23 Gorgeous Spots To See Fall Foliage That Will Show You Alaska Like Never Before
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Courtney
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There is a joke in Alaska that makes reference to the fact that we really only have two seasons; winter and summer. But the truth is that we actually have arguably the most spectacular fall season in the entire world. From the leaves changing colors on the trees to the tundra turning bright red and lighting up entire mountainsides, our autumn season may be short, but it sure does pack a mean dose of magical eye-candy. If you’re scratching your head wondering where to see fall foliage in Alaska, then you need to head to any of these 23 gorgeous spots to see for yourself!
When you have 6 million acres of parkland, it's impossible to show just one photo of how brilliant the fall foliage is. If you go just one place this fall, head to Denali and soak in the most epic proportions of autumn ambiance. Read more when you check out this article about the autumn colors in Denali by The Atlantic.
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This 82-mile-long river that runs through the towns of Cooper Landing, Sterling, Soldotna and Kenai is filled with brilliant fall colors at every single twist and turn. Fall in Alaska never looked so good! The area has awesome fishing charters and adventures in the fall.
Trail Creek is just one of the many areas in this 13.2-million-acre national park where you can experience a renowned amount of fall foliage. Have your cameras ready! Check out this fall guide to experiencing the best the park has to offer.
As one of the most remote national parks in the U.S., this special spot has the most untouched and glorious fall foliage that you will ever come across in your lifetime. Learn more about the beautiful Bering Land Bridge.
17 million acres of brilliant fall colors in Alaska. It doesn't get much better than this! Learn more about the autumn colors on the muskeg in the Tongass National Forest here.
Because there is nothing quite like enjoying the crisp fall air and stunning fall foliage while keeping warm in a natural hot spring. Many people don’t realize that this is one of the most beautiful places in the fall in Alaska. Learn about this beautiful spot on Alaska.org.
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Once the tourism traffic slows down and the seasonal workers head out of state, the small coastal town of Seward on the edge of the Kenai Fjords National Park comes alive with stunning fall colors lining the mountain sides. Find out four reasons why fall is the best time to visit Seward.
Located off the Glenn Highway, this little lake is close to town yet it will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Read more about how autumn in Chickaloon is a great place to visit!
Head down Stampede Trail or just about any other road in this tiny town for an unbelievable amount of fall colors lining each side of the road. Read about some great things to do in Healy during the autumn season!
Located in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, you'll have excellent opportunities to view massive bears and bald eagles flying above, all while soaking in the beautiful fall foliage. Afognak Wilderness Lodge has a great resource for traveling through Kodiak Island during the autumn season.
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Located in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area with a population of around 30 residents, you're sure to be overrun by adorable amounts of wildlife mixed in with all the beautiful fall colors. Spend the night at Tolsona Campground for a chance to experience the gorgeous autumn scenery.
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This 414-mile-long road that begins at the Elliott Highway just north of Fairbanks, and ends at Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean, is lined with fall foliage just about the whole way. It will certainly keep your eyes busy while you make the long trek up north. Take this scenic drive in the fall to experience a landscape few people ever see!
Located just outside of Anchorage, you'll find tons of fall foliage in Eagle River whether you're driving or hiking on one of the many easily accessible trails. Eagle River Nature Center offers up to date information on the trails in the area.
This 75-mile-long river is lined with stunning colors of fall. From the riverbanks to high up on the mountains surrounding the river. Check out these great fall drives to do if you’re visiting the area.
The 179-mile Glenn Highway is sure to be filled with lots of fall foliage as well as a decent amount of wildlife in the distance. It will be hard to keep your eyes on the road! This autumn road trip is a must do during the fall season.
Wide open spaces of nothing but spectacular fall colors. The interior is one of a kind! Here are five fun fall things to do in Fairbanks this season.
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As you head south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway and just before you reach the town of Girdwood, you will find this small town with tons hiking trails and roadside pullouts with incredible opportunities to view fall foliage. This autumn drive Is a must do if you want to get out and see the fall colors along the highway.
This epic mountain range stretching 700 miles from east to west is filled with an abundant amount of breathtaking fall foliage. NASA took an incredible satellite photo of the northern Brooks Range in full autumn color.
As you drive on the Sterling Highway and even before you hit the bridge taking you into Cooper Landing, you'll be surrounded by a fascinating amount of fall foliage. If you want to see photos of this great landscape, head on over to Flickr to see a great spread of autumn colors.
If you can't decide whether to continue on to Seward or the town of Cooper Landing, just stop at Tern Lake for a while to ponder your options while overlooking the breathtaking fall foliage. Learn more about the Tern Lake area and the beautiful options it offers.
Right on the edge of Alaska's largest city of Anchorage is this peaceful little spot that is perfect to unwind and decompress from the busy day you had. Read about how the citizens of Chugiak enjoy the autumn season in the Chugiak-Eagle River Star.
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This 63-mile-long tributary of the Copper River is lined with fall foliage from start to finish. You will fall madly in love with the seclusion and the beauty that surrounds you! There’s a great hiking trail you can explore that will take you through the autumn colors.
Just about anywhere from Anchorage to Seward along the Seward Highway offers phenomenal views of fall foliage this time of year. Another great spot to visit if you’re wondering where to see fall foliage in Alaska! Learn more about the cute town of Moose Pass and all the wonderful things you can do there!
If you’ve been wondering where to see fall foliage in Alaska, we hope this helps! Have you ever been to any of these great spots? What did you think? Which one would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
If you thought that was a big dose of eye-candy, check out this natural phenomenon that happens just once a year in Alaska. It is truly remarkable!
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More to Explore
Where To See Fall Foliage In Alaska
Is autumn a good season to visit Alaska?
Yes! There are so many wonderful things to do during the fall season in Alaska. The leaves are changing colors in a spectacular burst, the nights are cooler and the sunlight is lessening, offering the opportunity to see the aurora borealis. And the best part? Prices are dropping and it is easier and cheaper to travel throughout the entire state. It’s not too cold yet, and most attractions are open through mid-end of September. It’s a wonderful time of year to get out and explore all of the beauty that Alaska has to offer!
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