Alaska has many beautiful areas to hike and get close to nature. Which ones should you choose? It can be hard to decide when there are so many options, but there are a few hikes in the state that really are "must-see" opportunities. Here are five of the very best hikes Alaska has to offer.
The Kenai River Trail takes you around the Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing. This lake is famed for its lovely turquoise color, and you can get a close-up look at it. Take your camera and keep an eye out for the local wildlife, so you can capture some great moments from your adventure here.
Tips and Resources:
While these trails can be challenging, there's a lot to enjoy. The lower trail is mostly flat, with a tram to cross Winner Creek. You can load your bike and take it along. The upper trail is challenging and requires water crossing, so come prepared for that.
Tips and Resources:
At the top, you can see the river, the valley, and even the city of Anchorage. Serious hikers can also extend their trip by heading up Blacktail Rocks to Vista Peak for even more views and photography opportunities. The views of the valley are stunning.
Tips and Resources:
This trail starts in the forests and ends in the meadows, giving you a lot of different terrain to look at on your adventure. The elevation gain is 2,600 feet, providing hikers and cyclists with a great workout that's full of natural beauty.
Tips and Resources:
This trail is rated moderate by some and difficult by others. Parts of it can be challenging, especially in colder months, but the views on a clear day are well worth the climb. Bring your camera and make sure you consider hiking poles if you're going in the off-season when there may be mud and snow.
Tips and Resources:
There you have it: a great way to get a some ideas with our list of the best hikes in Alaska. When you want to get out in nature but you're not sure where to choose, these hikes can help you find a lovely place you can really appreciate. They all have something great to offer, and can really give you a feeling of being close to the natural world and all its amazing wonders.
1. KENAI RIVER TRAIL
The Kenai River Trail takes you around the Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing. This lake is famed for its lovely turquoise color, and you can get a close-up look at it. Take your camera and keep an eye out for the local wildlife, so you can capture some great moments from your adventure here.
TRAIL AT A GLANCE
| Hiking Distance | 10.1 Miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate for both length and terrain. |
| Length to Complete | 6 to 7 Hours |
| Trail Type | Out and back |
| Best Seasons to Visit | May through October |
| Dog Policies | Not allowed |
| Trail Map | Click Here for the Trail Map |
| Closest Town | Soldotna, Alaska |
| Things to See | The turquoise color of the lake, birds, bears, wildlife, flowers, trees. |
| Activities | Bird watching, photography opportunities, backpacking, running. |
| Recommended Gear | Trekking Poles, Backpack, Water Bottle/Hydration Pouch, Hiking Boots |
Tips and Resources:
- Bring your camera for the stunning views.
- Take bear spray, and be aware.
- Look for signs of bear and other wildlife activity.
2. WINNER CREEK
While these trails can be challenging, there's a lot to enjoy. The lower trail is mostly flat, with a tram to cross Winner Creek. You can load your bike and take it along. The upper trail is challenging and requires water crossing, so come prepared for that.
TRAIL AT A GLANCE
| Hiking Distance | 8 miles (lower trail), 18 miles (upper trail) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate (lower trail), Moderate to difficult (upper trail) |
| Length to Complete | 5 hours, approx. (lower trail), Full day (upper trail) |
| Trail Type | Out and back (both trails) |
| Best Seasons to Visit | January through October |
| Dog Policies | Yes, on a leash |
| Trail Map | Click Here for the Trail Map |
| Closest Town | Girdwood, Alaska (45 miles from Anchorage) |
| Things to See | Forest, views, wildlife, wild flowers, snow. |
| Activities | Walking, running, bird watching, wildlife spotting, tram, bicycling, wheelchair access to first portion of trail. |
| Recommended Gear | Trekking Poles, Backpack, Water Bottle/Hydration Pouch, Hiking Boots |
Tips and Resources:
- Be prepared to cross water.
- Bring your bike for the lower trail.
- Watch for bear and other wildlife on both upper and lower trails.
3. MOUNT BALDY
At the top, you can see the river, the valley, and even the city of Anchorage. Serious hikers can also extend their trip by heading up Blacktail Rocks to Vista Peak for even more views and photography opportunities. The views of the valley are stunning.
TRAIL AT A GLANCE
| Hiking Distance | 4.6 Miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length to Complete | 2 to 3 Hours |
| Trail Type | Loop (can be hiked as an out and back from either end) |
| Best Seasons to Visit | May through September |
| Dog Policies | Yes, on a leash |
| Trail Map | Click Here for the Trail Map |
| Closest Town | Eagle River, Alaska |
| Things to See | Wildflowers, wildlife, Eagle River Valley, forest, Anchorage, mountains. |
| Activities | Bird watching, running, walking, nature trips, photography. |
| Recommended Gear | Trekking Poles, Backpack, Water Bottle/Hydration Pouch, Hiking Boots |
Tips and Resources:
- The trail can be rocky, so be sure to watch your footing.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife.
- The trail is steeper when hiked from the right-hand side.
4. LOST LAKE TRAIL
This trail starts in the forests and ends in the meadows, giving you a lot of different terrain to look at on your adventure. The elevation gain is 2,600 feet, providing hikers and cyclists with a great workout that's full of natural beauty.
TRAIL AT A GLANCE
| Hiking Distance | 13.8 Miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length to Complete | Full day |
| Trail Type | Out and back |
| Best Seasons to Visit | May through September |
| Dog Policies | Yes, on a leash |
| Trail Map | Click Here for the Trail Map |
| Closest Town | Seward, Alaska |
| Things to See | Wildflowers, wildlife, waterfalls, rainforest, lake, meadows. |
| Activities | Running, walking, mountain biking, bird watching, skiing in the winter. |
| Recommended Gear | Trekking Poles, Backpack, Water Bottle/Hydration Pouch, Hiking Boots |
Tips and Resources:
- Bring provisions and gear for a full-day hike.
- Be ready for changing weather conditions due to elevation gain.
- Watch out for the local wildlife.
- This trail can get muddy at time, so be prepared.
5. SKYLINE TRAIL, STERLING HIGHWAY
This trail is rated moderate by some and difficult by others. Parts of it can be challenging, especially in colder months, but the views on a clear day are well worth the climb. Bring your camera and make sure you consider hiking poles if you're going in the off-season when there may be mud and snow.
TRAIL AT A GLANCE
| Hiking Distance | 4 Miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate to difficult |
| Length to Complete | 1 to 2 Hours |
| Trail Type | Out and back |
| Best Seasons to Visit | April through September |
| Dog Policies | Yes, on a leash |
| Trail Map | Click Here for the Trail Map |
| Closest Town | Cooper Landing, Alaska |
| Things to See | Wildflowers, wildlife, glimpses of Anchorage, forest, nature views. |
| Activities | Nature trips, photography. |
| Recommended Gear | Trekking Poles, Backpack, Water Bottle/Hydration Pouch, Hiking Boots |
Tips and Resources:
- Hiking poles can help make the adventure easier.
- Make sure you're prepared for mud and snow.
- Bring your bear spray.
- Be prepared for steep climbs and significant elevation gain.
There you have it: a great way to get a some ideas with our list of the best hikes in Alaska. When you want to get out in nature but you're not sure where to choose, these hikes can help you find a lovely place you can really appreciate. They all have something great to offer, and can really give you a feeling of being close to the natural world and all its amazing wonders.