The Ultimate Alaska Natural Wonders Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It
Sure, there may not be many roads in Alaska, but there are an endless amount of natural wonders that can easily be seen from the comfort of your vehicle. If you’re up for a road trip that leads you to some of Alaska’s most incredible vistas and unique landmarks, then look no further. Our Natural Wonders In Alaska Road Trip spans the 310 miles of highway between Eagle River to Valdez. It takes approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes to hit all the sights one way, but if you plan a weekend trip and stay the night in Valdez, you can hit half the stops on the way there and half on the way back. This is one road trip through Alaska that you won’t want to miss!
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Our road trip starts in the heart of Eagle River at the Eagle Creek Nature Center. Take Eagle River Road through town to the end of the road, there is parking at the Nature Center and a visitor building filled with interesting information. Take a walk through the trails and get great snapshots of the Chugach Mountain Range. Find out more about their offerings on the Eagle River Nature Center website.
Eklutna Lake is a beautiful glacial lake with tons of surrounding trails and picnic areas. Stop here for a quick snack or take some time following a few of the trails uphill to get better views of the water and surrounding mountains. Spend some time at one of their public cabins for rent, and make a weekend of this beautiful spot.
There are several overlooks just outside of Chickaloon that offer you incredible views of the Matanuska River and surrounding valley. The river is run off from the well-known Matanuska Glacier and follows along the Glenn Highway draining into the Knik Arm. Either enjoy the drive along the river or pull off the highway and get some breathe taking pictures! Stay up to date on the traffic you’ll find on the Glen on their Facebook page.
Next stop is the Mantanuska Glacier. There are endless amounts of recreational opportunities from hiking to taking a helicopter over the glacier. Enjoy whatever activity suits you as you take in the massive expanse of one of Alaska's most popular glaciers. This is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska, and you can learn more about this recreational area on their website here.
There will be many opportunities to view Alaska's boreal forest along the side of the road but make sure to take note as you drop down into Glennallen after visiting the Matanuska Glacier. You'll see tons of Black Spruce along the highway that grow short and skinny due to the permafrost around their root base. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Glenallen’s beautiful hiking trails.
There are many views of the Copper River once you hop onto the RIchardson Highway in Glenallen. Make sure you stop and walk down to the water for some epic photo opportunities with the Wrangell Range in the distance. If you have the time, drive up McCarthy Road to see some more stunning views of the Copper River as you drive over the bridge above it. This is one of the coolest things to see in Alaska!
7. Worthington Glacier from the Richardson Highway
Worthington Glacier can be viewed from many places on the Richardson Highway, most commonly at milepost 28.7, but I recommend taking time to stop at the roadside park, Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, and enjoying lunch at the picnic site. The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. and definitely one of the most frequently visited.
Horsetail Falls is quick and easy just like Worthington Glacier. It passes just under the Richardson Highway so you can observe as you drive past or pull over for a great family picture opportunity. Winter or spring, these falls have so much to offer when you stop to explore them!
Wrap up your trip, or start off your second day, by kayaking across this gorgeous glacial lake in Valdez. Their are tours that take you through ice caves and around floating bergs from the Valdez Glacier. It's a great experience for all ages! Valdez has so much to see and do. This is a great finish to the natural wonders road trip in Alaska!
Have you ever seen any of these incredible features up close? Which one was your favorite? Let us know what else you would add to this ultimate Natural Wonders In Alaska Road Trip!
Absolutely! Alaska is so huge, and getting out and traveling by car will allow you to see things not on the traditional sight seeing tours. You’ll get to eat where the locals go, explore lakes, and mountains, and backcountry not normally seeing by people who live outside of Alaska, and take a chance to slow down and enjoy what’s around you.
Are there many good Alaska road trips?
There are only a few major highways in the state, but there’s definitely plenty to see. Look up certain sights that you couldn’t live without seeing, and plan your own road trip! Or check out our website for more great Alaska road trip ideas.
Address: Alaska, USA
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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.
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