Southcentral Region
Traditional lands of the Athabascan people, Southcentral Alaska is home to over half of the state's population. Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, is the starting point for most adventures in the region and seamlessly blends urban amenities with Alaska wilderness. Here, you’ll find world-class museums, plenty of lodging options, fantastic restaurants, and shopping, along with a over 100 miles of multi-use trails, easy access to Chugach State Park, and salmon fishing right downtown.
Southcentral is a playground of Alaska activities, from legendary salmon fishing on the Kenai River and Copper River Valley to hiking in the Chugach National Forest to whale watching in Kenai Fjords National Park. With mountains, lakes, tundra, and coastline, Southcentral offers the advantages of remote wilderness but is easily accessible by a network of highways. The majority of the 400-mile-long Alaska Railroad cuts through the region, starting in Seward and connecting to top destinations in Southcentral including Whittier, Girdwood, Anchorage, and Talkeetna.
The region is home to the largest national park in the United States - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, accessible through the gateway communities of Glennallen, Chitina, Copper Center, and McCarthy. This 13 million acre park is a haven for backcountry adventures and provides a fascinating glimpse into the state’s copper mining history.
Boaters and kayakers will revel in exploring the coves, bays, and glaciers of Prince William Sound from the coastal communities of Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova. The Mat-Su Valley is the center of the region’s agricultural activity and provides access to hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and the basecamp for Denali climbing and flightseeing trips from Talkeetna. Anglers in search of that trophy salmon or halibut will find plenty of opportunities for fishing in the Kenai Peninsula, along with camping, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in top destinations like Seward, Homer, and Kenai.
Map of Southcentral Alaska
Plan Your Trip
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge overlooks the Kenai River in Cooper Landing. Each bungalow-style room features a wood-burning stove, vaulted...
The Heritage RV Park is located right next to the Homer Spit’s salmon-stocked fishing lagoon. All sites include full hookups; 30/50 amp electric...
Glacier City Snowmobile Tours is Alaska’s longest running snowmobile guide service in the state! At Glacier City you will navigate your own...
Alaska Adventure Unlimited (AAU) provides summer guided Alaska land tours to individuals and groups of all ages and ability levels. Our 6-14 day...
Our Anchorage-based northern lights tours are designed to maximize fun and opportunity with the aurora borealis. They have been highlighted by...
Sunny Cove Kayaking offers half-day, full-day and multi-day adventures into Resurrection Bay, Fox Island, and Kenai Fjords National Park. Each...
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge features one of the most breathtaking views of Denali in the state and provides a true wilderness retreat...
Come explore the Talkeetna Mountains and try your luck gold panning with us! Operating on over 500,000 acres, Hatcher Pass ATV Tours is located...
Explore Prince William Sound from Valdez with the Local Experts! Our excursions share with travelers Columbia Glacier or Meares Glacier as well...
Experience unobstructed views of the Alaska wilderness from the comfort of a glass-domed railcar as you travel the historic Alaska Railroad route...
We offer guided paddling trips and classes in Palmer, an hour outside of Anchorage. We also rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and...
Join us for a day of fly-in bear viewing, safely observing grizzlies foraging sedge grass, salmon, and more (depending on the season) in remote...
See the Chugach Range from the air as your helicopter pilot takes you on an epic flying adventure. Experience exceptional, unobstructed views of...
Tal-Adventures Lodge was established back in the 1980s. The lodge is located in the remote Talachulitna ("Tal") River in Southcentral Alaska. If...
Overlooking the mouth of beautiful Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, the Homer Baycrest KOA has multiple types of RV sites. Our cabins have a kitchen...
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge sits on a bluff overlooking the Copper and Klutina rivers with spectacular views of the Wrangell-St. Elias...
Welcoming guests for almost 60 years, the small family-owned Pioneer Inn offers warm Alaskan hospitality. The property is located in downtown...
See the Chugach Range from the air as your helicopter pilot takes you on an epic flying adventure. Experience exceptional, unobstructed views of...
Experience remote, wild Alaska in the beautiful setting of Alaska's oldest recreation lodge, founded in 1937 and nestled in the heart of the...
Local Climate & Weather
For Alaska's day-to-day weather, it’s best to plan for a bit of everything. Learn more about weather in this area.
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