7 Stunning Winter Scenes From Alaska’s National Parks

Wrangell - St. Elias holds the distinction of being not just the largest national park in Alaska; but the largest in the entire United States. These 13.2 million acres offer a plethora of things to see and do during the winter months, but the temperatures will be frigid, frequently falling to -30F or colder. But there are still plenty of fun things to do, including cross country skiing, and even snow machining on any public land inside the park, as long as there is adequate snow cover. All Alaska's national parks are open year round, but many have limited or no services available during our coldest months.

One of Alaska’s most famous parks, Denali National Park shines in the winter season. Although rarely visited, these 6 million acres have something amazing to offer all year long. In the wintertime, expect to see stunning aurora borealis at night, and incredible stargazing. Head out into the backcountry for winter camping, cross country skiing or snowshoeing, or visit the gorgeous Denali’s Sled Dogs in the winter.

Katmai National Park is famous for its plethora of grizzly viewing opportunities. Even though these giant bears head into hibernation in the winter, there are still plenty of gorgeous winter views of this beautiful park. The rivers and lake freeze over, and the mountains are covered in snow. Consider booking a winter sightseeing tour and fly over this quiet and serene winter area.

Kenai Fjords National Park is accessible through Seward, Alaska, and is filled with over 40 tidewater glaciers. Visiting these glaciers in the Gulf of Alaska is hard in the winter, as weather can be extreme in the ocean. Exit Glacier, and Harding Icefield, are two beautiful and slightly more accessible areas during the winter season inside Kenai Fjords National Park.

This beautiful wilderness is located about 120 miles southwest of Anchorage, and only accessible by plane. With volcanoes, the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world, and Crescent Lake, this is a stunning area of wilderness that has a gorgeous beauty in the winter time.

Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its sand dunes that many visitors see in the summertime, but that are hidden by snow in the winter. This beautiful area is home to over half a million migrating caribou, and almost 1.8 million acres of backcountry. Snow machining, dog sledding, and cross country skiing can be found in this stunning winter tundra in the coldest months.

The Gates of the Arctic National Park is situated right above the Arctic Circle. This stunning northern Alaskan park is completely remote, with no paved roads, and no trails. Visiting this spot is like visiting the ends of the Earth! During winter, the sun barely glows, but the aurora borealis will light your entire night.