Alaska is a land of superlatives—endless wilderness, towering mountains, and remote landscapes that defy easy description. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best possible way. Whether you’re someone who seeks adventure or simply enjoys the peace of nature, Alaska has something unique to offer. I remember feeling overwhelmed when I first started planning my trip, not knowing where to begin. But through careful exploration, I discovered the key destinations that make Alaska such a must-visit. Below, I’ll walk you through my experience and offer practical insights to help you make the most of your own journey.
Anchorage: A Gateway to Alaska’s Wilderness
Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, serves as the main entry point for many visitors. It’s a place that combines urban life with access to nature, and it was my base for exploring the more remote regions. Anchorage is far from a typical city—surrounded by mountains and water, it offers the best of both worlds: city amenities and outdoor activities.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
One of the first things I did in Anchorage was walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The trail spans 11 miles, but even a shorter walk will give you breathtaking views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and, if you’re lucky, some local wildlife. I spotted moose on my walk, an unexpected yet thrilling encounter. The trail is popular with bikers, runners, and walkers, and I found it a great way to get acquainted with Alaska’s natural beauty without venturing too far from the city.
Anchorage Museum
To better understand the place I was visiting, I stopped by the Anchorage Museum. The exhibits here cover everything from native Alaskan culture to modern art and the environment. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the land, the people who’ve called it home for thousands of years, and the challenges Alaska faces today. The museum is well-organized, and I spent several hours exploring its different wings. It’s a must for those who want a well-rounded view of Alaska before diving into the wilderness.
Denali National Park: Alaska’s Crown Jewel
Denali National Park was at the top of my list, and it did not disappoint. The park, home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, offers vast wilderness, wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Getting to the park involves a four-hour drive from Anchorage, but it’s worth every minute.
Denali Visitor Center
Upon arriving, I first went to the Denali Visitor Center. It’s an essential stop for first-time visitors. Here, I gathered maps, asked questions, and learned about the park’s history and ecosystem. The rangers are knowledgeable and can help with advice on which trails to explore based on your fitness level and time.
Wildlife in Denali
Denali is famous for its wildlife, and I made sure to join one of the bus tours through the park. The only road that traverses Denali is mostly restricted to park buses, and this tour offered opportunities to spot grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat was a highlight of my trip. The rangers onboard also provide commentary, helping to point out wildlife and offering information on the park’s ecosystem.
Hiking in Denali
For those who prefer a more active approach, there are several hiking trails near the park’s entrance. I chose the Horseshoe Lake Trail, a moderate hike with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail isn’t overly crowded, and I enjoyed the solitude, with the sound of the wind and occasional birds as my only companions.
Fairbanks: The Northern Lights and Midnight Sun
After Denali, I traveled north to Fairbanks, a city known for its extremes—endless daylight in summer and the dazzling northern lights in winter. Fairbanks offers a different perspective on Alaska, one that’s more focused on the state’s interior and its unique climate.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
If you visit Alaska between late September and April, you’ll have a chance to see the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to see this phenomenon. I booked a guided tour that took us away from the city lights to a remote lodge. The night was clear, and I was fortunate to see the sky light up in waves of green, purple, and blue. Watching the northern lights felt surreal, as if I were witnessing something otherworldly.
Chena Hot Springs
Just outside Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs offers a relaxing retreat after a long day of exploring. The hot springs are known for their healing properties, and soaking in the warm water while surrounded by snow-capped mountains was an experience I won’t soon forget. The resort also has an ice museum that’s open year-round, where you can see ice sculptures and even have a drink in an ice glass at the ice bar.
Fairbanks Ice Museum
Speaking of ice, the Fairbanks Ice Museum is another must-see. It showcases intricate ice sculptures and highlights the art and culture surrounding ice carving. I didn’t realize how big of a deal ice carving was in Fairbanks until I visited, and seeing the skill and artistry involved was impressive.
Seward: Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward, a small town on Alaska’s southern coast, is the entry point to Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward’s charm lies in its proximity to glaciers, wildlife, and the ocean. The drive from Anchorage to Seward along the Seward Highway is an adventure in itself, with views of Turnagain Arm and snow-capped peaks that make the journey feel shorter than it is.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is famous for its glaciers, and one of the best ways to see them is by taking a boat tour. I opted for a day cruise, which took me along the coastline to see towering glaciers calving into the ocean. The sound of ice breaking off and crashing into the water echoed across the fjord—it’s an unforgettable sight. The tour also included wildlife viewing, and we saw sea otters, puffins, and even humpback whales breaching in the distance.
Exit Glacier
For a closer look at a glacier, I hiked the Exit Glacier trail. The trail leads right up to the edge of the glacier, and there are signs along the way showing where the glacier’s edge used to be. It’s a sobering reminder of how much glaciers have receded due to climate change. Walking up to Exit Glacier was one of the more accessible hikes I did, but it still offered incredible views of the ice and surrounding mountains.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Back in Seward, I visited the Alaska SeaLife Center, which focuses on marine research and rehabilitation. It’s a small facility, but I found it fascinating to learn about the marine life native to Alaska’s waters. The touch tanks allow visitors to interact with starfish and sea anemones, and there are exhibits on seals, sea lions, and other creatures of the deep. It’s a good way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you’re interested in marine biology.
Juneau: Alaska’s Remote Capital
Juneau, the state capital, is unique in that it’s only accessible by plane or boat. Despite its isolation, Juneau offers plenty to do, and I found its mix of history, nature, and adventure intriguing. The town has a quaint feel, with colorful buildings set against a backdrop of towering mountains.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is just outside Juneau and is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Alaska. I took the short walk to Nugget Falls, which gives you an up-close view of the glacier and the waterfall. There’s also a visitor center where you can learn about the glacier’s history and the surrounding ecosystem. Mendenhall is one of the most photographed spots in Alaska, and it’s easy to see why.
Whale Watching
Juneau is also a prime location for whale watching, especially during the summer months. I joined a tour that took us out into the calm waters of Auke Bay, where we spotted humpback whales breaching and diving. There’s something humbling about seeing these massive creatures up close. The boat’s captain shared knowledge about the whales’ migration patterns and behaviors, which added depth to the experience.
Mount Roberts Tramway
For a bird’s-eye view of Juneau, I took the Mount Roberts Tramway. The tram climbs 1,800 feet to the top of Mount Roberts, where there are hiking trails and a visitor center. The view from the top is breathtaking—you can see the town of Juneau, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean stretching out into the distance. It’s an easy way to get a sense of the vastness of Alaska’s landscape.
Glacier Bay National Park: A World of Ice and Water
Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska’s most remote and stunning destinations. Accessible by boat or plane from Juneau, the park is known for its glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife. I found the experience of visiting Glacier Bay humbling—it’s a place where nature is clearly in control.
Glacier Bay Cruises
I joined a cruise through Glacier Bay, and the sight of towering glaciers and icebergs floating in the water was mesmerizing. The boat navigates through narrow fjords, and the sheer size of the glaciers is hard to grasp until you’re right in front of them. Calving glaciers, where huge chunks of ice break off and fall into the ocean, are common sights, and the sound is thunderous.
Kayaking in Glacier Bay
For a more intimate experience, I opted for a guided kayaking tour in one of the park’s quieter areas. Paddling through the still waters, with glaciers on one side and forested mountains on the other, was an experience I won’t forget. The tour guide pointed out seals and birds, and the silence of the wilderness was broken only by the occasional splash of a paddle or the call of an eagle.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Untamed Wilderness
Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the U.S., and it’s also one of the least visited, making it perfect for those seeking solitude. The park’s vastness is hard to describe, and exploring it gave me a true sense of Alaska’s wild, untamed nature.
McCarthy and Kennicott
The small towns of McCarthy and Kennicott are the main entry points to Wrangell-St. Elias. McCarthy feels like a frontier town, with its gravel streets and wooden buildings. From here, I took a short drive to Kennicott, a ghost town and former mining camp. The abandoned buildings of the old copper mine stand in stark contrast to the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It’s a fascinating look at Alaska’s history and a reminder of the challenges of living in such a remote place.
Root Glacier Hike
While in Kennicott, I hiked the Root Glacier Trail, one of the few ways to experience a glacier up close in Wrangell-St. Elias. The hike takes you right onto the glacier, and I joined a guided tour to ensure I stayed safe. Walking on the glacier felt surreal, with the sound of ice cracking beneath my feet and the sight of deep blue crevasses around me. It’s a physically demanding hike, but the experience of walking on ice that’s thousands of years old is worth the effort.
Conclusion
Alaska is a state like no other. Its sheer size and remote beauty make it an unforgettable destination for those willing to embrace its wild side. From the bustling city of Anchorage to the glaciers of Kenai Fjords and the remote wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska offers a diversity of experiences that’s hard to match. Every corner of the state has something unique to offer, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection to nature. My journey through Alaska was one of constant discovery, and I left with a newfound respect for this incredible part of the world.
