Visitors ask all the time if Alaskans grow accustomed to the incredible views. The answer is emphatically: "No!" The views are so staggering, they never get old and the landscape looks lovely in the color palette of every season. These are some of the most amazing places in the state, so beautiful you won't believe your eyes. But, of course, it's just another glorious day in one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.
1. Tok Cutoff Road
The 125-mile Tok Cutoff Road runs between Tok and the Richardson Highway Junction. This road cruises through some of the most beautiful country in Alaska. This area of the state is some of the first parts that newcomers driving into Alaska see, and it is spectacular! The Milepost has a great list of things to see and do in this area.
2. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Juneau
The Mendenhall Ice Caves are so beautiful, you won't believe your eyes. Trickles of melting water have carved these caves out of the Mendenhall Glacier. The intense blue light and the dripping water lend this place an otherworldly aspect. They can be dangerous, so make sure you visit with an experienced guide. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Alaska, make sure to stay up to date on the do’s and don’t’s of visiting this spot from the Forest Service.
3. Tern Lake, off Sterling Highway
This picturesque lake is teeming with marine life. It's a gorgeous place where the mountains rise right out of the lake. Exploring Tern Lake is one of the wonderful things to do in Alaska. If you need a place to spend the night, the Inn at Tern Lake is a romantic spot that you must see!
4. Denali National Park, Healy
The largest mountain in North America and the surrounding area encompass 6 million acres of Alaska’s interior wilderness. The incredible mountains are always prime for exploring. Denali National Park is one of the most famous spots in Alaska, and it’s not hard to see why!
5. Mount Drum, Wrangell Mountains
The Wrangells are stunning any time of year. Head east for mountain adventure and gaze on this beauty. If you want to see this beauty up close and personal, St. Elias Alpine Guides will take you on an expedition to summit Mount Drum!
6. Sawyer Glacier, Juneau
The legendary Tracy Arm Fjord is as unreal as you can get. The brilliant blue glacial ice and the glassy ocean before it strike a bold pose. Allen Marine Tours will get you up close to this brilliant glacier so you can see it in person.
7. Eureka Summit, Chugach Mountains
The peaks of Chugach are well known for their perfect powder, piled up in mountains. A hot spot for winter sport enthusiasts.
8. Gunsight Mountain, Glenn Highway
A notable roadside view, this mountain is a good place to see migrating raptors including eagles, hawks and harriers. The unique coloration is beautiful in the afternoon sun. Truly one of the most scenic spots in Alaska, the Glenn Highway itself is named a National Scenic Byway.
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9. Denali Highway, Interior
This winding road with the Alaska Range for a backdrop is almost all above the timberline, so the vistas go on forever. If you want a great guide for this Denali Highway trip, visit Alaska.org’s webpage on this beautiful highway.
10. Stephens Passage, Southeast
This narrow strip runs between Admiralty Island and Douglas Island in the Alexander Archipelago. The sparkling waters are enchanting on a clear day. This is actually a wonderful place to go whale watching, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re on a local cruise.
11. Afognak Island, Kodiak Refuge
The glittering island near Kodiak is immensely beautiful, and it will definitely be hard to tell whether or not you are dreaming. This place is protected, and it's easy to understand how precious unspoiled beauty is in Alaska. Known as the "Island of the Great Bear," Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is an amazing spot to see some of the wildlife Alaska is most famous for.
If you crave the outdoors, head out to The Absurdly Beautiful Winter Hike In Alaska That Will Make You Feel At One With Nature. If you are an ocean lover, head to This Hidden Spot In Alaska Is Unbelievably Beautiful And You’ll Want To Find It.
How many of the most beautiful places in Alaska have you visited? Is there one incredible spot that we missed? Let us know and tell us about it in the comments below.
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