea otters, and other wildlife.
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is a hiker's dream, with its massive peaks, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks through the tundra to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Savage River Loop Trail, which takes you through the heart of the park, and the Mount Healy Overlook Trail, which provides panoramic views of the park and the surrounding landscape.
Tongass National Forest
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the country and covers most of southeast Alaska. The forest is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and temperate rainforests, and offers a variety of hiking opportunities for all skill levels. Some of the most popular trails in the forest include the Perseverance Trail, which leads to a historic gold rush town, and the Fred Meyer Memorial Trail, which takes you through the heart of the forest and provides stunning views of the Tongass Narrows.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country and is home to some of Alaska's most dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, peaks, and valleys. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks through the tundra to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Root Glacier Trail, which leads to the face of a massive glacier, and the Mount Drum Trail, which provides panoramic views of the park and the surrounding landscape.
Kachemak Bay State Park
Kachemak Bay State Park is located on the southern coast of Alaska and is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including glaciers, forests, and beaches. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy walks along the coast to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Halibut Cove Lagoon Trail, which takes you through a scenic lagoon and provides views of the surrounding mountains, and the Grewingk Glacier Trail, which leads to the face of a massive glacier and provides panoramic views of the bay.
Anchorage Hillside
The Anchorage Hillside provides a quick escape from the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trails in the Hillside range from easy walks along the coast to challenging climbs up the peaks. Some of the most popular trails in the area include the Flattop Mountain Trail, which takes you to the top of a peak with panoramic views of the city, and the Powerline Pass Trail, which provides views of the Chugach Mountains and the Knik River Valley.
Matanuska-Susitna Valley
The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is located just north of Anchorage and offers a variety of hiking opportunities, from easy walks along the rivers to challenging backcountry adventures. Some of the most popular hikes in the area include the Pioneer Ridge Trail, which takes you through the heart of the valley, and the Bodenburg Butte Trail, which leads to the top of a peak with panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Aleutian Range
The Aleutian Range is located on the remote Alaska Peninsula and is home to some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in the state. The range offers a variety of hiking opportunities, from easy walks along the coast to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the range include the Mount Veniaminof Trail, which takes you to the top of a volcano with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Aleutian Ridge Trail, which provides views of glaciers, peaks, and valleys.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in the country and is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including tundra, forests, and rivers. The refuge offers a variety of hiking opportunities, from easy walks along the rivers to challenging backcountry adventures. Some of the most popular hikes in the refuge include the Dalton Highway Trail, which takes you through the heart of the refuge and provides views of glaciers, peaks, and wildlife, and the Atigun Pass Trail, which leads to the top of a pass with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
BONUS: Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Hiking in Alaska
- Prepare for the weather: Alaska's weather can change rapidly, so it's important to be prepared for rain, wind, and cold temperatures. Always carry rain gear and extra layers, even if the forecast is clear.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Good hiking shoes or boots are essential for comfortable and safe hiking in Alaska. Make sure to break in your shoes before your trip to prevent blisters.
- Bring plenty of food and water: Alaska's wilderness areas can be remote, so it's important to bring enough food and water to last the entire hike. Make sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks as needed.
- Follow the Leave No Trace principles: Leave the wilderness as you found it by following the Leave No Trace principles, which include carrying out all trash, respecting wildlife, and staying on established trails.
- Know your limits: Alaska's wilderness areas can be challenging, so it's important to know your limits and choose a hike that's appropriate for your skill level. Don't take unnecessary risks and always be prepared for emergencies.
