Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it’s tied with winter, actually). Watching Alaska transform from summer to winter is a magical time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the nights are getting longer. Yes, please!

If you’re a fan of fall like me, then you’ll want to bookmark this ultimate guide to fall attractions in Alaska. We’ve scoured the state for the best hiking trails, best pumpkin patches, and best fall festivals to put you in the autumnal spirit. 

Grab your coat and let’s hit the road.

Alaska Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Alaska For Fall Foliage

Since Alaska is much further north than the lower 48, it’s one of the first states to see the leaves change. Typically, the leaves change color in Alaska beginning in late August and it continues until early October. Mid-September tends to be peak fall foliage. Here are some of the best places to go in Alaska for fall foliage:

1. Denali National Park and Preserve

• Wow Factor: 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness to explore
• Need To Know: Denali National Park and Preserve isn’t a day trip. You’ll want to spend a few days here to fully explore the area.

Viewing Denali is a bucket list item for many, and fall is one of the best times to view it! The captivating fall colors coat the tundra with an impressive display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Sightseeing tours are very popular, though you may be inspired to go on a more adventurous tour like ziplining or white water rafting. 

2. Chugach State Park

• Location: Anchorage, Alaska
• Wow Factor: Clocking in at 495,000 acres, it’s the fourth largest state park in the United States.
• Need To Know: There is no fee to enter, but there is a $5 parking fee

Boasting an extensive ocean shoreline complete with glaciers, ice fields, and mountains, there’s truly something for everyone at Chugach State Park. The Hillside Trail System is the park’s most popular area with plenty of trails to explore, including the Flattop Mountain Trail which is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska. 

3. Kenai Fjords National Park

• Location: Seward, Alaska
• Wow Factor: Coastal fjords, glaciers, mountains, and diverse wildlife all within about 700,000 acres.
• Need To Know: You could spend an entire week here and still not feel like you saw everything. 

When the leaves start to change color in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula transforms into a kaleidoscope of color. The Kenai Canyon, in particular, puts on a fabulous show. Kenai Fjords National Park offers almost 700,000 acres to explore, including fjords, canyons, mountains, glaciers, and more. Make a weekend out of it and spend a few nights in a cabin in Seward to really immerse yourself.

4. Willow Creek State Recreational Area

• Location: Willow, Alaska
• Wow Factor: A picturesque little spot that's only 60 miles away from Anchorage
• Need To Know: Parking is $5, $10 to use boat launch

Willow Creek is a popular spot for salmon and rainbow trout fishing, but you don’t need to be an angler to enjoy this slice of paradise. The 3,500-acre recreational area has 140 campsites and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. 

5. Glacier Bay National Park

• Location: Southeast Alaska (near Juneau)
• Wow Factor: It's 3.3 million acres!
• Need To Know: You'll need to board a boat or a plane from Juneau to get here

Would you rather see the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the world or hike through a lush temperate rainforest? Well, Glacier Bay won’t make you choose—you can do both! Glacier Bay has more than 50 named glaciers, and there are plenty of glacier tours to get the best views. You might even see one calving! Of course, there’s plenty to do on land, too. The park is home to countless wildlife including brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, eagles, and more. 

Best Pumpkin Patches In Alaska

Nothing says fall more than frolicking through a pumpkin patch. Find your perfect pumpkin to celebrate the season at one of these incredible pumpkin patches in Alaska:

6. Williams Reindeer Farm

• Location:5561 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
• Wow Factor: The farm hosts fall festival days throughout the season, with a full roster of family-friendly activities.
• Need To Know: They sell out of pumpkins every year, so get there early in the season!

Williams Reindeer Farm has one of the largest pumpkin patches in Alaska, but it’s so much more! This working reindeer farm is home to about 100 reindeer, Rocky Mountain elk, bison, Tibetan yaks, alpacas, and one Moose (Lucy). The fall festival takes place every weekend in October and is always a local favorite. Get your tickets now and start planning your epic day of fall fun.

7. Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm

• Location: 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
• Wow Factor: The farm’s Fall Harvest Festival includes the pumpkin patch, hayrides, barnyard animals, and more.
• Need To Know: Tickets are $10 per person

Pyrah’s Fall Harvest Festival is always a good time. For select days in the fall, the farm transforms into an all-day fall festival with all of your favorite autumnal activities. Face painting, hay rides, mazes, and more await! Purchase your tickets before you go to ensure your spot.

Best Fall Festivals in Alaska

The two pumpkin patches mentioned earlier can both double as fall festivals, but there are so many wonderful fall festivals in Alaska to enjoy! Whether you’re in Juneau, Anchorage, or all the way up in Fairbanks, make sure you attend one of these fall festivals in Alaska this year:

8. Homer Fall Festival

• Location: Homer, Alaska
• Wow Factor: This is one of the newer fall festivals, and 2024 marks the 3rd year for it!
• Need To Know: The Homer Fall Festival takes place in the last week of October.

From zombie 5k runs to pumpkin carving contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this fall festival. This is one festival you’ll want to pull out all the fine touches on your costume, as prizes will be awarded! There’s even a special award for the best pet costume.

9. Sitka WhaleFest

• Location: Sitka, Alaska
• Wow Factor: WhaleFest is simultaneously one of the most educational and entertaining festivals in Alaska!
• Need To Know: The festival takes place November 1 - November 3, 2024

Every year, Sitka WhaleFest brings world-renowned scientists and marine lovers together to raise awareness and appreciation for these fascinating animals. Experts will lead three days of lectures and whale-watching excursions with live music, food and art vendors, and so much more to enjoy.

10. Alaska Bald Eagle Festival

• Location: Haines, Alaska
• Wow Factor: This festival attracts thousands of bird watchers from around the world.
• Need To Know: Festival dates: November 8 - 10, 2024

After you’ve enjoyed a weekend of whales, make your way over to Haines for a weekend of eagles! Similar to WhaleFest, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival hosts plenty of avian experts for presentations, exhibits, photography workshops, and more. 

Free & Cheap Alaska Fall Activities

I’m a firm believer that you can have a good time without spending a fortune. These days, every penny counts! Here are some free and cheap fall activities in Alaska that won’t break the bank:

11. Farmers Markets

• Location: All over Alaska
• Wow Factor: It's always a good idea to support local wherever possible!
• Need To Know: Follow the Alaska Farmers Market Association to stay up to date on the closest markets to you

If you haven't visited your local farmers market this season, what are you waiting for? They are perfect places to support local businesses. There are dozens and dozens of farmers markets all across Alaska, and each one of them is worthy of a visit.

12. Thunderbird Falls Trail

• Location: Anchorage, Alaska
• Wow Factor: It's a fairly easy trail surrounded by lush trees with a waterfall finish!
• Need To Know: This can be a pretty popular trail on the weekends. Go early or during the week to escape the crowds

The Thunderbird Fall Trail is a quick and easy way to tackle Alaska’s impressive landscape without having to detour too far into the wilderness. The 1.8-mile trail is accessible for all ages and skill levels and is especially dreamy during the fall.

13. Glenn Highway

• Location: Anchorage to Glennallen
• Wow Factor: This scenic drive in Alaska covers everything from mountain views to glacier sights!
• Need To Know: You don’t need to drive the full 3.5 hours, you can always drive for as long as you’d like, then turn around!

Scenic road trips are the best way to experience the fall foliage. The Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Glennallen will take you on a 3.5-hour scenic drive that’ll really showcase Alaska’s fall foliage. Be sure to pull over near Chickaloon where you can catch a beautiful view of Kind Mountain! It’s extra awesome when draped in fall colors.

14. Turnagain Arm

• Location: Just south of Anchorage
• Wow Factor: Stunning views with plenty of places to pull over
• Need To Know: Keep an eye on the water for beluga whales

Turnagain Arm is one of my favorite scenic drives in Alaska. This drive is stunning year-round, but boy oh boy does she light up in the fall. Those golden birch leaves just sparkle! If you want to experience the views on foot, check out the Turnagain Arm Trail. 

15. April Bowl Trail

• Location: Palmer, Alaska
• Wow Factor: It's a steep trail, but the views of the glacial lakes are worth it!
• Need To Know: The 2.2-mile out-and-back trail is notoriously steep

There’s a lot packed into this 2.2-mile trail. It’s got about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so you’re going to work for it to reach the top. The views of the glacier lakes and the Mat-Su Valley are one in a million. Even if you miss the peak fall foliage, the views will not disappoint.

What's your favorite part of fall in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.