Hiking in Alaska is not just something to do – it is a must-do experience. The trails here wind through the lush forests, past beautiful glaciers, and continue up to the mountain peaks, offering something for all hikers.
Whether you are looking for an easy lakeside hike or ready for a backcountry experience, the trails are calling your name. So, pack your bear spray, check your cell phone battery, and get ready to explore because the best hikes in Alaska are waiting.
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1) Alaska Off The Beaten Path – Choose Your Own Adventure
Alaska offers endless experiences, from the thrill of spotting brown bears in the wild to the serenity of a coastal hike paired with a fishing experience. At Hoonah Travel Adventures, we have a journey for every explorer.
Our expert guide, Natalie, is eager to share her love of the outdoors, whether you’re casting your first line or searching for wildlife in its natural habitat. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Alaska’s wilderness:
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3-in-1 Chichagof Island Adventure – Get ready to combine bear spotting, fishing, and a scenic river hike into one experience. Depending on the time of year, you will either fish for trout or salmon. During the walk along the river, do not be surprised to see wild animals, especially bears also searching for fish.
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Wilderness Tour & Brown Bear Search – An Alaska trip is not complete without a tour through the Tongass National Forest in search of bears, and our van tour is one of the best ways to explore the forest. Our expert guide knows where to find the brown bears, and if it is safe, you will be allowed to leave the van for a closer look at the wildlife.
After spending time on a cruise ship, you will be more than ready to explore the best of Alaska. However, if you want to explore Alaska with one of the best tour guides, book your tour with us today!
2) Amazing Hikes Near The Anchorage Area
Anchorage is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, offering some of the best hiking in Alaska. Whether you want a challenging summit climb or a scenic valley trek, these trails provide unforgettable outdoor experiences.
From panoramic mountain views to serene lakes nestled between rugged peaks, the Anchorage hiking scene has something for everyone:
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Flattop Mountain Trail – One of the most popular hikes in Anchorage, the challenging climb offers spectacular views from the summit. The trail has a 1,500-foot elevation gain from the trailhead to the summit. The three-mile hike is short but ideal for those who want to conquer a nearby peak.
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South Fork Valley Trail – It is not often when a trail leads to a rare geological find, but this one does. Start at the trailhead and follow the valley until you reach the isthmus that sits between Eagle Lakes’ green waters and the beautiful blue waters of Symphony Lakes. On calm days, you can hear music as the lake waters hit the rocks.
Pro Tip: Cell service is spotty on these trails; do not rely on your phone for navigation or communication. Before heading out, charge your phone, download maps, and provide someone with your plans.
3) The Best Hikes In Hatcher Pass – Trails You Can’t Miss
Nestled in the heart of the Talkeetna Mountains, Hatcher Pass is the place for outdoor activities. With its rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and historic mining sites, this area offers some of the most beautiful hikes.
Whether you are looking for a short hike or a challenging backcountry expedition, these trails showcase Alaska’s beauty:
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April Bowl Trail – This moderate 2.2-mile out-and-back hike has only an 800-foot elevation gain and starts at Summit Lake Recreation Area. The steep but rewarding trail leads to glacial lakes and panoramic ridge views, making it a favorite for those seeking a scenic short hike.
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Reed Lakes Trail – A challenging 8.6-mile round-trip hike featuring turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls, and towering peaks. The trail conditions include boulder fields and steep climbs, but the scenery makes it worth it.
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Gold Mint Trail – A 16-mile round-trip that follows the Little Susitna River through a valley surrounded by granite spires. The trail leads to the Mint Hut, a public-use cabin near Mint Glacier, offering a stunning backcountry experience.
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Gold Cord Lake Trail – The trail consists of a quick 1.6-mile out-and-back hike starting near Independence Mine State Historical Park. The trail climbs 580 feet through scenic terrain, and hikers will pass by the old mining cabins before reaching the crystal-clear lake.
Pro Tip: Weather in Hatcher Pass can change quickly, and some trails have snow into summer. Before heading out, make sure to check weather conditions, pack layers, and wear sturdy footwear, especially for hikes like Reed Lakes, where trail conditions can make footing tricky.
4) Hiking In Alaska – Trails Through The Wild Frontier
Thompson Pass, located in the Chugach Mountains, is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking alpine destinations. The high-elevation pass offers stunning views, diverse terrain, and access to great hiking trails.
Whether you are in the mood for a scenic trek or a rugged backcountry escape, Thompson Pass delivers an unforgettable experience:
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Thompson Pass Trail – This moderate 2.7-mile loop trail offers stunning alpine views and rugged terrain. While the trail is not clearly marked, hikers can follow natural paths to reach the scenic vantage points.
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Worthington Glacier Ridge Hike – A challenging route that takes hikers close to Worthington Glacier, offering beautiful views of the peaks. Expect steep climbs and rocky terrain, so this trail is best suited for experienced hikers.
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Keystone Canyon Pack Trail – A historic trail that follows the old gold rush route through forests and past waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. It is a moderate hike with incredible scenery.
Pro Tip: Thompson Pass is known for quick weather changes and strong winds. Make sure to pack wind-resistant gear and extra layers.
5) Hiking In Denali National Park
Denali National Park is home to some of the best landscape features, including towering peaks, vast tundra, and a network of trails. Whether you are looking for a short scenic walk or a demanding alpine ascent, the national park offers unforgettable hiking experiences for every skill level:
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Savage Alpine Trail – A strenuous 4-mile point-to-point hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, connecting the Savage River area to Mountain Vista. This trail climbs into the alpine tundra, offering sweeping views of Denali on clear days.
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Savage River Loop Trail – A moderate 2-mile loop following the Savage River, with views of the valley and surrounding peaks. It’s a great option for a shorter, more accessible hike.
Pro Tip: Unlike many national parks, Denali allows off-trail hiking, meaning you can explore beyond marked paths. If you venture off-trail, bring a map and compass, bear spray, and be aware of weather changes. Also, the tundra can be deceiving, and distances can appear shorter than they are.
6) Hiking The Kenai Peninsula – Trails Through Alaska’s Wild Heart
The Kenai Peninsula is home to towering mountains, lush forests, and glacial valleys, offering some of Alaska’s most incredible hiking experiences. Whether trekking through the Chugach National Forest, exploring hidden alpine lakes, or following one of the many trails that weave through rushing rivers and coastal landscapes, the Kenai Peninsula delivers an experience at every turn:
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Byron Glacier Trail – A moderate 1.4-mile out-and-back trail leading to Byron Glacier, where hikers can explore ice caves and the glacial terrain. The trail is accessible and family-friendly.
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Tonsina Creek Trail – A moderate 3.5-mile round-trip hike near Seward that winds through forests leading to a scenic beachfront at Tonsina Creek. It’s an excellent spot for watching salmon runs.
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Crow Pass Trail – A challenging 21-mile trek through the Chugach National Forest featuring glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and historic mining ruins. The trail includes a river crossing at Eagle River, making it a true backcountry adventure.
Fun Fact: The Kenai Peninsula is often called “Alaska’s Playground” because of its variety of outdoor activities. It is home to some of the best salmon fishing in the world, with the Kenai River holding the record for the largest king salmon ever caught, weighing a whopping 97.4 pounds.
7) Hiking Through Kenai Fjords National Park
Few places capture Alaska’s untamed spirit like Kenai Fjords National Park. The national park, with massive icefields, fjords, and wild animals, offers hikers a chance to experience the forces that have shaped the landscape for thousands of years.
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Harding Icefield Trail – A strenuous 8.2-mile round-trip hike with 3,198 feet of elevation gain, leading to breathtaking views of the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in the U.S. The trail starts at Exit Glacier and climbs through alpine meadows before reaching the icefield overlook.
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Exit Glacier Trails – These trails are easier and offer close-up views of Exit Glacier, the only part of the park accessible by road. The Glacier View Loop is a 1.1-mile easy trail, while the Overlook Trail extends to 2.2 miles, offering a panoramic view.
Fun Fact: Covering over 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield is one of the largest in the United States. However, due to climate change, the 40 glaciers that depend on the icefield are beginning to shrink.
Alaska’s Natural Beauty – One Hike At A Time
From glaciers to forests, Alaska has endless opportunities to get out and explore. Whether hiking across icefields, coastal trails, or discovering hidden gems, each hike reveals the wild beauty of the Last Frontier.
Ready to explore the wild beauty of Alaska? Let the friendly guides at Hoonah Travel Adventures lead you on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes. Book your tour today and start making memories that will last a lifetime!
