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The 5 Best Hikes in Alaska

The 5 Best Hikes in Alaska
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.

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.
After the Hike: Buckets Sports Grill

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.
After the Hike: Chair 5 Restaurant

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.
After the HikeJalapenos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

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.
After the HikeSea Bean Cafe

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.
After the Hike: Kingfisher Roadhouse
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.