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Hiking Alaska

Hiking in Alaska

Hiking in Alaska

We might be biased, but there’s no better place to hike than Alaska. From paved nature paths to singletrack trails through the forest to ridgeline hikes in the mountains — Alaska has a trail for everyone. With the state’s vast network trails, it may feel overwhelming to plan your perfect Alaska hiking trip — but don’t fret. No matter where you go, you’ll find countless ways to explore Alaska’s wide open spaces and incredible backcountry on foot.  

Alaska’s sprawling parks and public lands are a great place to start when planning your Alaska hiking trip. When you’ve decided where in the state you’d like to go, find the parks and public lands in that region to learn about some of the best hiking trails in Alaska. If you’re not able to get too far off the beaten track, many communities have their own trail systems that weave along coastlines, through the forest, and even to mountain summits — leaving right from town. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife no matter where you are. Moose, bears, eagles, and other wildlife can be spotted on both urban and backcountry trails.

Best Hikes in Alaska

If you’re looking for the best hikes in Alaska, you’ll find the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for new ways to enjoy the outdoors, Alaska has everything to offer adventurers of all skill levels! From glacier hikes to lush forest trails, peaks, and waterfalls, hiking is one of the best ways to experience the splendor of Alaska. Be sure to bring layers, water, proper climbing gear, bear spray, and bug spray whenever hitting the trails.

While we can’t even scratch the surface to recommend the best hikes in Alaska, here are some of the best hikes Alaska has to offer:

Inside Passage Alaska Hiking Trails

HAINES: BATTERY POINT TRAIl

3.7 miles roundtrip, Easy
This unpaved trail starts at the end of Beach Road and takes you through rainforest to a pebble beach and views of Lynn Canal. Bring binoculars to look for marine life and shorebirds.

JUNEAU: PERSEVERANCE NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIl

4.6 miles roundtrip, Easy to Moderate
This old mining trail starts near downtown Juneau, leading through temperate rainforest to waterfall and river views. Perseverance Trail’s moderate elevation gain makes it easy to moderate for most hikers. Side trails leading from the main Perseverance Trail range from moderate to difficult.

KETCHIKAN: DEER MOUNTAIN traiL

5 miles roundtrip, Moderate to Difficult
The partly gravel Deer Mountain Trail starts approximately 1 mile from town (up the steep Ketchikan Lakes Road) and moves through muskeg and temperate old growth rainforest to the summit of Deer Mountain. The trail is initially steep but rewards with spectacular views of the Tongass Narrows. An A-frame shelter is available to rent for overnight use. This trail connects to a longer track leading to Blue Lake and Lower Silvis Lake, approximately 10 miles one way from the Deer Mountain trailhead.

WRANGELL: PETROGLYPH BEACH STATE HISTORIC PARk

Less than 1 mile roundtrip, Easy
Located approximately 1 mile from the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal, this boardwalk trail takes you to more than 40 rock carvings, the highest concentration of petroglyphs in the Inside Passage. The carvings, some more than 8,000 years old, are best viewed at low tide.

Petroglyph Beach hike in Wrangell Alaska
Photo Credit: @dan_in_real_life_photography

SITKA: SITKA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK TOTEM TRAIl

1.3 miles roundtrip, Easy
This gravel loop trail starts at the Sitka National Historical Park visitor center and takes you past 18 totems created by Alaska Native carvers and to the Indian River — site of an 1804 battle between the local Tlingit people and Russian colonists, which ultimately led to Sitka becoming the capitol of Russian North America.

Sitka National Historic Park Totem Trail

Southcentral Alaska Hiking Trails

ANCHORAGE: TONY KNOWLES COASTAL TRAIl

Up to 11 miles one way, Easy
This paved multi-use trail connecting downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park weaves its way along the waters of Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet, with sweeping views of Mt. Susitna (also known as Sleeping Lady) and the peaks of the Alaska Range. Take a leisurely walk from Elderberry Park (off 5th Avenue) to see the birds at Westchester Lagoon for an easy there-and-back evening walk or rent a bike to ride the full 11 miles to Kincaid Park.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Chris Arend

ANCHORAGE: Flattop Mountain

3.4 miles round-trip, Moderate
A local favorite and one of the most popular hikes in the Anchorage area, this 3.4 mile loop trail is great for both hiking and running and boasts amazing views overlooking Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and surrounding mountains. The trail is short but challenging with sections of steep and rocky terrain, with wooden stairs at several sections of the trail. A short section of trail right below the summit requires some minor rock scrambling and the route is marked by dots on the rock. If you're not feeling up for the challenge, the Blueberry Loop Trail and Powerline Pass Trail are easy hikes and start at the same parking lot as the Flattop Trail.

Flattop Trail in Anchorage
Photo Credit: @joshwameeloh

NEAR COOPER LANDING: KENAI RIVER TRAIl

10 miles roundtrip, Easy to Moderate
This unpaved, maintained trail — accessed from Skilak Lake Road — offers stunning views of the Kenai River’s vivid blue water and the Kenai River Canyon. In spring, wildflowers abound, and the trail weaves its way through alder forests. Be aware of bears and make plenty of noise as you hike, especially when the salmon are spawning in July and August.

CORDOVA: PIPELINE/MCKINLEY TRAIl

4.2 miles roundtrip, Easy
These two trails, taken individually or together, offer impressive views of the Chugach Mountains, along with access to two public use cabins and the Lucky Strike gold mine interpretive site. The mostly boardwalk Pipeline Trail was once a water pipeline route to supply locomotives on the CR&NW railway. The trailhead is located 20 miles “out the road” from downtown Cordova.

DENALI STATE PARK: K’ESUGI RIDGE TRAIl

27.5 miles one way, Moderate to Difficult
Located south of Denali National Park in Denali State Park, this trail provides amazing views of the Alaska and Talkeetna Mountain ranges, providing spectacular views of glaciers, wild river valleys, and soaring Alaska Range peaks — including Denali. Plan 3 to 4 days to do the full backpacking trek or embark on an out and back day trip from one of the several trailheads along the route.

Kesugi Ridge Trail in Alaska
Photo Credit: mtnmichelle, istockphoto.com

GIRDWOOD: WINNER CREEK TRAIl

6 miles roundtrip, Easy to Moderate
Easily accessible from the Alyeska Resort, this trail — a mix of boardwalk, gravel, and dirt trail — takes you through the most northernly portion of Alaska’s temperate rainforest. Look for wildflowers in the spring and blueberries in the fall. Enjoy beautiful views of the rushing waters of Winner Creek.

Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Michael DeYoung

HATCHER PASS: REED LAKES TRAIl

8.7 miles roundtrip, Difficult
This route takes you into one of Alaska’s most beautiful — and accessible — alpine valleys. While the initial section of this trail is maintained, the majority of the Reed Lakes Trail can be rugged, including large boulder fields, before reaching Lower Reed Lake. Stop there for a picnic lunch or overnight camp before continuing to Upper Reed Lake surrounded by the rugged Talkeetna Mountains.

Reed Lakes Trail in Alaska

KENNICOTT/MCCARTHY: ROOT GLACIER TRAIl

4 miles roundtrip, Easy
Starting from the historic mining town of Kennecott in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, take the relatively level trail along the edge of the broad Root Glacier or continue on another 2 miles to the Erie Mine tram cables.

Root Glacier Trail in Kenicott Alaska
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Ben Prescott

PORTAGE VALLEY: TRAIL OF BLUE ICe

Up to 10 miles roundtrip, Easy
This multi-use, paved trail wanders along the floor of Portage Valley and connects multiple campgrounds. Look for salmon at the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform and keep an eye out for black bears on the steep mountainsides above. Be sure to stop by the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center for information about the area’s natural history and to see bits of ice calved off from Portage Glacier on Portage Lake.

SEWARD: HARDING ICEFIELD TRAIl

8.2 miles roundtrip, Difficult
Starting from Exit River Valley in Kenai Fjords National Park, this challenging trail takes you from cottonwood forests to the edge of the 700 square mile Harding Icefield. Plan extra time for this trail, which gains more than 3,000 feet over 4 miles, leading to an otherworldly moraine landscape overlooking the massive Harding Icefield. Trekkers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Harding Icefield Trail in Seward

SEWARD: EXIT GLAICER OVERLOOK TRAIl

2.2 miles roundtrip, Easy
This 2.2 mile loop trail in Kenai Fjords National Park takes just under an hour to complete and is a relatively easy hike. You’ll be able to witness a “living laboratory” (as the glacier landscape is known among scientists) up close, witnessing glacier health first-hand along the trail. This trail offers many informational signs along the way so you can enjoy learning about the environment as you hike and ends with stunning up-close views of the terminus of Exit Glacier. Note that road closures are seasonal and dogs are not allowed.

Exit Glacier Trail in Seward

WHITTIER: PORTAGE PASS TRAIl

4 miles roundtrip, Moderate
This short but scenic trail leads over a low pass and features stunning views of Portage Glacier and Passage Canal. The Portage Pass trail was traditionally used by Alaska Native peoples to travel from Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm to Prince William Sound. The trail has some moderate uphill sections. This moderate 4.2 mile out-and-back trail takes about 3 hours to complete and is certainly worth the effort. It’s a popular site not just for hiking but for birding and backpacking, so you’ll be sure to meet fellow adventurers on the trail. Enjoy this trail March through October.

Portage Pass Trail in Whittier
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Michael DeYoung

HOMER: GLACIER LAKE TRAIl

6.4 miles roundtrip, Moderate
This out-and-back trail is a favorite in Kachemak Bay State Park and takes about four hours to complete. It’s best visited from May through September, and is a great place for backpacking, running, and hiking. A relatively flat trail leads through the forest to the beautiful iceberg-filled Grewingk Glacier Lake, located at the terminus of Grewingk Glacier. To get to the trailhead you have to take a water taxi from Homer, and while it may take a little more work to get here - the journey is all part of the adventure! 

Glacier Lake Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park

PALMER: PIONEER PEAk

13.6 miles round trip, Difficult
This trail is certainly an adventurous one! The incline is steep with a 6,637 foot elevation gain on this 13.6 mile, out-and-back trail. It takes nearly 11 hours to complete – so be sure to prepare accordingly! Views are spectacular along the way and the peak offers unparalleled views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. It’s best hiked June through September and is a quiet trail, without many people.

PALMER: LAZY MOUNTAIN TRAIl

5.6 miles roundtrip, Moderate
Among the most popular in the Matanuska-Susitna area, this 5.6 mile loop trail is challenging but certainly worth exploring if you’re looking for an adventurous and rewarding hike. There are many hikers and runners along the trail and the view is a spectacular reward! Due to harsh winter conditions on the trail, it’s best visited May through September. 

MATANUSKA GLACIer

1.6 miles, Easy
Located near Sutton, Alaska, this unique valley glacier trail is on private land and costs around $100-$150 per person to hike. However, the guided hike is well worth the price and includes all of the glacier hiking hear that you'll need to safely traverse the ice. The 1.6 mile trail runs on the Matanuska Glacier and typically takes two hours to complete, with plenty of time to capture amazing photos on the glacier's undulating terrain. The incredible glaciated landscape allows hikers to get up close and personal with glacier ice and experience the majesty of the landscape. Of all the hiking in Alaska, this is certainly an experience you don’t want to miss.

Hiking on Matanuska Glacier

Interior Alaska Hiking Trails

CENTRAL: PINNELL MOUNTAIN TRAIl

27 miles one way, Difficult
Take a hike under the midnight sun along the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, stretching between Eagle Summit (Steese Highway MP 107) to Twelvemile Summit (Steese Highway MP 85.5). This primitive trail is entirely above timberline with areas of extremely steep grade. Rock cairns mark your way along open tundra, and the trail provides sweeping views of the Yukon River and Alaska Range.

CHENA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA: Angel Rocks Trail

3.6 miles roundtrip, Easy to Moderate
Among the many hikes in the Fairbanks area, Angel Rocks Loop Trail is one of the most popular. The 3.6 mile trail takes on average 2 hours to complete and is located 6.5 miles from Chena Hot Springs in the Chena River State Recreation Area. It’s a popular trail year round as a great snowshoeing option in winter. Views include lakes, rivers, spruce and birch trees, rock outcroppings, and panoramic views of alpine tundra and the  surrounding mountains that are sure to take your breath away! 

Angel Rocks Trail near Fairbanks

CHENA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA: Granite tors trail

15 miles roundtrip (optional 2-mile loop), Moderate to Difficult
This unpaved loop trail, located in the Chena River State Recreation Area, takes you past granite pinnacles — called tors — to views of the Alaska Range and Chena River Valley. The public use Granite Tors Trail Shelter (approximate midway point of the longer loop trail) is available to backpackers on a first-come, first-served basis.

DELTA JUNCTION: QUARTZ LAKE LOOP TRAIl

1.8 miles roundtrip, Easy
This unpaved trail, located in the Quartz Lake Recreation Area north of Delta Junction, takes you through birch and spruce forests to Quartz and Lost Lakes. Boat launches and campsites are available, and Quartz Lake — stocked with rainbow trout and coho salmon — is a great family fishing spot.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK: SAVAGE RIVER LOOP TRAIl

1.9 miles roundtrip, Easy
This easy gravel loop trail, at Mile 15 of the Denali Park Road, meanders along Savage River with very little elevation gain. Look for wildlife and wildflowers. The parking lot is the last point for private vehicle access along the Park Road.

Savage River Loop Trail in Denali National Park Alaska
Photo Credit: jtstewartphoto, istockphoto.com

DENALI NATIONAL PARK: HORSESHOE LAKE TRAIl

2.1 miles, Easy
A beautiful hike that won’t take too much effort, this 2.1 mile loop trail takes just about an hour to complete and leads to views of Horseshoe Lake and the Nenana River. It welcomes hikers, backpackers, birding enthusiasts, and runners alike, so it’s a great option for those looking to get in some steps near the entrance to Denali National Park. It can be enjoyed year round, but take precautions during the winter.

Horseshoe Lake Train in Denali National Park

FAIRBANKS: CHENA RIVERWALk

3.5 miles one way, Easy
This paved pathway runs along the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, connecting the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center and the historically themed Pioneer Park recreation area. Watch canoes and kayaks paddle by in the summer, or cross-country skiers in winter.

Chena River Walk in Fairbanks
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Michael DeYoung

FAIRBANKSCREAMERS FIEld

Varies, Easy
You’ll have multiple trail options at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, all leading from the Farmhouse Visitor’s Center — a historic dairy farm. Wander along the boreal forest trail or along the platforms of the seasonal wetlands trail. The highlight of any trail is the wildlife — look for moose and birds, especially the sandhill cranes. In winter, glide along on cross-country skis.

Creamers Field in Fairbanks
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Michael DeYoung

NORTH OF FAIRBANKS: SUMMIT TRAIl

20 miles one way, Moderate
There are two access points to the unpaved Summit Trail — one from Milepost 28 of the Elliott Highway and one off of Nome Creek Road — both in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Hike straight through or just a portion of the trail for panoramic views of the White Mountains. Highlights include Wickersham Dome, approximately 3.5 miles from the Elliott Highway trailhead. The Summit Trail Shelter, approximately 8 miles from the Elliott Highway trailhead, can be rented through the Bureau of Land Management.

Southwest Alaska Hiking Trails

KATMAI NATIONAL PARK: DUMPLING MOUNTAIN TRAIl

3 miles roundtrip, Moderate to Difficult
Hike through boreal forest and alpine tundra for 360-degree views of Brooks River, Naknek Lake, and Katmai National Park. The trail starts from the Brooks Camp Campground and leads to the overlook, although you can continue another 2.5 miles to the summit of Dumpling Mountain. Take in views of boreal forest and alpine tundra.

KODIAK: TERMINATION POINT TRAIl

6.3 miles roundtrip, Moderate
Termination Point Trail, at the end of the Kodiak road system, offers sweeping scenic views. This loop trail offers a chance to enjoy spruce forest, rocky coastline, and beach access all in one hike. Panoramic views mixed with a possible bird and whale-viewing make it a spectacular experience. The trail closely follows the coastline, then heads inland where you can enjoy small lakes and wildflower meadows. The elevation change is kept to a minimum but the trail does include a lot of moderate ups and downs as you traverse the varied landscape.

KODIAK: PYRAMID MOUNTAIn

5 miles roundtrip, Difficult
The Pyramid Mountain trail is a quick ascent through thick salmonberry bushes. As the habitat zones change, the low-lying vegetation features a beautiful array of wildflowers in spring and summer. Before you reach the 2400’ peak, you’ll negotiate an extremely steep section before reaching the peak. Once you do make it to the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Kodiak — you may even see some Kodiak brown bears or mountain goats!

Pyramid Mountain in Kodiak
Photo Credit: Travel Alaska, Michael DeYoung

KODIAK: FORT ABERCROMBIE STATE HISTORICAL PARK

Up to 5 miles, Easy
Ft. Abercrombie is one of the most popular hiking and sightseeing locations on Kodiak Island. The northern temperate rainforest within the park is dominated by Sitka spruce (Alaska's State Tree), which can grow over 200 feet tall. Beneath these giants, a trail system and shade-tolerant understory is a profusion of moss, lichen, and wild berry species. Look for red fox, songbirds, bald eagles and — occasionally — Kodiak brown bear along the lush forest trails. Explore World War II-era bunkers along the cliffs and scan for whales and other marine life from panoramic ocean views.

Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park in Kodiak
Photo Credit: @alaskalexi

PORT ALSWORTH / LAKE CLARK NATIONAL PARK: TANALIAN FALLS TRAIl

5 miles roundtrip, Moderate
Plan for some elevation gain as the trail leads upward, but the reward are stunning views of Tanalian Falls — created by an ancient lava flow — and the wilderness of Lake Clark. Bring a fly rod and try your hand at flyfishing at the base of the falls or wander through birch forests and listen for birds. Stop at the falls or continue another .5 miles to vivid blue waters of Kontrashibuna Lake.

Tanalian Falls Trail in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Photo Credit: Alexei Perelygin, istockphoto.com

UNALASKA: MT. BALLYHOo

3 miles roundtrip, Moderate to Difficult
This trail leads to the tallest peak on Amaknak Island, home of Dutch Harbor. There are two trailheads but few markers as there are no trees to obscure stunning views of the port and surrounding coastal landscapes on a clear day. You may also see the remnants of World War II-era fortifications near the base of the mountain. The trail is on private property and a recreational land use permit is required.

Mount Ballyhoo Hike in Dutch Harbor

Arctic Alaska Hiking Trails

MP 98 Dalton Highway (near Livengood): Finger mountain wayside

Less than 1 mile roundtrip, Easy
It wouldn’t seem like a 40-foot rock outcropping should be a mountain, but in the vast tundra landscape, this granite tor provides a highly visible landmark. Hike the short loop trail for views of the Trans Alaska Pipeline and read informative signs about area habitat and wildlife

NOME: TOM’S TRAIl

6 miles roundtrip, Easy
This hike along a multi-use trail starts at Milepost 7.5 of the Nome-Teller Highway and ends at a historic mining claim and cabin. Look for wildlife and birds, as well as stunning fall colors across the tundra later in the summer.

NOME: WINDMILL LOOp

9.5 miles roundtrip, Easy
There are more than 2,000 species of wildflowers growing on the Seward Peninsula between June and August. You’ll find lots on this loop trail, as well as spectacular views of Nome and the Bering Sea from Windmill Rock.

Iditarod National Historic Trail

And finally, one of the most famous trails of them all — the Iditarod Trail. Stretching across Southcentral and Interior Alaska, the Iditarod National Historic Trail is the only winter trail in the National Trails System and the only Congressionally designated National Historic Trail in Alaska. With more than 2,400 miles of primary and connecting trails between Seward and Nome, there's lots to explore, summer or winter!

Crow Pass Trail in Alaska
Views on the Crow Pass Trail, part of the Iditarod National Historic Trail

    Want to explore more hiking? Check out the best waterfall hikes in Alaska and learn about Guided Hiking & Camping Trips in Alaska.

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