Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In Alaska

Since it is farthest to the north, autumn comes earlier to Alaska than elsewhere in the U.S. So when does fall start in Alaska? In August, when it seems that the rest of the world is sweltering in high summer temperatures, cool breezes are already blowing up here. To see the glory that is Alaska in the fall, start above the Arctic Circle in northern Alaskan and head south throughout the month of September to see it all. Stay one step ahead of the first snow and you will see the most colorful and vibrant leaves. Here is one great place in each region to see fall colors in Alaska.

1. Arctic Region -

Atigun Pass

In Brooks Range up in northern Alaska, snow often begins falling in August. To see fall colors in this part of Alaska, head up in early August. The hillsides begins to turn to gold at the start of the month and by September, it is often winter. The average date of the first snowfall in Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow, typically occurs near Aug. 23.

Atigun Pass is a 4,739 feet high mountain pass in the Brooks Range. It is the only pass with a road maintained year round. This area is beautiful to visit for the fall colors in early August, and you may see Dall sheep and mountain goats as well!

2. Interior Region - Denali Park Road

Denali National Park, while always gorgeous, is especially so in the fall. With the blend of the golden hills of rolling tundra and the forested areas exploding in reds, it's easily one of our favorite places to view the fall colors in Alaska.

In the fall Denali’s landscape blushes red as the leaves of dwarf birch, a common shrub, change to a bright red before falling. Take the bus up the Denali Park Road, or win the access lottery to drive your own car.

3. Southcentral Region - Chickaloon

Fall comes to the Southcentral region and the greater Anchorage area in mid-September and on through October. The summer warmth lingers a little longer as you travel south.

Chickaloon is at Mile 76 of the Glenn Highway and is surrounded by the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains with the majestic Matanuska River. This is a glorious spot to see the fall colors in Southcentral Alaska.

4. Southwest Region - Uganik River, Kodiak

The winter comes for us all and even the emerald isle of Kodiak succumbs to autumn breezes and colder temperatures. The cool breezes turn the trees gold and red in Kodiak in September and October.

It's never a bad idea to visit Kodiak, but the fall foliage is a great reason to make the journey. Uganik in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to see the Alaska fall foliage.

5. Southeast Region - Sheep Creek

Autumn comes to Southeast Alaska latest of all, beginning in September and ending in late October. The forests are lush temperate rainforests with western red cedar and sitka spruce which remain evergreen. The shrubs and smaller plants at higher elevations do display beautiful fall colors.

At the higher elevations, blueberries are everywhere with their bright red bushes in the fall. Happy berry picking!

Did your favorite place to watch the fall colors in Alaska make the list? If not, tell us about it in the comments below! For related content, check out this stunning Alaska drive that few people are actually allowed to visit.