10 of the best hiking routes in Alaska

06.06.2024 - 09:21 / lonelyplanet.com

Perhaps no other US location has the diversity of Alaska when it comes to hiking.

From casual strolls to hardcore alpine scrambling, the state proves itself over and over again as a destination of choice for trekkers. Those seeking solitude should venture out of the main city centers and tackle trails not usually traveled by the casual Alaska visitor. Staff at one of four public lands information centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Tok, and Ketchikan can assist hiking enthusiasts with all the details related to trails, permits and safety, and provide insight into transportation to remote locations.

Many of Alaska’s trails are also directly connected to its rich culture and history as well, offering a bonus for hikers through interpretive displays or guided opportunities to become more familiar with the largest state in the US. From wandering a national park trail lined with traditional totem poles to witnessing the retreat of an ancient glacier, hiking here means a real-time education into the cultural and environmental aspects that make each region unique. From casual strolls to strenuous scrambles and climbs, here's our guide to Alaska's best hiking trails.

Best short walk
1 mile (1.6km), easy 

Located within walking distance of downtown Sitka, this park’s lush rainforests combine with 20 totem poles for a lovely walk of cultural history in Southeast Alaska. The site of a bitter battle between local Tlingit and the Russian army in 1804, interpretive signs tell the story while preserving the valuable traditions of local tribes for generations to come.

Best accessible trail
5 miles one way (8km), easy 

Located between Anchorage and the seaside village of Whittier, the Trail of Blue Ice is the result of an amazing effort by the US Forest Service to introduce visitors to the many glaciers of Southcentral Alaska’s Portage Valley. This fully-accessible trail features interpretive signs explaining the glacial valley and surrounding mountains, and the abundant flora and fauna of this popular isthmus of land. Start at Moose Flats on the western end and hike east, or start at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center along the shores of Portage Lake and hike west. Watch for salmon in Williwaw Creek during July and August, and keep an eye out for bears at all times. 

Hiking trail with the best campground
2 mile loop (3.2km), easy 

This shining star of the Alaska State Park system features a large campground, public use cabins, and expansive day use pavilion that all connect to a looping interpretive trail that offers spectacular views of Denali on clear days. It’s a perfect place to wander and admire the scenery and educational signage that explains the history, flora and fauna, and Alaska native cultures of the area.