Since it is farthest to the north, autumn comes earlier to Alaska than elsewhere in the U.S. So when does fall start in Alaska? In August, when it seems that the rest of the world is sweltering in high summer temperatures, cool breezes are already blowing up here. To see the glory that is Alaska in the fall, start above the Arctic Circle in northern Alaskan and head south throughout the month of September to see it all. Stay one step ahead of the first snow and you will see the most colorful and vibrant leaves. Here is one great place in each region to see fall colors in Alaska.

1. Arctic Region - Atigun Pass
Atigun Pass, Alaska, USA
synapticburn | Flickr
In Brooks Range up in northern Alaska, snow often begins falling in August. To see fall colors in this part of Alaska, head up in early August. The hillsides begins to turn to gold at the start of the month and by September, it is often winter. The average date of the first snowfall in Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow, typically occurs near Aug. 23.
Peter Waterman | Flickr
Atigun Pass is a 4,739 feet high mountain pass in the Brooks Range. It is the only pass with a road maintained year round. This area is beautiful to visit for the fall colors in early August, and you may see Dall sheep and mountain goats as well!
2. Interior Region - Denali Park Road
Denali Park, AK, USA
Madeleine Deaton | Flickr
Denali National Park, while always gorgeous, is especially so in the fall. With the blend of the golden hills of rolling tundra and the forested areas exploding in reds, it's easily one of our favorite places to view the fall colors in Alaska.
Sandy Brown Jensen | Flickr
In the fall Denali’s landscape blushes red as the leaves of dwarf birch, a common shrub, change to a bright red before falling. Take the bus up the Denali Park Road, or win the access lottery to drive your own car.
3. Southcentral Region - Chickaloon
Chickaloon, AK, USA
Cecil Sanders | Flickr
Fall comes to the Southcentral region and the greater Anchorage area in mid-September and on through October. The summer warmth lingers a little longer as you travel south.

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Cecil Sanders | Flickr
Chickaloon is at Mile 76 of the Glenn Highway and is surrounded by the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains with the majestic Matanuska River. This is a glorious spot to see the fall colors in Southcentral Alaska.
4. Southwest Region - Uganik River, Kodiak
Kodiak, AK, USA
Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife | Flickr
The winter comes for us all and even the emerald isle of Kodiak succumbs to autumn breezes and colder temperatures. The cool breezes turn the trees gold and red in Kodiak in September and October.
Lisa Hupp/USFWS | FLickr
It's never a bad idea to visit Kodiak, but the fall foliage is a great reason to make the journey. Uganik in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to see the Alaska fall foliage.
5. Southeast Region - Sheep Creek
Sheep Creek, Alaska, USA
USDA Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Autumn comes to Southeast Alaska latest of all, beginning in September and ending in late October. The forests are lush temperate rainforests with western red cedar and sitka spruce which remain evergreen. The shrubs and smaller plants at higher elevations do display beautiful fall colors.
Joseph | Flickr
At the higher elevations, blueberries are everywhere with their bright red bushes in the fall. Happy berry picking!

 

Did your favorite place to watch the fall colors in Alaska make the list? If not, tell us about it in the comments below! For related content, check out this stunning Alaska drive that few people are actually allowed to visit.

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More to Explore

when does fall start in Alaska

Jackie Ann | August 16, 2022

Which hiking trails in Alaska are best in the fall?

One of the best ways to see the fall colors is on foot, and Alaska’s hiking trails are the way to go. High in the Thompson Pass, the Keystone Canyon hike in Valdez gives you some breathtaking views of the Alaska fall foliage as well as the Worthington Glacier. Nestled within Fort Abercrombie State Park, there are several trails that will take you around the lovely island of Kodiak and the beautiful fall foliage.

When can I see peak fall foliage in Alaska?

There are so many variables to take into account, primarily Alaska’s large size. Because Alaska is so big (663,300 square miles) fall happens at different times, beginning at the northernmost part of the state and working its way down. While we do love Denali National Park for so many reasons, visiting this iconic landmark in the fall is truly something special. For sweeping waterfront views with hues of gold and red, try anywhere along the Kodiak River for some of the best fall foliage in Alaska. especially in the towns of Cooper Landing, Soldotna, and Kenai.

Can I take a train ride in Alaska in the fall?

Yes! Trains are a common mode of transportation in Alaska, and the Alaska Railroad runs a train from Anchorage all the way to Fairbanks. This train operates year-round, but it’s especially breathtaking in the fall. You’ll pass through some of Alaska’s most charming small towns, Denali National Park, and incredible scenery everywhere you look. This train ride is especially popular in the winter when you have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights along the ride.

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