14 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Alaska
The best thing about The Last Frontier, is that you don’t have to go very far to experience some of the most breathtaking sights in the entire world on some of the best hikes in Alaska. These 14 easy hikes spread all throughout the state are sure to deliver an incredible punch of paradise in just a short and easy jaunt. Be sure to add these to your outdoor bucket list and check as many off as possible. Take advantage of these beautiful trails in Alaska as weather permits.
Alaska's largest city of Anchorage is great for many reasons, but we just so happen to have a love affair with this one particular trail. One of the best hikes in Alaska offers 11 miles stretching from downtown to Kincaid Park, perfectly groomed for a leisurely stroll, a long run, or a short hike. Views overlooking Sleeping Lady Mountain and the inlet are also perfect for catching a breathtaking sunset.
Head into the 182-acre Fort Abercrombie State Park and embark on this 2.5-mile-round-trip loop around the beautiful Lake Gertrude. The views of the meadows will sparkle with wildflowers in the summertime and the fall colors will positively amaze you at one of the most beautiful, scenic hikes in Alaska.
This 3.5-mile-round-trip loop has a bit of a steep climb going in, but boy are the views worth it once you’ve reached the top overlooking the valley. Walk along the gorgeous Chena River and get away from the crowds once you start gaining elevation, on one of the easy hikes in Alaska.
Angel Rocks Trailhead, 15450 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Turn down Herman Leirer Road, aka Exit Glacier Road, as you’re heading toward the town of Seward. Make your way to the large parking lot at the end which is the starting point for several different trails that lead you up to the excellent viewpoint of Exit Glacier. This is the only part of the Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road, and believe us when we say that it is incredibly amazing! With trails as short as one mile, paved and even wheelchair accessible – there is something for everyone here. The gleaming glacier views at the end are sure to blow you away.
Head south from Anchorage toward the Kenai Peninsula, and just by the Whittier turnoff you’ll come to the trailhead off of Portage Valley Road. This 1.6-mile-round-trip hike will give you phenomenal views of the glacier, up close, and the rugged mountains surrounding you, on this hiking trail near me.
Only one mile to the lookout, but be warned; the second half of the mile is straight uphill. For a two-mile hike, only about one-half of this trail is considered a bit more “extreme,” whereas the rest is relatively easy. But when all is said and done, the views at the top will utterly blow you away.
Two miles in and two miles out of evenly laid gravel make this trail easy to complete with a thundering reward at the end. Beware of very active bear activity in this area, as the falls are filled with salmon.
Go deep into the Tongass National Forest on this 1.4-mile trail that joins with Beaver Lake Trail at Beaver Lake. To access this little gem, head down Sawmill Creek Road and look for the trailhead at the very end and to the left.
Herring Cove Road, Herring Cove Rd, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
Cross some railroad tracks and make your way along this easy 3-mile hike with incredible views overlooking the Alaska Range, Nenana River, and the “glitter gulch” canyon. During the fall months you’ll love all of the striking colors surrounding you the entirety of one of the best hikes in Alaska.
Start at the Visitor Center and walk just a short half-mile in to see stunning views of the falls and the massive Mendenhall Glacier. For only an easy mile of hiking, this is the biggest bang you’ll receive in the shortest amount of time and distance traveled.
This easy 3-mile hike is a favorite among visitors to a groovy, little town. Start behind the Alyeska Tram and finish on Crow Creek Road. For an extra treat at the end, be sure to check out Crow Creek Mine on one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Alaska.
Lower Winner Creek Trailhead, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Walk one mile in to the falls and find yourself surrounded by vast birch forests and stunning views of the Eklutna Canyon. Trek a total of 2 miles, roundtrip, along a very well-traveled and well-maintained trail for the perfect way to decompress after a day in the city.
Take a boat or water taxi over to this lush, beautiful area and enjoy a two-mile roundtrip hike joining Tutka Bay Lagoon and the Rocky River Road. You’ll love all the beautiful streams along the way as well as the spectacular views overlooking the ocean.
Just 1.5 miles in makes this easy winding trail a short 3-mile round-trip trek. Wind through aspen trees, cross a grassy marsh, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Kenai Mountains in the distance.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, 33398 Ski Hill Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA
Address: Angel Rocks Trailhead, 15450 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Address: Byron Glacier, Anchorage, AK 99587, USA
Address: Deer Mountain Trail, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Address: Seward, AK 99664, USA
Address: Russian River Falls, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Address: Lake Gertrude, Alaska 99921, USA
Address: Herring Cove Road, Herring Cove Rd, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
Address: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, 33398 Ski Hill Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA
Address: Horseshoe Lake Trail, Healy, AK, USA
Address: Nugget Falls, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Address: Thunderbird Falls Trail, Anchorage, AK 99567, USA
Address: Kachemak, AK 99603, USA
Address: Kachemak Bay, Alaska, USA
Address: Anchorage, AK, USA
Address: Lower Winner Creek Trailhead, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Alaska
June 09, 2022
Carolyn Harmon
Where can I find another one of the best hikes in Alaska? The Chilkoot Trail might take you a couple of days to hike this 33-mile-long journey, but this trip is worthwhile, offering leftover clues of the Klondike Gold Rush days when the gold rushers climbed Chilkoot Pass in 1897-98. The extensive trek also allows for a deeper experience into some of Alaska’s most vivid wilderness. The very best part is the beginning, as this incredible trail starts in an eerie ghost town of Dyea, Alaska. A shuttle or parking in the National Park Service campground overnight parking area are the only ways into the town.
Where is another kid-friendly hike around Alaska? The Vagt Lake Trail sits outside of Moose Pass, Alaska. You’ll think you’re in heaven, as this stunning lake hike leads you to Vagt Lake surrounded by breathtaking mountains. This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail is an easy hike for everyone in the entire family.
What is one of the best hikes in Denali National Park? When thinking about hiking trails, consider what scenery they have to offer, before investing time and money into a trip you may not like. The Triple Lakes Trail has several interesting points, such as a beautiful suspension bridge, a railroad bridge, and two creeks. This 9-mile hike, or 18-miles round trip, might take a while, but you’ll be delighted by the panoramic views the over 1,000-foot elevation gain brings.
Address: Angel Rocks Trailhead, 15450 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Address: Byron Glacier, Anchorage, AK 99587, USA
Address: Deer Mountain Trail, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Address: Seward, AK 99664, USA
Address: Russian River Falls, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Address: Lake Gertrude, Alaska 99921, USA
Address: Herring Cove Road, Herring Cove Rd, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
Address: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, 33398 Ski Hill Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA
Address: Horseshoe Lake Trail, Healy, AK, USA
Address: Nugget Falls, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Address: Thunderbird Falls Trail, Anchorage, AK 99567, USA
Address: Kachemak, AK 99603, USA
Address: Kachemak Bay, Alaska, USA
Address: Anchorage, AK, USA
Address: Lower Winner Creek Trailhead, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
