These 4 State Parks in Alaska Will Knock Your Socks Off
Everyone knows that Alaska is a breathtaking state to visit or live in. Some areas of the The Last Frontier are even more spectacular, though. These areas have been dedicated and preserved as state parks. These are some of the best state parks in Alaska, and they each offer visitors incredible vistas. There’s nothing like visiting one of these parks and getting glimpses into the life of Alaskan wildlife when you see it in its natural habitat. With so many state parks to visit in Alaska, it’s tough to narrow down the very best, but we’ve chosen four of our favorites. These are each truly one of a kind and perfect ways to see all the beauty that our state has to offer.
1. Chugach State Park - 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516
As the closest state park to Anchorage, Chugach State Park attracts a lot of visitors. It offers some of the best hiking trails in Alaska and also features many nature centers. One of the best areas of this park is the Eagle River Nature Center, which is also the endpoint for the Crows Pass Trail. The trail starts in Girdwood and launches hikers up over a very beautiful, but dangerous pass, that is part of the Historic Iditarod Trail. The trail connects Eagle River to Girdwood and is quite the amazing trek! In the winter, the park's western edge features some frozen waterfalls that are absolutely magnificent.
Chugach State Park, 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
2. Denali National Park and Preserve - Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
Denali contains Mount McKinley, the highest point in all of North America. This is not only one of the best state parks to visit in Alaska, it's also one of the best parks in the entire world. The park is absolutely massive, spanning over 6 million acres, and is larger than the state of New Jersey. It's a well known tourist attaction boasting mountain climbing, wildlife, hiking, skiing, sledding, and, of course, glaciers. There's a reason it's on many people's bucket lists: it's absolutely incredible. However, it's also one of the most dangerous places in Alaska... stay safe out there!
Denali National Park and Preserve, Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, USA
Alaska's first state park is also one of the best. Kachemak Bay State Park is most commonly reached by plane due to its remote nature. The lack of roads make most of this park a great representation of wild and true Alaskan wilderness. It's a 400,000-acre paradise housing a variety of fascinating species, like whales, sea lions, bears, and moose. This is such a gorgeous area!
This is another massive state park in Alaska. With over 1.6 million acres in area, it's as large as the entire state of Delaware (and it's actually the largest state park in the country). As you can imagine, you'll see a lot of bear and moose roaming around here. It has a variety of fascinating habitats and, of course, stunning scenery. It's a remote area in southwestern Alaska that's positively beautiful.
Wood-Tikchik State Park, Dillingham, AK 99576, USA
Did we miss your favorite state parks to visit in Alaska? We love finding new things to do outside in Alaska, so make sure to share your suggestions in the comments!
Address: Chugach State Park, 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Address: Denali National Park and Preserve, Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, USA
Address: Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer, AK 99603, USA
Address: Wood-Tikchik State Park, Dillingham, AK 99576, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things To Do Outside In Alaska
January 11, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best state parks to visit in Alaska?
There are so many fantastic state parks in Alaska. With as much land as we have, there’s a lot to see here, and many of our best state parks end up rather underappreciated. One that we feel doesn’t get enough love is Decision Point State Marine Park near Whittier.
What are some great hiking trails in Alaska?
There’s so many great areas for hiking The Last Frontier! Check out these 20 trails in Alaska that we absolutely love.
What are some more good things to do outside in Alaska?
You may think that with our often-frigid weather, there’s not a lot of things to do outside in Alaska, but you’d be wrong. From fishing to hiking, there is so much to experience here! Bundle up and get out there.
Address: Chugach State Park, 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Address: Denali National Park and Preserve, Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, USA
Address: Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer, AK 99603, USA
Address: Wood-Tikchik State Park, Dillingham, AK 99576, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Casea Peterson grew up archery hunting, fishing, and camping throughout the Pacific Northwest. Motivated by her love for the outdoors she moved to Alaska to attend school and to spend time exploring the last frontier. If she doesn’t have a pen in hand or her nose in a book, she can be found out on a lake or up in the woods around a fire with friends.
