Top Things to do in Alaska
Top Hotels in Alaska
- 1. Pike's Waterfront Lodge
- 2. The Hotel Captain Cook
- 3. Alyeska Resort
- 4. Hyatt Place Anchorage Midtown
- 5. The Lakefront Anchorage
- 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anchorage Airport
- 7. Land's End Resort
- 8. Driftwood Inn & Homer Seaside Lodges
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport
- 10. Best Western Grandma'S Feather Bed
Countries
Things to do in Alaska, United States: The Best Hiking Trails
Alaska is divided into five regions: far north, interior, southwest, south central, and inside passage. Although it takes a long time to see the entire state, you can travel through the regions by boat, car, bus, or plane. Hike through the mountains, or venture out on a deep sea fishing or whale watching excursion. Get in touch with nature by camping in the wilderness, or experience your preferred degree of class and luxury in the beautiful, active cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Restaurants in Alaska
1. Chilkoot Trail
2. Upper Dewey Lake
3. Herring Cove Trail
4. Harding Ice Field Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By DoverJungleboy - Dover, United States
I have hiked numerous trails and the Harding Ice Field trail is easily one of the top three trails I have ever hiked. I enjoyed this hike due to the distance, about ten miles round trip, and the climb up of about 4,000 feet. The hike starts out in a forest of trees, then turns to bushes and flowers, then some tundra, and then rocks and snow. So much variety in such a short time. And there are many great views of the Exit glacier, mountains and the valley below along the trail. Every morning at 9:00 am during the summer season there’s a ranger led hike to the Marmot Meadows which is about a mile and half and about a 1,000 feet up from the nature center. I joined this hike with Ranger Bill. He set a good pace, very friendly and was very informative. While at Marmot Meadows, we observed a black bear crossing the glacier. Glad I joined him as it gave me the confidence to proceed to the top. I’m in my early sixties and in reasonable shape. I was able to do the round trip in seven and a half hours. This time included several stops for taking videos, a few food and water breaks and about a half hour at the top. My Fitbit recorded about 30,000 steps for this trip. This because while climbing through rocks and snow, I took shorter steps. With me I took two bottles of water, some fruit and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Should have carried one more bottle of water and more food. The temperature at the bottom was a little cool but at the top it was cold and the wind had picked up. I did have a woolen cap, gloves and a rain jacket. All this helped me in not getting too cold. There was a very gentle rain off and on. The sun never came out. There’s a shelter close to the top. Strangely, the end of trail is not officially marked. But I understand that it ends at the overview of the Harding Ice Field. To go to the field itself, you have to hike down further. I hiked about half way down and then decided against going any further and turned around. At the top, I saw a mountain goat with a kid. And on the hike back, I also saw four adult goats and another kid. It was a wonderful day. This hike I would love to do again with some friends. I recommend it highly.
5. Perseverance National Recreation Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By GMLfromTexas - San Antonio, United States
Probably the most physically demanding trail we explored during our stay in Juneau. This is primarily because it is all uphill (mild to moderate grades) going in, but oddly enough the trip back seemed harder on the legs. Trail is in good shape although it is prone to rock slides, so there are patched segments (no difficulty with negotiating). More joggers than the other trails we were on in Juneau as it is apparently the "training run" for the more athletically inclined residents. Make sure you go to the falls.
6. Harbor Mountain Trail
7. Savage Alpine Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By ccsantos - Brookline, United States
Great views from the top and would recommend starting early if hot weather is predicted. (We were there in the middle of a heat wave.) We started from the Savage River after doing the loop trail and we were glad we did. Although steep, you get to the top fairly quickly (I wouldn't want to go down the way we went up) and then just have a leisurely walk along the gradual downhill back to Savage River Campground. The hikers we passed going in the opposite direction asked how much longer they had to go, and there's very little shade along that trail. Definitely a must-do!
8. Portage Pass Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By FiReTiTi - Portland, United States
This is a beautiful hike which becomes quickly steep. We had a good moment and went up to the glacier, where the view is beautiful.
9. Eagle River Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
This nature center offers hiking trails and guided walking tours.
Reviewed By TLS4243 - Marinette, United States
Although the Nature Center is closed due to COVID-19, we went here to do a self guided hike. We planned on doing the Albert Loop, but it was closed because the salmon spawning brought a large influx of bear. We chose to do another trail, the Dew Mound trail and spent an enjoyable 4 hours hiking. We liked that there were multiple trails that entwined and allowed us to add on to our journey, but cut back when we became fatigued. Beautiful setting nestled amongst the mountains.
10. Kincaid Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
This park offers 20 miles of cross-country skiing, hiking and bike trails.
Reviewed By GetLostinNature
We saw moose. There are TONS of great bike trails here. A paved one and tons of unpaved mountain bike trails.
