The essential guide to visiting Alaska

05.01.2024 - 11:09 / nationalgeographic.com

Millions of acres of dazzling wilderness. Indigenous cultures on Dena’ina land (Anchorage). Northern lightsover Fairbanks. The joy of the blanket toss and fishing for a king (king salmon, that is).

Summer: With up to 24 hours of sunlight, visitors make like locals and pack their days. Fish for sockeye salmon (a.k.a. “reds”) in the remote rivers of Bristol Bay, backpack the Chugach Mountains, or take a guided glacier traverse in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Birders check off life-list birds in Utqiaġvik, the northernmost community in the United States. Cruises hit the waterways, RVs hit the roads, and bush plane companies take to the skies. Wildflowers, berries, and bears are abundant. Mosquitoes too.

Winter: This is the season for fat tire biking along Anchorage’s extensive trail systemor skiing (from cross-country on trails around Fairbanks to heli-skiing the mountains around Valdez). The entire state cheers on the four-legged athletes of the Iditarod and celebrates the shortest day, solstice, hinting of summer. The Sealaska Heritage Center offers a warmup along with the history and art of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous communities.

Fall and spring: Though fall color pops in the forests and on the tundra, it’s a short season, with most Alaskans focused on getting ready for winter. Spring, known in Alaska as “breakup,” thanks to ice and snow giving way to ground and open water, tends to be muddy. Neither are recommended for visiting.

Cities: In the Southeast, capital Juneau is hopping when the legislature is in session (January through May). Nearly 850 miles away (including a ferry ride), Anchorage has one of the state’s best food and a lively arts scene. In the Interior, Fairbanks’ farmers market remains a key community hub and the UAF outdoor thermometer a top spot for a mid-winter photo opp.

Arctic: Because most of this region is off the road system, locals travel between communities by bush plane, skiffs, or—in winter—snow machines (locals don’t call them snowmobiles). Travel up the Dalton Highway across the Arctic Circle by car or, easier, guided tour.

(See the breathtaking beauty of Gates of the Arctic, America’s least-visited national park.)

Southcentral: This is the most heavily populated section of the state, due to Anchorage and the Mat-su Valley. Go bear viewing out of Homer. Day cruise out of Valdez. Hike Chugach National Forest.

Interior: With the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north, the Interior stands tall thanks to its best-known residents, Denali Mountain and its namesake park. The Denali Highway thrills geology and archaeology buffs.

Southeast: The Inside Passage (to the cruise community) is dotted with small towns serving up plenty of character. Ketchikan