Jaw Dropping Places To Visit In Alaska

This post is sponsored by TripScout and TravelAlaska. All ideas, writing, and images are my own.

Alaska has no shortage when it comes to beautiful views. After two visits and spending two months there this past summer, I’m excited to share some of the most jaw dropping places to visit in Alaska.

When is the best time to visit Alaska?

There is really no wrong time to visit Alaska since every season brings a different kind of adventure. The best season for you largely depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip.

Summer (May-Early August) These months are by far the most popular time to visit Alaska. The weather is mild, the sun doesn’t set until midnight, and wildlife viewing is at its peak. The drawback to this season is that prices are typically higher and there will be more crowds.
Fall (Late August-September) If I had to pick a favorite season, it might just have to be early fall in Alaska. Temperatures are still mild and almost all activities are available without the crowds. It is gorgeous in Alaska when the leaves start turning and the mountain peaks get their first dust of snow.
Winter (October-March) While I’ve never visited Alaska in the winter, this is a great time to visit if seeing the Northern Lights are on your bucket list. Dog sledding tours are also a popular activity during these months.
Spring (March-April) Spring is a great time to score some amazing deals in Alaska during shoulder season. You can expect to see a lot of snow without having to experience winter temps.

What to pack when visiting Alaska

No matter the season, Alaskan weather can be unpredictable so what you pack can really make all the difference for your trip. Ever heard the saying there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear?

Rain Boots
Rain Jacket
Rain Pants
Hiking Boots
Binoculars
Camera
Day Pack
Water bottle
Warm layers
Beanie
Swimsuit just in case you visit the Nordic Spa or maybe your accommodation has a sauna & hot tub!

How much time do I need for my visit?

Alaska is HUGE and you’ll definitely want to spend at least a week to hit some bucket list places. To really get a full experience, I recommend taking two weeks so you don’t feel overwhelmed. You’re also likely going to be doing a good amount of driving if you plan on seeing all of the places mentioned on this blog.

Getting to and around Alaska

If you’re visiting Alaska from the lower 48, you’re most likely flying into Anchorage or Fairbanks. For the activities listed in this blog, Anchorage will be the best airport to fly to. If you are coming for some winter aurora viewing, then Fairbanks will be your best option. For the ultimate freedom of getting around Alaska, a car rental is absolutely necessary. There are no Ubers or Lyft in the rural parts of the state. Our first time visiting, we rented a 4×4 truck which was not necessary at all unless you’re coming in the winter or you know you’ll be going on rough roads. Another great way to get around Alaska is the Alaska Railroad. The incredibly scenic route travels through Seward and can go all the way up to Fairbanks. Their website has some great packages and travel planning tools if this is something you would want to check out during your visit.

Whittier Glacier Cruise

If you want to see glaciers in Alaska, you need to book this tour. See 26 glaciers during a 5 hour scenic cruise through the Prince William Sound. We saw waterfalls, a humpback whale, sea otters, and hundreds of harbor seals. Our tour included a delicious lunch of salmon chowder and there were lots of choices for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Book this tour here

Activity Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: No
Fee Required: Tours start at $149

Portage Pass

glacier fed lake with wildflowers in Alaska

Another place you can’t miss in Whittier is this 4.2 mile hike with views of Prince William Sound and a glacier fed lake. The first mile of the hike is a steep incline which was brutal but the short lived pain was absolutely worth the views. You can find more details on this hike here.

Activity Level: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
Fee Required: Yes $13 for driving in the tunnel

Kachemak Bay State Park

This State Park is just a short 20 minute water taxi ride from Homer and it is absolutely worth the trip! You can come for a day hike, take a kayaking tour, and set up camp in one of the designated campsites. We did a day trip to visit Grewingk Glacier and it completely blew us away. Not only was the lake stunning but the entire hike was incredibly scenic. You can find more details here.

Some popular water taxi services are Mako’s Water Taxi and Alan’s Water Taxi. It is a good idea to book your transfer at least a week before your desired date. The average round trip is $85 and dogs are welcomed with no extra fee.

I also want to mention that if you’re in Homer in the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to catch halibut in the halibut capital of the world. You can check out fishing charters in Homer here.

Activity Level: Moderate to hard
Dog Friendly: Yes
Fee Required: $85 for water taxi

Hatcher Pass

Where do I even begin with Hatcher Pass? This area is one of my favorite places to visit in Alaska.

One of my all time favorite day hikes here is Reed Lakes. It’s over 8 miles round trip and is considered moderate until the rock scramble. I do not recommend this if you’re with young children or dogs that aren’t used to rock scrambles. This trail passes through blue lakes, waterfalls, and jagged mountains.

Feeling extra adventurous? Go on an epic backpacking trip in Gold Mint Trail. This 16 mile round trip trail requires a bit of route finding and bushwacking but those who complete it will be rewarded with jaw dropping views of the Talkeetna Mountains. There is a Red Hut managed by the Mountaineering Club Of Alaska and you need to pay to be able to use it, it is first come first served so it is best to bring all your gear in case the hut is full.

Disclaimer: Make sure to check recent trail conditions on Alltrails if you plan on doing the Gold Mint hike. There are times when the water levels are high and you may have to walk on knee deep water.

Activity Level: Hard
Dog Friendly: Yes
Fee Required: No unless staying in the gold mint hut

Kenai Fjords Cruise

A trip to Alaska is not complete without cruising around the Kenai Fjords. This National Park is one of the least visited in the US and it’s home to a large number of wildlife like orcas, sea lions, dall’s porpoise, bald eagles, sea otters, and so much more! Major Marine offers multiple options for cruises depending on the season and length of time. This trip leaves from Seward which is a great base for all kinds of adventures. Day long tours include lunch and a variety of snacks and beverages are available for purchase.

Activity Level: Easy
Dog Friendly: No
Fee Required: Tours start at $99 per person

Harding Icefield

Another place you need to visit in the Kenai Fjords is Harding Icefield. This 8.2 mile round trip hike near Seward has quite the incline but it’s totally worth it to see a massive glacier so close. If you aren’t up for a long hike, you can also check out the toe of Exit Glacier which is just a short walk from the parking lot. If you decide to do the full hike, make sure you are prepared with tons of water and snacks. This area is frequented by bears so you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times and practice bear awareness.

Activity Level: Hard
Dog Friendly: No
Fee Required: No

Palmer Creek Trail

Teal lake surrounded by wildflowers in Alaska

I love a short hike with a big reward. Hope is one of the least talked about places to visit in Alaska but it shouldn’t be. I was blown away by how beautiful this trail was and hardly anybody was there on a weekend. This 2.7 mile hike winds through a river before climbing up near a waterfall where you’ll be passing three lakes. If you end up in Hope on a weekend, I highly recommend checking out Creekbend Cafe for their live music, amazing food, and beers on tap. Looking for something that’ll get your adrenaline going? Hope is known for 6 mile creek-one of the most challenging guided whitewater rafting in Alaska.

Activity Level: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
Fee Required: No

Eklutna Lake

If you’re looking for something close to Anchorage, Eklutna Lake is less than one hour away. This scenic area has hiking, biking, camping, and kayak rentals in the summertime. I highly recommend hiking the twin lakes trail to get a view of the lake from the top. Plan your visit here.

Activity Level: Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes
Fee Required: Yes