Underrated National Forest Hikes in Alaska That Rival Denali’s Big Three

With over 663,000 square miles of wild, untamed beauty and untouched wilderness up its sleeve, there's a lifetime of bucket list-worthy adventures to be had in Alaska, from helicopter wildlife tours to chartered glacier excursions to open-sea kayaking, and so much more. But for many, a visit to Denali National Park is at the top of their AK to-do list. And why not? It's one of the largest and most diverse national parks in the world. It's home to the highest mountains in the U.S., an abundance of natural wonders, incredible backpacking opportunities, and even the chance to see wolves, grizzlies, and caribou roaming free in their natural habitat. For a well-rounded national park experience, the "Big Three" here consists of Mount Healy, Savage Alpine, and Triple Lakes—all of which are bucket list-worthy hikes. But if Denali isn't in the cards this year or you're looking for hiking opportunities that are a little closer to home, Alaska's national forests offer some gorgeous sights of their own that might just rival this iconic national park.

Interestingly, despite being so massive, the Last Frontier only has two national forests: Tongass National Forest and Chugach National Forest. Of course, they're both huge in comparison to those found in the Lower 48! Both forests boast countless trails for all ages and stamina levels, many of which are bucket list adventures on their own. The following national forest hikes each offer their own small taste of Denali's iconic landscapes, but with a little extra "Only in Alaska" backcountry beauty, sans the national park crowds.

Chugach National Forest

As the second-largest national forest in the country, the 5.9-million-acre Chugach National Forest forms the heart of southcentral Alaska. If you're looking for the ultimate bang for your buck in terms of scenery, this is the best place to visit. Here, you'll find a unique blend of just about every natural wonder you can imagine: wetlands, calving glaciers, rugged mountains, fjords, and more stretching from Prince William Sound all the way to the Kenai Peninsula. It's the only national forest in the U.S. that simultaneously borders the ocean and contains both temperate rainforest and active tidewater glaciers, which means every hike here is sure to be packed with many of Alaska's most grandiose sights. Add to that its convenient location near Anchorage and Seward, and you have one of the most accessible yet wild hiking destinations in the entire state.

1. Byron Glacier Trail

The Byron Glacier Trail near Whittier might seem short and sweet on paper at just under three miles round-trip, but it nevertheless offers an incredible behind-the-scenes peek into one of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes. The easy trail moves from dense forest to a rocky floodplain littered with ice chunks and avalanche debris left over from the actively retreating Byron Glacier. It’s a gorgeous stop if you’re exploring nearby Portage Glacier or headed to Alyeska Resort, boasting an accessible taste of Alaska’s ancient ice formations without needing any extra gear or too much planning.

2. Portage Pass Trail

Alaska's Portage Valley is overflowing with natural beauty! Not too far from Byron Glacier, the Portage Pass Trail is a short, easy hike just off the stunning Seward Highway that offers incredible views of Portage Lake and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. Formerly a major Native trade route long before Western settlers arrived, this shortcut through the mountains also eventually helped connect military supplies and personnel moving between Whittier and the rail network heading inland. Today, this 4.5-mile trail segment is a peaceful trek through dense forest and wildflower-filled alpine meadows. The hike ends at a ridge with panoramic views of the lake’s icebergs, left over from Portage Glacier’s steady retreat. This is the perfect quick hike if you’re exploring Portage Valley's many glaciers or visiting the nearby Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.

3. Crow Pass, Crystal Lake, and Barnes Mountain Trail

Tucked deep in the Chugach Mountains, the Crow Pass, Crystal Lake, and Barnes Mountain Trail packs glacier views, gold rush history, and alpine beauty all into one rugged, drama-filled adventure that feels straight out of Denali. Starting near Girdwood—Alaska's famous ski town—you’ll hike past the tumbling Raven Glacier, cross icy streams, and have the opportunity to camp near turquoise Crystal Lake under the watchful eye of Barnes Mountain. Once a supply route for prospectors chasing gold in the 1890s, this trail series now rewards trekkers with colorful meadows, bear sightings, and unique mining remnants. You can take an optional added hike directly to Raven Glacier if you'd like to extend your adventure.

4. Resurrection Falls Trail

Just outside the colorful town of Seward, the Resurrection Falls/Resurrection River Trail winds through towering spruce forests, leading to a gorgeous 40-foot waterfall that crashes into Resurrection Creek. At 12.3 miles, it's longer (and more challenging) than many of Alaska's more accessible waterfall hikes, but it travels through some seriously beautiful, rugged glacial terrain shaped by the retreat of the Harding Icefield. Along the way, you might spot salmon spawning in the creek or catch glimpses of mountain goats on the rocky slopes. It's also close to Kenai Fjords National Park if you feel like dipping your toes in the national park scene or exploring the nearby Exit Glacier.

5. Carter Lake Trail

Something about this spot just screams "island vacation" to me. The lush green setting of Carter Lake is classic Kenai Peninsula backcountry, yet it's right off the Seward Highway near Moose Pass. Along the 4-mile Carter Lake Trail, you'll travel deep into the Kenai Mountains and into a beautiful hanging valley shaped by tectonic uplift and glaciation. This dreamy glacial cirque is positively packed with open tundra meadows, which burst into rainbow displays of lupine, fireweed, and paintbrush in late summer. Above the treeline, sweeping views of the Snow River Valley and its surrounding peaks open up. The small, cold, glacially gouged Carter Lake is typically calm enough to mirror the sky, with few crowds and little noise but the wind, water, and the occasional marmot whistle.

Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest is, without a doubt, one of the coolest forests in the world. Not only is it the largest national forest in the United States at over 16.7 million acres, but it also protects the largest remaining temperate rainforest on Earth. With over 1,000 islands, 19 wilderness areas, and very little road infrastructure, the secluded Tongass is a rugged mosaic of glacial fjords, misty islands, snowcapped peaks, and towering old-growth trees, some of which are more than 800 years old. This is true Alaskan woodsy wilderness, complete with bears, moose, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, and numerous rare and majestic marine animals. There's a lot to explore in this wild and wonderful part of the state, and you'll want to break out all of your best lumberjack-turned-bushwhacker skills to navigate it.

6. Deer Mountain Trail, Tongass

Deer Mountain is a true wilderness hike, featuring natural rock stairs, lopsided log bridges, loose climbs that look incredibly intimidating from the base, and 5.2 miles of forested beauty that leads to a sweeping summit overlook. You'll encounter plenty of wet and mossy conditions here, including multiple creek crossings, so be prepared with waterproof boots and trekking poles to navigate the steep trail safely—and a hefty dose of bear awareness (because deer aren't the only wildlife here).

7. Carlanna Lake Trail

Just minutes from downtown Ketchikan, the Carlanna Lake Trail delivers forest quiet, mountain views, and a peaceful lake loop in just a few hours. You’ll hike 5.4 miles through lush woodsy beauty, complete with mossy spruce, salmonberry thickets, baby waterfalls, and the occasional bald eagle overhead. The trail traces the seemingly humble Lake Carlanna before climbing up to a rocky overlook with commanding views of the ocean and nearby islands. It’s a perfect intro to Alaska’s rainforests without leaving town, but with just enough challenge to make it feel miles away from civilization. Try this one in fall for even more rugged beauty!

8. Herring Cove

The Herring Cove Trail near Ketchikan packs a lot into a short hike: lush rainforest, towering waterfalls, lilypad-dotted lakes, impossibly balanced rock formations, and even a shot at spotting black bears fishing in the water in late summer. The 3.6-mile trail starts near the end of South Tongass Highway and climbs past creeks and boardwalks into classic Tongass terrain: big trees, big moss, dense undergrowth, and glacier-carved hills. Every curve of the trail shows off something new, so you'll never find yourself at a loss for magnificent scenery. This trail was once part of an old logging road system, and is now reclaimed by nature and hikers. Go in August for peak salmon runs and bear activity, in fall for glorious pops of autumn color, or hike here anytime for a quiet walk in a sea of green.

9. Heintzleman Ridge Trail

Craving some drama? The Heintzleman Ridge Trail in Juneau offers national park-style impressiveness on a smaller scale with panoramic alpine views, precarious trail segments, and dramatic overlooks the entire way. This 9.6-mile backpacking trail climbs quickly out of the trees and onto a narrow ridge with sweeping views of the Mendenhall Glacier, Gastineau Channel, and endless blue layers of coastal mountains. It’s a steep and rugged journey with numerous exposed areas and unique, glacier-carved landforms, intermingled with alpine wildflower-filled mountainsides and towering tree stands. Like Denali, you'll feel incredibly small standing in this massive landscape, but the challenging climb to get here is worth it. In fact, the views are so good from start to finish, you don't even need to reach the end of the trail to feel rewarded.

10. Blackerby Ridge Trail

The 7.3-mile Blackerby Ridge Trail in Juneau is a steep, leg-burning climb that boasts wide-open alpine views, spectacular wildflowers, and a close-up look at the Juneau Icefield. But it won't come easily. You'll gain 3,000 feet in just a few miles as you climb through dense spruce forest, past the beloved Blueberry Hill, and up onto the exposed ridgeline with sweeping views of Heintzleman Ridge, Mt. Juneau, and the distant Chilkat Range. This challenging hike crosses ancient windblown glacial terrain and eerily quiet alpine tundra, but on a clear day, it’s definitely one of the best ridge hikes in Southeast Alaska.

Alaska may only have two national forests to its credit, but you wouldn't know it by how much there is to explore within their borders. The Tongass feels like a tropical, rain-soaked storybook of islands and trees, while Chugach feels like a dramatic collage of ice, mountains, and rugged valleys. Together, they show off the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Last Frontier that can be found even beyond the state's national parks. Where will you start first?