Alaska is an enormous and wild place, and sometimes figuring out how to find an accessible part of all that beauty can be a challenge. No need to worry! We’ve found the best easy hikes for you to get to the most stunning vistas in the state. So, head out on these relaxing, low-key hikes and bring the whole gang to enjoy these lovely spots. You won’t be disappointed by the simplicity of the trails or the payoffs at the end! Bask in the glow of the springtime sun and start your adventures now, since, what with our short summers, every day counts. Here are some of the best hikes in Alaska that offer excellent rewards for little effort:

1. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502, USA
Jeff Wasson | Flickr
This park is a standard in Anchorage, but offers some truly beautiful views of the city. The accessible trail is seemingly endless, so, jump on and off wherever works for you. Take some time to admire the loveliness of Anchorage and the mountain and seascapes that surround it.
2. Tangle Lakes Campground Trail, near Paxson
Tangle Lakes Campground, Denali Hwy, Paxson, AK 99586, USA
Bureau of Land Management Alaska Region | Flickr
A short 3/4 mile trail leads from the campground back towards the lakes. Enjoy this stunning view in the summer months when the Denali Highway is open for travel, and enjoy the beauty of the area.
3. Eagle River Nature Center, Eagle River
Ian Collins | Flickr
This fascinating nature center is tucked in the Eagle River Valley, a truly stunning place to explore. Visit the center to get a map of the wide variety of options for wandering the Chugach Mountains and the valley below. The views are beautiful and you can choose your own short hike near the center for a memorable visit. Anyone looking for the best hikes in Alaska is going to want to add this one to the top of their bucket list.
4. Indian River Falls Trail, Sitka
Indian River, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
zug zwang | Flickr
Sitka has a cool, rainy climate is perfect for the unique Sitka Spruce trees, while under their canopy an abundance of wildlife, flowers, and berries flourish. From the end of the main road in downtown Sitka, you can access this easy trail. It continues for 4.5 miles, but a peek into the verdant rainforest is just steps away.
5. Solomon Gulch Trail, Valdez
Solomon Gulch, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
zummerland | Flickr
Starting at the Solomon Gulch Hatchery in Valdez, you can go just a short way up the steep incline to behold a breathtaking view of the Valdez Harbor. It is always a bit cool and rainy in the area, but the sun on the water and mountains makes for a transcendent view when you visit on just the right day.
6. Beluga Point, Turnagain Arm
Turnagain Arm, Alaska, USA
Pablo Paiz | Flickr
The mountains and sky are always exposed at this open space off the side for the Seward Highway on the Turnagain Arm. A short walk to the Beluga Point and you can rest and bask in the glory of Alaska.
7. Thunderbird Falls, Anchorage
Thunderbird Falls Trail, Anchorage, AK 99567, USA
psithurism | TripAdvisor
Off the Glenn Highway, this wonderfully accessible trail is perfect for day hike. With level, smooth footpath and a boardwalk when necessary, this is perfect low-key hike, and the falls are thrilling.
8. Byron Glacier Trail, Portage Valley
Byron Glacier Trail, Anchorage, AK 99587, USA
Nicole Mitchell | AllTrails.com
Head out on this easy trail to see one of nature's most fascinating curiosities: the glacier. Byron Glacier Trail is an easy, fun hike in the Chugach National Forest ending in a spectacular glacier. Beware of avalanche risk this time of year!
9. Angel Rocks, Fairbanks
Angel Rocks Trailhead, 15450 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Diana K | Flickr
Lying a 45 minute drive up Chena Hot Springs Road from the interior town of Fairbanks, this brisk 1.5 miles up to the rocks is easy enough for almost anyone to tackle. Head up this easy trail to an epic view of the valley. Apres hike, you can continue down to road to Chena Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the mineral water.
10. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
arctic_council | Flickr
From Alaska's capital city, you can access the very visitor friendly Mendenhall Glacier from the visitors center. Take a short hike to get closer to the glacier around the large lake before it. Explore this glacier and take an east hike towards it for a fun, relaxing excursion. This is one of the best hikes in Alaska thanks to its extraordinary uniqueness.
11. Exit Glacier Trail, Kenai
Exit Glacier Road, Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Jen M. | Flickr
This breezy three mile round trip is level, accessible and fun! Head to this beautiful spot in Southcentral to hike to an ice field for a day of Alaskan adventure.
12. Kesugi Ken Campground
K'esugi Ken Campground, Trapper Creek, AK 99683, USA
Arthur T. LaBar | Flickr
Kesugi Campground and Kesugi Ridge offer beautiful views of the Alaska Range, including Mt. Denali and Mt. Deborah. From the parking lot, there are low-key hikes that circle the area, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and views the mountains. More robust hikers can tackle the Kesugi Ridge.

For more articles about hiking in Alaska, check this out!

If you love hiking, check out 13 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Alaska. Or you might enjoy these 8 Gorgeous Alaska Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required.

How many of these hikes have you tried? Which hikes in Alaska would you call the best hikes in Alaska? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Alaska

Tori Jane | April 23, 2022

What are some of the best easy hikes in Alaska?   

We’re pretty sure there’s no such thing as a bad hike in Alaska, if we’re being honest here. That being said, with so many to choose from, knowing just where to start can be challenging, so we have a few ideas! Check out the amazing Exit Glacier Overlook Trail, at Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s just 2.2 miles long and features some of the country’s most breathtaking sights, including a panoramic view of the Exit Glacier vista, where you can see the glacier tumbling down from the Harding Ice Field. Head to Chugach State Park and do two of the hikes there like the Thunderbird Falls Trail, which is 1.8 miles long. It’s a river walk with a stunning waterfall and you’re sure to love it. While you’re there, also do the Byron Glacier Trail, which is 3.2 miles long and features epic up-close views of the glacier it’s named for against a surreal alpine mountain backdrop. Finally (at least for this list), check out Horseshoe Lake Trail, at Denali State Park. It’s 2.1 miles long and, like many hikes in Alaska, is home to absolutely awe-inspiring lake views. For more easy hike ideas, you might want to look into some easy boardwalk hikes in Alaska.  

What are some of the most amazing scenic hikes in Alaska?  

As we said above, there really is no such thing as a hike in Alaska that isn’t scenic; as one of the most beautiful places in the world (though we might be biased) it’s extraordinary, and the trails weaving through the state are as majestic as their surroundings. Some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Alaska include crown jewels like the challenging Ward Lake Trail in Ketchikan, which is a two-mile loop hike within Tongass National Forest. It’s an amazing rainforest hike that’s sure to awe you. Head to Juneau and do the West Glacier Trail, which is four miles in length and features amazing vista views of the incredible Mendenhall Glacier. Oh, and we almost forgot: ice caves! One more: do the Lost Lake Trail in Chugach National Forest. It’s been described by a few websites as “Acadia, Cascades, and Yellowstone” all blended into one trail... and then given steroids.  

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