Take the Drive to This Remote Alaska Spot (The Views Are So Worth It)

If you're searching for a remote destination in Alaska where the drive is as awe-inspiring as the final view, look no further than Eagle Summit. This stunning, off-the-beaten-path location offers some of the most spectacular, sweeping vistas in Alaska—and while it takes some effort to get there, the journey is absolutely worth it.

Eagle Summit is located about 2.5 hours northeast of Fairbanks, along the Steese Highway. The drive itself is a visual treat, taking you through rolling tundra, rugged mountains, and an expanse of untouched terrain. As you ascend toward Eagle Summit, the landscape transforms and you’ll start to feel like you’re on top of the world.

At 3,685 feet, Eagle Summit is one of the highest points in Alaska that you can reach by road. At the top, there’s a small roadside pullout and an elevation sign marking the summit, but no facilities or cell service, adding to the sense of isolation that defines this remote location. The views from the summit are breathtaking, offering a panorama of the surrounding tundra and mountain ranges. On clear days, you can see for miles in every direction. It’s a truly humbling experience to stand at the top and take in the vastness of the Alaskan wilderness.

If you’re up for a real challenge, the Pinnell Mountain Trail begins at Eagle Summit and winds along alpine ridgelines through the White Mountains toward Twelvemile Summit. This rugged backcountry route rewards those experienced and prepared for its remoteness with continuous, far-reaching perspectives of the Alaska Range and Yukon River valley.

Eagle Summit is also a key landmark on the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race route. Mushers and their teams make the challenging ascent up Eagle Summit every February in some of the harshest winter conditions imaginable. Standing there in the nicer weather, it’s hard to imagine tackling this summit in the freezing cold with a team of dogs—but it certainly adds to the sense of adventure surrounding this spot.

As for what you can expect to see, besides the epic views, there is also a good chance you’ll spot wildlife along the way. The area is home to caribou, foxes, and even the occasional moose. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a bald eagle soaring above the tundra, making the summit’s name feel even more appropriate.

The best time of year to visit Eagle Summit is during the summer and early fall months, typically from June to September. The road is open year-round, but winter driving conditions can be treacherous, especially with steep inclines and the potential for whiteout conditions. In the summer, however, the road is more easily accessible and the tundra blooms with vibrant wildflowers, adding a colorful touch to the already dramatic scenery. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit as the landscape turns red and gold before the first snowfall.

While the summit itself is often the highlight of the trip, the drive along the Steese Highway offers plenty to see as well. The Chatanika River and Twelve Mile Summit are interesting stops en route, and the highway crosses through the White Mountains, providing numerous chances for scenic pullouts and photo opportunities.

Eagle Summit is the kind of place that reminds you just how vast and wild Alaska truly is. The drive may be long and remote, but when you finally reach the summit and take in that view, you’ll realize it was worth every mile. So, if you’re up for an adventure and want to experience a part of Alaska that few others make the trek to, grab some road trip snacks, hit the road, and head for Eagle Summit—you won’t regret it!

📍Getting There: Eagle Summit sits at Milepost 107.3 on the Steese Highway (AK-6). From Fairbanks, simply follow the Steese Highway north toward Circle until you reach the small roadside pullout marking the summit.

Need somewhere to stay close to Fairbanks? I love this Trapper Cabin on the Elliot Highway, just 30 minutes north of Fairbanks. You can also use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map out your visit and plan your route.