Things to do in Alaska, United States: The Best Outdoor Activities

August 5, 2021 Elouise Mccaul

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

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/yt/chilkoot/plan/activ1_a.aspx
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 53 reviews

Chilkoot Trail

A 33-mile portion of the Klondike Trail with spectacular scenery and relics from the gold rush era.

2. Seward Highway

Seward Highway, AK
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 168 reviews

Seward Highway

Reviewed By faithandhope2live - Coquitlam, Canada

Seward Highway stretches 127-miles from Anchorage to Seward. Last August my son drove the family from Anchorage to Seward. That was a treat, no matter which way you turn the scenery is just breathtaking. Along the highway there are bike paths, hiking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and scenic stops. We made a stop at McHugh Creek and Bird Point Park rest area. Both places were clean with lots of posters to help visitors to understand the area. We were glad we had the chance to enjoy these places. Happy Travelling!

3. Perseverance National Recreation Trail

Gold Creek Valley, Juneau, AK http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=78929&actid=50
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 116 reviews

Perseverance National Recreation Trail

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.

4. Steese Highway

Fairbanks, AK +1 907-773-1222
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

Steese Highway

Most of the scenic drives in the Fairbanks region start on this road, which twists through the White Mountains and allows access to mining sites, hot-springs resorts and recreational options.

Reviewed By katherinem13

We drove this highway a few times, just to see Alaska. Going up to Chena Hot Springs, we saw quite a bit of the highway. The sights are gorgeous. I recommend just going for a drive to see what the forests of Alaska look like in this area. And keep an eye out for Moose! They were all along the side of the highway, wading thru the snow or lying in a field resting!

5. James Dalton Highway

Fairbanks, AK https://www.alaska.org/guide/dalton-highway
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 172 reviews

James Dalton Highway

The only road through North Alaska, often hiked and camped beside.

Reviewed By TravelPagol - Tempe, United States

Away from all hustle and bustle of city life, and all controlling tour company ride, you could rent a car (which are permitted to drive on Dalton Highway) and take a drive. It is not very cheap option and at times feel not safe - when you face the haulers truck - driven at 70 miles with flying gravels. Once out of Fairbanks region, it felt like being with nature - with white all around - from 2 week old snowstorm and frozen River (even mighty Yukon). Drove all the way to Atigun Pass - after customary stop at - Yukon Camp - for refill /coffee (Bless the owner - who suggested that I should go beyond Coldfoot to Atigun Pass - it is so beautiful), - Arctic Circle Sign, and - Coldfoot (stayed their for the night - and enjoyed the Aurora) Landscape of Taiga and Tundra, with all white mountains - so beautiful, and I will remember this trip forever. I will probably go back once again - to drive all the way to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay - and my be in Fall.

6. Mount Roberts Trail

1/2 Mile From Cruise Ship Dock, Juneau, AK +1 888-461-8726 http://mountrobertstramway.com
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 567 reviews

Mount Roberts Trail

Hiking trail beginning in downtown Juneau that is great for novices.

Reviewed By Sharyl2014 - Wisconsin, United States

This was a challenging climb but worth the effort. A small gift shop and museum at top. Great views of the port below. Hikers are able to ride the Tram down for $10 (or spend $10 on gifts/food for a free ride down).

7. Alyeska Ski Area

1000 Arlberg Dr, Girdwood, Anchorage, AK 99587 +1 907-754-2285 http://www.alyeskaresort.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 363 reviews

Alyeska Ski Area

Popular winter recreation resort for skiers that features 2,000 vertical feet of skiing on 27 trails.

Reviewed By coric727 - Midland, United States

We had a great day on the mountain. Even though it was towards the end of the season the weather was beautiful and the snow held on. The resort staff was consistent with asking guests to wear masks in the buildings and in lift lines. There was a nice variety of runs with varying difficulty and terrain. We’d love to come back, the view was phenomenal and it was much easier for us, flat landers, to breathe at Alyeska’s lower altitude.

8. Haines Highway

Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Haines Highway

A scenic highway.

9. George Parks Highway

+1 907-733-2315
Excellent
74%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

George Parks Highway

A scenic highway.

Reviewed By GetLostinNature

Oh the many highways in Alaska. They are all so gorgeous and unique in their own way. This particular one holds my heard because it is the way to my favorite place in Alaska, Denali National Park. Make sure you stop off on Talkeetna Spur Road and walk around cute downtown Talkeetna on your way up to Denali on the George Parks Highway. Also, stop in at one of the campgrounds of Denali STATE park on the way as well to view Denali from a different angle. I prefer the North View Campground myself. As with all the roads in Alaska you will experience some bumps from the frost heaves in the road from permafrost thawing and refreezing under the surface, but all in all the roads are pretty good considering. Alaska is very easy to navigate. The views along the road are beautiful and I saw more moose along this road than any other highway in Alaska, once you get closer to Healy.

10. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

entrance at W 2nd Ave, Anchorage, AK +1 907-279-5293 http://anchoragecoastaltrail.com
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,797 reviews

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Popular biking trail along the coast.

Reviewed By colinun - Anchorage, United States

If you have a free day in Anchorage, or just want to explore at your own pace, do yourself a favor, and rent a bike downtown and hit the trail. The trail winds along the coast line as you head towards the airport. You will pass Westchester lagoon, a great place for bird watching, as you leave downtown, and pedal through Earthquake Park. If you go up the hill from the park, at the top you will be rewarded by tremendous panoramic views, and a great spot to watch the airplanes takeoff and land. Further down the trail is Point Woronzof Beach and the Kincaid Park. Along the way be on the lookout for some of Alaska's famous residents, bears and especially moose!

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