20 Beautiful Places in Alaska that Will Have You Chasing the Northern Lights

The 49th state of the United States, Alaska, is a land of extreme remote wilderness and immense natural beauty. With ice-blue calving glaciers, active snow-capped volcanoes, and the place to see some of the largest mammals on earth, Alaska is an unrivaled destination often referred to as the Last Frontier.

From the northern lights to the endless summer days, here’s a journey to 18 of the most beautiful places in Alaska that will leave you longing for an adventure in the great outdoors.

1. Denali National Park, Healy

One of the most famous spots in Alaska is Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). This summitable mountain stands at a jaw-dropping 20,310 feet. The park spans over six million acres, with grizzly bears, moose, and wolves roaming the wild here.

For the best views, hop on the park’s shuttle bus system to get around! Don’t miss the Savage River Loop Trail if you’re up for a hike. Wonder Lake has some killer photo ops, especially when the mountain’s reflection shimmers on the water.

And despite contrary beliefs that you have to come in the dead of winter, the northern lights may show off their colors starting in September.

2. Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus

Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 glaciers. This incredible park was created by glaciers retreating over the last few centuries. Today, some of those glaciers are still actively calving, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into the sea with a thunderous roar.

The Margerie Glacier is the main highlight here. You’ll always see humpback whales breaching and sea otters coming up for air. You can kayak around the bay or head to Bartlett Cove for some great hiking trails.

3. The Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is a scenic route for cruise ships or ferry boats between Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. It threads through a maze of fjords and islands sailing through the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Dense forests and towering glaciers flank this watery highway.

Hop on a ferry or cruise ship, and keep your camera ready for killer whale sightings. The town of Ketchikan is famous for its totem poles. Juneau, the state’s quirky capital, is a gateway to the Mendenhall Glacier.

4. Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward

Kenai Fjords National Park has 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield. You can hike, float, or paddle from Seward to get up close with these giants.

The Exit Glacier is one of the most accessible and has a fantastic hike up to the Harding Icefield Trail. You can kayak around Resurrection Bay for a close-up glacier view.

A boat tour will slalom around imposing fjords and playful sea otters. Aialik Bay is where you can spot humpback whales and orcas.

5. Hubbard Glacier, Yakutat Bay

Hubbard Glacier is one of Alaska’s largest tidewater glaciers, stretching over six miles wide at its face. This icy giant is still advancing, which is pretty rare these days.

If you’re lucky, you might witness some epic calving action, with giant ice chunks crashing into the sea. Cruise ships often get pretty close, so you can feel the chill without leaving your cozy deck.

Watch bald eagles hunting over Yakutat Bay, then learn about Tlingit culture in the nearby town of Yakutat. The bay is teeming with salmon if you’re into fishing.

6. The Chugach Mountains, Anchorage

The Chugach Mountains are Anchorage’s rugged backdrop. Flattop Mountain is a local favorite for a quick hike with killer city views. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail strolls along the coast. If you’re into wildlife, go visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

If you want to go skiing, Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is the place to hit the slopes. The mountains are also home to countless glaciers, like Portage Glacier.

7. Sitka Sound, Sitka

In the Tongass National Forest, Sitka Sound is dotted with islands to kayak around and walk among totem poles. I’ve also heard inklings of the region as being a hippie enclave.

Noteworthy sights are the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michael’s Cathedral, dating back to when Sitka was a bustling fur trading port. St. Lazaria Island is a birdwatcher’s dream, especially during puffin season. Whale-watching tours are a big hit here, with humpbacks breaching very often.

8. Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is the place to see bears, and Brooks Falls is the ultimate bear-watching hotspot. This park is home to over 2,000 brown bears, and they love to fish for salmon here. During Katmai’s peak salmon season, you’ll see dozens of bears in one day.

You can access the park by boat or plane and stay at Brooks Camp for an up-close bear experience. You might even spot a few playful cubs!

9. Totem Heritage Center, Ketchikan

Located in Ketchikan, the Totem Heritage Center has an impressive collection of original Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles. This place houses some of the state’s oldest and most well-preserved totem poles.

These towering works of art tell stories passed down through generations and are a significant part of Alaskan Native culture.

The Saxman Native Village is just a short drive away and offers even more totem poles. The center also has some fantastic exhibits on Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

10. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a behemoth, covering an area larger than Switzerland. It’s like the king of U.S. national parks. The park boasts nine of the sixteen tallest peaks in the country, including Mount St. Elias.

The McCarthy Road leads you to the quirky town of McCarthy, a gateway to the park. You can hike on the Root Glacier or take a flightseeing tour for an unforgettable view of the mountains and glaciers. Wrangell-St. Elias is also a paradise for rafters, with the mighty Copper River running through it.

11. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier is a massive, 13-mile-long glacier located just outside of Juneau. It’s easily accessible and offers plenty of hiking trails for all levels. The Nugget Falls Trail offers a close-up view of both the glacier and a dazzling waterfall, or you can choose the West Glacier Trail for a bigger challenge.

Kayaking around the glacier’s icebergs is a thrill. During summer, you might spot black bears fishing for salmon in Steep Creek.

12. Prince William Sound, Valdez

Prince William Sound has over 3,000 miles of coastline. The sound is a kayaker’s dream, with calm waters and stunning scenery. The town of Valdez is the perfect starting point.

You can find some of the most breathtaking glaciers in Alaska here, including Columbia Glacier and Meares Glacier. You can take a cruise tour or sea kayak through the sound and get up close with these icy giants.

Whale-watching tours are a big hit, especially for spotting orcas and humpbacks. The Solomon Gulch Hatchery is a must-see during salmon season.

13. Resurrection Bay, Seward

Seward is also known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park,” so it’s an excellent place to start your exploration of the park. This bay is famous for its sprawling fjords and abundant marine life. On a boat tour or sea kayak through the bay, you can see puffins, bald eagles, and other wildlife.

The Wizard Island sea kayaking trip takes you to an abandoned World War II military base and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

14. Turnagain Arm, Anchorage

Turnagain Arm is an incredibly scenic route around Anchorage. This narrow waterway is famous for its dramatic tides, which can rise over 30 feet.

Beluga Point is a popular spot to spot beluga whales. Hikers can also hit the Bird Ridge Trail or try gold panning around the Indian Valley Mine.

The Seward Highway, which runs alongside the arm, is one of the most scenic drives in the nation.

15. Lake Clark National Park, Port Alsworth

Located in the southwestern part of Alaska, Lake Clark National Park is a place for adventure seekers to experience remote wilderness. The park is only accessible by plane or boat, with glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls to go hiking and camping.

Lake Clark is stunning, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters. You can also go bear viewing, especially around Silver Salmon Creek.

Mount Redoubt is one of Alaska’s most active volcanoes. This volcanic giant last erupted in 2009, sending ash clouds miles into the sky. The clearest way to see it is by air with a flightseeing tour to peer into the crater.

16. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Bettles

Gates of the Arctic National Park is the ultimate wilderness escape. With no roads or trails to guide you, this park is the least visited in the U.S.

The Brooks Range runs through the park, leading to some of the most untouched landscapes you’ll ever see. The best way to explore is by backpacking—just make sure you’re well-prepared.

Bettles is the main jump-off point, and the local air taxi services can get you into the park.

17. Kachemak Bay, Homer

Kachemak Bay is perfect for kayaking across calm waters with plenty of secret coves to explore. Paddle around with otters, seals, sea lions, and even whales. The Homer Spit is also a popular spot for fishing, especially halibut.

You can also take a water taxi to Kachemak Bay State Park, where you can go hiking or camping in one of the remote cabins.

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