42+ Best Places to Travel in Alaska for Nature Lovers & Hikers

When it comes to jaw-dropping natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness, Alaska reigns supreme. With its massive glaciers, snow-draped mountain ranges, dense boreal forests, and diverse wildlife, this northernmost U.S. state is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike. Best Places to Travel in Alaska If you’ve been yearning to escape the noise of modern life and immerse yourself in a place where the mountains touch the sky and eagles soar overhead, then Alaska is calling your name.

Covering over 663,000 square miles — and home to eight national parks and countless state parks and preserves — Alaska offers an unparalleled landscape for adventure. From the soaring peak of Denali (North America’s tallest mountain) to the remote blue-ice wonders of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the whale-friendly waters of Kenai Fjords, every turn in Alaska reveals something majestic and wild. 🌲❄️

This guide is your compass to the 42+ best places to travel in Alaska for nature lovers and hikers. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker looking for challenging alpine trails, or a casual wanderer who enjoys scenic strolls through glacier valleys, there’s something here for everyone. 🏞️

🏞️ 1. Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska

• Mount Denali – North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet.

• Savage River Loop Trail – A scenic 2-mile hike through river canyons.

• Wonder Lake – Great spot for photos and views of Denali.

• Polychrome Pass – Stunning drive with panoramic vistas.

• Toklat River Area – Prime wildlife spotting zone.

❄️ 2. Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska

• Exit Glacier – A must-visit for beginner and advanced hikers.

• Harding Icefield Trail – A challenging 8.2-mile hike with epic views.

• Bear Glacier Lagoon – Paddle among floating icebergs.

• Holgate Glacier Cruise – Boat tour for nature lovers.

• Seward’s Waterfront Park – Easy walks along the harbor with views.

🌲 3. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Places to Travel in Alaska

• Root Glacier Hike – Walk across ancient ice.

• Bonanza Mine Trail – A historic hike with mining ruins and views.

• McCarthy Road – Remote wilderness access by car.

• Kennecott Mill Town – Ghost town exploring with mountain backdrops.

• Skolai Pass – Remote alpine meadows and wildlife.

🐋 4. Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska

• Bartlett Cove Trails – Easy forest walks and beach access.

• Reid Glacier Landing – Take a boat and hike the glacial moraine.

• Johns Hopkins Glacier Viewpoint – Stunning views from the water.

• Kayaking with Whales – Unique eco-tour experience.

• Backcountry Camping – For the truly adventurous.

🌌 5. Fairbanks & the Arctic Circle in Alaska

• Chena River State Recreation Area – Hike, kayak, and soak in hot springs.

• Angel Rocks Trail – 3.5-mile loop with rock formations.

• Northern Lights Viewing – Best seen in winter months.

• Pioneer Park – Scenic trails and local heritage.

• Dalton Highway – Gateway to Arctic adventures.

🌅 6. Seward & Resurrection Bay Places to Travel in Alaska

• Mount Marathon Trail – Famous race trail with killer views.

• Lost Lake Trail – Alpine lakes and meadows over 15 miles.

• Resurrection River Trail – Ideal for backpacking.

• Tonsina Point – Tide pools and sea otters.

• Lowell Point Beach – Great for sunset walks and kayaking.

🏔️ 7. Girdwood & the Chugach Mountains in Alaska

• Winner Creek Trail – Gentle hike with hand tram over the gorge.

• Alyeska Resort Trails – Take a tram ride up and hike down.

• Crow Creek Pass – Scenic and wild, ideal for backpackers.

• Virgin Creek Falls – Short forest hike to a waterfall.

• Glacier Creek Trail – Beautiful riverside walk.

🏕️ 8. Juneau & Tongass National Forest to Travel in Alaska

• Mendenhall Glacier – Viewpoints and hikes galore.

• Mount Roberts Trail – Ride the tram and hike above the city.

• Perseverance Trail – Easy walk with mining history.

• Nugget Falls Trail – Family-friendly trail with epic falls.

• Herbert Glacier Trail – Peaceful glacier hike.

🌄 9. Valdez & Prince William Sound

• Worthington Glacier – Short trail with direct glacier access.

• Thompson Pass – Great for hiking and photography.

• Shoup Bay Trail – 11-mile coastal and forest hike.

• Mineral Creek Trail – Waterfalls and old ruins.

• Keystone Canyon – Waterfalls and scenic cliffs.

🦅 10. Haines & Chilkat Bald Eagle Places to Travel in Alaska

• Battery Point Trail – Coastal views and easy hike.

• Mount Ripinsky – Steep but rewarding for seasoned hikers.

• Chilkat River Walk – Best for eagle photography.

• Seduction Point Trail – Off-the-beaten-path adventure.

• Takshanuk Mountain Trail – UTV tours and guided hikes.

📌 Bonus Tips for Nature-Loving Places to Travel in Alaska

• 🧭 Go in Summer (June–August) for long daylight and warmer weather.

• 🐾 Pack Bear Spray and learn bear safety tips.

• 📷 Bring Binoculars for wildlife watching — moose, eagles, bears, oh my!

• 🥾 Layer Your Clothing – Weather can change quickly.

• 🏕️ Camp Responsibly – Follow Leave No Trace principles.

From towering peaks to ancient glaciers, from wildlife-rich meadows to untamed coastlines, Alaska is a natural playground for the soul. Every trail whispers adventure, every glacier glistens with mystery, and every moment feels alive in this breathtaking land of extremes.

Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of Denali, kayaking among icebergs in Kenai Fjords, or spotting bald eagles in Haines, the 42+ best places to travel in Alaska for nature lovers and hikers will offer you more than just a vacation — they offer an unforgettable experience.