9 Locations You Shouldn’t Miss When Traveling Through Alaska
Alaska is a land of extremes—towering mountains, sprawling glaciers, and untouched wilderness that feels like a scene straight out of a dream. Whether you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, or the thrill of seeing the Northern Lights, the Last Frontier offers something for every traveler. From remote national parks to coastal fjords, Alaska is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With so many incredible sights to explore, narrowing down the most beautiful destinations isn’t easy. However, these ten locations stand out as the most breathtaking places to experience in the great Alaskan wilderness.
1. Denali National Park – Home to North America’s Tallest Peak
Denali National Park is one of the most iconic destinations in Alaska, boasting six million acres of unspoiled wilderness. At its heart is Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the tallest peak in North America, towering at 20,310 feet. The landscape here is a mix of taiga forests, alpine tundra, and rugged mountain terrain, creating a stunning and diverse ecosystem. Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and caribou roaming freely. For those who love adventure, the park offers endless hiking trails, scenic bus tours, and even flightseeing tours that provide a jaw-dropping aerial view of the mountain. Whether you’re visiting for a day or immersing yourself in the wild for weeks, Denali’s raw beauty is unforgettable.
2. Glacier Bay National Park – A Spectacle of Ice and Water
Glacier Bay National Park is a living testament to the power of ice, with towering glaciers plunging into icy waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Located in southeastern Alaska, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is accessible mainly by boat or cruise, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the Inside Passage. One of the highlights is Margerie Glacier, a massive tidewater glacier known for its dramatic calving events, where chunks of ice crash into the sea with thunderous force. Wildlife thrives here, including humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and even the elusive coastal brown bear. Whether you’re kayaking through the fjords or watching glaciers from the deck of a cruise ship, Glacier Bay delivers an awe-inspiring experience.
3. Kenai Fjords National Park – Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtaking mix of rugged coastline, deep fjords, and massive glaciers that tumble into the ocean. Located near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, this park is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America. Visitors can take a boat tour through the fjords, where they’ll witness towering glaciers, sea otters playing in the surf, and orcas hunting in the deep blue waters. For those who prefer land adventures, the Harding Icefield Trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the ice stretching as far as the eye can see. With its mix of marine and mountain landscapes, Kenai Fjords is a must-visit for those seeking Alaska’s raw beauty.
4. Inside Passage – A Scenic Waterway Like No Other
The Inside Passage is a coastal wonderland of lush forests, misty fjords, and picturesque islands, making it one of Alaska’s most scenic regions. Stretching from the southeastern part of the state up to British Columbia, this route is best explored by cruise ship, ferry, or private yacht. Along the way, travelers can visit charming coastal towns like Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau, each offering a unique glimpse into Alaskan history and culture. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense evergreen forests make this one of the most photogenic places in the state. The Inside Passage is also one of the best places to see marine life, with frequent sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Whether you’re exploring the islands or sailing past towering glaciers, this journey is one of the most unforgettable in Alaska.
5. Katmai National Park – The Land of Giant Brown Bears
If you’ve ever seen photos of bears catching salmon mid-air in a rushing waterfall, chances are they were taken in Katmai National Park. Located in southwestern Alaska, this park is famous for Brooks Falls, where dozens of massive brown bears gather each summer to feast on migrating salmon. Beyond the bear-watching spectacle, Katmai is also home to one of the most active volcanic landscapes in the world, with the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes offering a surreal scene of ash-covered terrain from a historic eruption in 1912. The park is remote and primarily accessible by floatplane, but for those who make the journey, it offers one of the most thrilling and wild experiences in Alaska.
6. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park – America’s Largest National Park
Bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States. This untamed wilderness features some of the tallest peaks in North America, ancient glaciers, and vast stretches of untouched land. The park is a paradise for adventure seekers, offering mountaineering, backcountry hiking, and glacier trekking. Despite its remote nature, visitors can still explore historic Kennecott Mines, a fascinating ghost town that once thrived during Alaska’s copper mining boom. With its endless landscapes and dramatic scenery, Wrangell-St. Elias is one of the most awe-inspiring places for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Alaskan adventure.
7. Mendenhall Glacier – Juneau’s Icy Wonder
Just a short drive from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible and stunning glaciers in Alaska. Stretching 13 miles from the Juneau Icefield, this massive river of ice is surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. The most popular viewpoint is from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where visitors can watch as the glacier slowly calves into the lake below. Adventurous travelers can kayak up to the glacier’s face or take guided ice cave tours that lead into glowing blue tunnels beneath the ice. With its surreal beauty and easy accessibility, Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see for anyone visiting Alaska’s capital city.
8. Northern Lights in Fairbanks – Nature’s Most Spectacular Light Show
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Located under the “Aurora Oval,” Fairbanks experiences frequent and intense light displays from September through April. The swirling greens, purples, and blues dance across the sky, creating an unforgettable sight that draws travelers from around the globe. For the best viewing experience, visitors can escape the city lights and head to remote lodges or take guided tours that include heated cabins and hot drinks. Whether you’re watching from a frozen lake or a cozy lodge, seeing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks is an experience that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.
9. Kodiak Island – A Hidden Gem for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Kodiak Island, the second-largest island in the U.S., is an outdoor paradise that remains one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets. Known for its population of massive Kodiak bears, this lush and mountainous island offers incredible hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The rugged coastline is dotted with remote beaches, while the interior is home to alpine lakes and rolling hills. For history buffs, the island has a rich Native Alaskan heritage and Russian colonial history, reflected in its museums and cultural sites. With fewer crowds than other Alaskan destinations, Kodiak Island is perfect for those looking to experience Alaska’s wild beauty in a more secluded setting.
