These Are the Most Underrated Tourist Spots in Alaska, According To Local Redditors

The challenge of exploring Alaska and all it has to offer travelers is in its vast remoteness. With over 663,000 miles of technicolor beauty to explore, look beyond the state's iconic national parks and grandiose mountain ranges and you'll find immense stretches of impenetrable wilderness, icy lakes, and uninhabitable tundra.

Just like prime fishing spots and the state's most spectacular hikes are often tightly-guarded secrets, so too are many of Alaska's most epic places to visit, which are often hiding in the heart of these wild and rugged landscapes. The following underrated spots come highly recommended by Alaska Redditors, but really, they're just a drop in the bucket of everything that makes Alaska so special.

1. Chatanika Dredge

There are quite a few abandoned dredges in Alaska, but the Chatanika Dredge No. 3 is the biggest by far, located just outside of Fairbanks in near-arctic Alaska. It's an absolute behemoth remnant of Alaska's 1920s gold mining era; a 100-foot, 1,000-pound metal-and-wood hulking hydraulic relic sitting just off Mile 29 of the Steese Highway. It ceased operations around 1958 as mining technology advanced, and today, it sits abandoned on a small lake just across from the Chatanika Lodge. There are no official trails or viewing areas for the dredge, but it's easy to reach and admire up close (or from above).

2. Taylor Highway

The wildly gorgeous and underrated Taylor Highway is a phenomenal way to explore the Canadian Yukon, as well as take a fascinating trip through Alaska's gold mining history. The 160-mile road is the northernmost international border crossing between the USA and Canada, eventually connecting with the "Top of the World Highway" after winding through some of the most scenic sights in the entire Northwest. Sights include the quirky town of Chicken, the Fortymile River, unique sand dunes, and some seriously stunning foliage in fall. Note that while the first 60 miles are paved, the remainder is gravel, so be aware before you head out.

3. Alaska Native Heritage Center

Alaska has some truly incredible museums, but the the Alaska Native Heritage Center is in a category of its own. This living cultural museum has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the traditions, languages, and arts of Alaska's Native peoples since 1999. The ANHC features life-sized village sites, interactive exhibits, and performances that showcase traditional dance, storytelling, and Alaska Native games, as well as unexpected art and natural displays that are as impressive as they are full of tribal history.

4. Virgin Creek Falls

Located just a quick 40-minute drive from Anchorage, this spectacular trail is located in the northernmost rainforest in North America. But you won't find just trees here; all that rain contributes to some seriously fantastic-looking waterfalls as well, like Virgin Creek Falls. The hike is under a mile and offers something new in every season. While Virgin Creek only tumbles around 15 feet into the scenic pool at its base, it's a phenomenal day trip for all ages and abilities.

5. Lake Hood

Alaska's remote glacial lakes often elicit the most wanderlust, but scenic Lake Hood is proof that every corner of the state is gorgeous for one reason or another. This petite lake, combined with Lake Spenard, is hiding right in the heart of Anchorage. If it's a nice day, taking a walk around the lake is the very definition of a perfect morning. Grab coffee in town (we love the brunches at Snow City Cafe), stroll around the water, and watch dozens of weekend float planes take off as people head out to their cabins.

All too often, Alaska's most iconic natural wonders get all the glory, but there's so much more to see and discover in the Last Frontier. Other underrated places to visit in Alaska, according to locals, include Cape Lisburne, the Anchorage Museum, and Flattop Mountain. Plan your own trip to these Alaska favorites using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.