Alaska National and State Park Guide

Alaska’s parks have a wide range of epic landscapes from temperate rainforests to arctic tundra, towering peaks and rugged coasts and boasts 4.1 million acres of parkland. Alaska is home to four of the largest national parks in the United States (Wrangell–St. Elias, Denali, Gates of the Arctic, and Katmai). The 10 highest peaks in the country and the longest tidewater glacier can also be found here. It isn’t a question of if you should go to Alaska, just when!

While most of Alaska is wide open to your exploration desires, some areas of the State are particularly amazing and these parks are among the best.  Read on to find out more about the best parks in Alaska!  

Alaska can be reached by air, sea or by road, with the Alaska Highway connecting the 49th state to the rest of North America. The Alaska Highway passes right by some of the best areas to see in Yukon, Canada! While exploring Alaska, we recommend you consider adding some time to go hiking in Canada’s Yukon as well!

Insider Tip:  if you plan to visit multiple parks, purchase an America the Beautiful Pass which covers all of your entry and amenity fees in the parks. It will pay for itself quickly!

Weather and When to Go

Summer is the best time to visit Alaska. Everything is open, the weather is great and wildlife is most active. Most trails are snow free by June, while higher elevation trails are almost fully defrosted by August which makes hiking a more pleasant experience, especially for beginner hikers. In July you are guaranteed to see bears and for the fishing enthusiasts out there, summer is your time! As the fall approaches, prices drop, crowds are fewer and Northern Lights sightings are possible. If you are a Northern Lights chaser, November to March is the best time to spot them. 

Winter in Alaska is not for the faint of heart. It is very cold and dark and the wildlife are hunkered down in hibernation mode. It is, however, a good time for dog sledding and snowmobiling if that is something you are looking to do. Even in the summer months, it is important to pack for all weather conditions. Things can change quickly so it is good to pack layers, rain gear and appropriate footwear to tackle rain, wind and snow that you may encounter. 

If you plan on visiting the best parks in Alaska, it is good to do your research ahead of time. Much of Alaska is only accessible by air and water so we have compiled a good bit of information on the various Alaskan Parks to get you started. 

Denali National Park

Without a doubt, Denali is the most popular Alaska National Park to visit. This is a great place for both experienced hikers and first timers to Alaska. Denali is home to the highest peak in North America and has something for everyone. From experienced hikers to trail walkers, it has you covered. Exploring Denali can be done by car and is an easy road trip. There are 6 campgrounds and hotels or chalets if camping isn’t your thing. We suggest booking as early as possible as everywhere fills up quickly. The trails are well maintained and there are a ton of other things to do if hiking isn’t your jam. If you are looking to see glaciers,  or are hoping to spot the “big 5” (bear, moose, caribou, dall sheep and wolves) you can do so by taking an air tour or a scenic train ride. Rafting is a great way to see the landscape from a different point of view in Denali National Park.  

We would suggest ending your adventure-filled day at 49th state brewery for an ice cold pint or Chena hot springs located an hour outside Fairbanks for a well deserved soak after a day of hiking. One thing to note if driving yourself, there is only one road into Denali and it is closed after Mile 15 so you will need to grab a hiker shuttle or explore the rest by guided tour.  Come see why Denali is one of the best parks to visit in Alaska! 

Quick Tips- Denali National park

Where To Stay: Lot’s of options, camping, airbnb, lodges or hotels. We recommend the dreamy Denali Lodges if you can snag one!
Best Time To Visit:  Summer, while wildlife is most active 
Main Activities:  Hiking, Rafting and Wildlife Viewing 
Access Type:  You can access Denali National Park by driving, by train or by bus
Local Tip:  Book the earliest bus to see more wildlife while they are most active 

Wrangell-St Elias National Park

If you are an outdoor adventurist or history buff, then Wrangell should definitely be on your list! Ice climbing, hiking, biking, rafting, fishing and rock climbing pursuits can all be fulfilled within this Alaskan National Park. It is the largest park in the United States with a 13.2 million acre playground. Go back in time exploring the Bonanza Mine or check out ice caves. For the geology lovers, Wrangell has 2000 miles of lava fields. Mount Wrangell is currently active and if you are lucky on a cool summer morning, you may see steam rising from the vents but don’t worry, it doesn’t show signs of erupting any time soon. Driving from Anchorage takes at least eight hours. Driving from Valdez takes roughly five hours. Many people choose to drive to Glennallen or Chitina and fly to the town of McCarthy, 5 miles from Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. 

Allow at least three nights in Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark to fully experience the townsite, nearby glaciers and trails. Located close to the town of McCarthy, we suggest staying at Ma Johnson's historic hotel or Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Before you leave, make sure to have a meal at the Potato restaurant located on the mainstreet of McCarthy.  If more remote fly in parks are a bit intimidating, Wrangell-St Elias is definitely one of the top National Parks in Alaska. 

Quick Tips- Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Where To Stay: Camping and lodge options available. We recommend staying in Kennicott
Best Time to Visit: June to mid September
Main Activities: Ice climbing, wildlife, hiking, biking, fishing, volcano and glacier viewing
Access Type: You can drive there, but be prepared for an adventurous and bumpy ride! There are shuttle and flight options as well.
Local Tip: Visit Petroglyph Beach at low tide to see over 40 rock carvings! You can walk there from downtown Wrangell or rent a bike.

Katmai National Park

If wildlife photography is your passion, then exploring Katmai National Park in Alaska is a must! Home to more than 2000 bears, you are guaranteed to see the magical sight of bears plucking salmon from the river. If you visit late June through to late July, you can see bears chowing down at Brooks Falls. This Alaska park is perfect for a day trip and is float plane access only. If you choose to stay the night, you can camp or book a room at Brooks Lodge. We suggest starting and ending your day at King Salmon where you will get a safety briefing on bear safety. If you are planning to camp, you need to be experienced in the outdoors and be thoroughly prepared for bear encounters and weather.  Satellite phones are recommended as there is no cell service. If you are up for a camping adventure, book early January to secure a site on the Alaska National Parks website. There are guided tour options available where you can go see the volcanic Valley of Ten Thousands Smokes, an amazing site to see!

Quick Tips- Katmai Naitonal Park

Where To Stay: Camping, lodges
Best Time to Visit: Late June through to late July
Main Activities: Wildlife viewing, hiking, photography
Access Type: Air access only
Local Tip: Get on top of booking early to snag a spot at Brooks Camp inside the park

Glacier Bay National Park

If you are a seeker of oceanic wildlife then Glacier Bay National Park is your destination. You can access the park by boat, kayak, plane or cruise ship! There are guided tours to help make the most of your time and take you to the best spots to see migrating humpback whales (a once in a lifetime marvel!), pods of orcas, adorable sea otters and brown bears hanging out on the shores. Bartlett Cove is home to miles of well maintained hiking trails, where you can wander at your own pace and soak in expansive views.  If you prefer to get up close and feel tiny, there are kayaking opportunities to paddle through rugged inlets and fjords to access glaciers and mysterious sea stacks. The weather can change quickly so be prepared for wind and rain at any time. Waterproof layers and shoes are highly recommended. 

Quick Tips- Glacier Bay National park

Where to Stay: Backcountry and campground camping, Glacier Bay Lodge and Bear Track Inn
Best Time to Visit: Late May- early June to avoid crowds and rain
Main Activities: Marine life and glacier viewing, kayaking, hiking
Access type: Water and air access only
Local Tip: Bartlett Cove is the park's headquarters. There are lodging and kayak rentals there

Gates of the Arctic National Park

The Gates of the Arctic truly offers something all year round and is one of the most remote National Parks in Alaska. This is a hike or fly in park only and day tours are available. It is the least visited park in the US due to its remote location. In the Summer, the sun rarely sets and it's a great time to try river floating or rafting on the Noatak River. The Spring is good for snow adventures, dog sledding and seeing oxen and caribou. If you are daring enough to visit in the winter, the only light is the Northern Lights. So cool! There is backcountry camping available or nearby options are Coldfoot Camp and Bettles Lodge. We would suggest staying in Coldfoot or Fairbanks. The weather and the mosquitos here are no joke! We recommend full body protection from the bugs and packing for all weather conditions. 

Quick Tips- Gates of the arctic National Park

Where to Stay: Camping, Coldfoot or Fairbanks have lodging options
Best Time to Visit: Summer unless you want to endure a very harsh winter 
Main Activities: Hiking, glacier and wildlife viewing, Northern Lights
Access type: Hike in, air and water access
Local Tip: We cannot stress enough the wild weather that changes on a dime. Even in the summer, temperatures can drop drastically and storms can quickly arise. Plan for every type of weather

Chilkat State Park

Located between Haines and Juneau, Chilkat Park is a great place to escape the crowds. Explore many glaciers, spot grizzly bears fishing for salmon, hike, fish, boat and camp. A definite highlight is seeing the 1000 foot waterfall off the Rainbow Glacier on a flightseeing tour. There are easy trails and some that are more challenging like the Mount Riley Trail that offers stunning views. Summer is the best time to visit with the salmon run happening early June. You can camp within the park, however it is very limited with only 35 sites, so be ready when bookings open to snag a spot!

Quick Tips- Chilkat State Park

Where to Stay: Camping, accommodations in Haines
Best Time to Visit: Summer, June for salmon run
Main Activities: Hike, wildlife and glacier viewing, fishing
Access type: This park is road access but it is a bit of an adventure on steep and gravel roads to get there
Local Tip: There are 3 trails within the park. Battery Park is an easy trail which emerges to a beautiful beach!

Sitka National Historic Site

If you are looking for history and culture, Sitka’s 10,000 year history will surely satisfy you. For Native history buffs and art lovers, there is much to learn and explore. You can take a walk through various exhibits, churches, museums and the sacred 20 totem poles. If you pass through the visitors center, you can catch a film to really deep dive into the history and culture of Sitka. If you need a change up, explore the scenic coastal trail, go on a wildlife tour or soak in Goddard Hot Springs. The downtown area is a great place to shop and eat delicious local seafood.

Quick Tips- Sitka National Historic Site

Where to Stay: Various lodging options available downtown
Best Time to Visit: May through August
Main Activities: Museums, art galleries, wildlife viewings 
Access type: You can access Sitka by plane or boat. There are scheduled and chartered flights and ferries available
Local Tip: Sitka is known for its food truck scene from Alaskan seafood dishes to asian fusion. A convenient way to eat while exploring the downtown culture.

Chugach State Park

Chugach park is filled with endless activities for outdoor enthusiasts and best of all, it is extremely accessible! Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, glacier viewing, horseback riding, gold-panning, snowmobiling, berry picking and more! With lots of wildlife to spot, photographers can enjoy snapping pics throughout the park. If you are a water adventurer, there is kayaking and rafting available as well. Winter time brings good cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, snowmobiling and Northern Lights viewing.  Chugach State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Alaska and for good reason! 

Quick Tips- Chugach State Park

Where to Stay: Various campgrounds within the park, lot’s of accommodations in Anchorage which is only 20 minutes away
Best Time to Visit: Both summer and winter are good times to visit depending on what you wish to do.
Main Activities: So many!
Access type: Car
Local Tip: Flattop Mountain is a fabulous hike. Check out Glacier Brewhouse after for a delicious meal and cold pint. 

Kenai Fjords National Park

A true kayaker's paradise! View nesting seabirds, endangered steller sea lions, porpoises, and humpback whales on one of the epic kayaking tours offered within the park. Another perk is that Kenai is Alaska’s most accessible park only 2.5 hours away from Anchorage so there are plenty of accommodation options for you. Camp or stay at one of the many hotels or serene wilderness lodges. If you only have a day to spend here, we recommend taking a glacier or whale tour! 

Quick Tips- Kenai Fjords National Park

Where to Stay: Camping, lodges, cabins, Seward is a good place to base yourself
Best Time to Visit: June- August
Main Activities: Kayaking, hiking, sightseeing tours (glaciers, wildlife tours)
Access type: Car access
Local Tip: Must-see attractions include the Harding Icefield, boat tours of the fjords, and a visit to Exit Glacier. This park also does not charge an entry fee.

Lake Clark National Park

95% of America’s brown bears live in Alaska and Lake Clark is home to a healthy population of these. So it is no surprise that people flock here to fulfill their wildlife viewing dreams! However bears are not all. You can also spot moose, fox and dall sheep in these parts. This is also a popular spot for hiking, rafting, birdwatching and fishing. We recommend Crescent Lake and Silver Salmon Creek for fishing. This park is plane access only with very strict weight restrictions for luggage so make sure to pack on the lighter side or contact the company directly to get the exact requirements. You can camp anywhere within the park but lodges are also available.

Quick Tips- Lake Clark National park

Where to Stay: Camping, B&B’S, lodges, cabins
Best Time to Visit: June through September
Main Activities: Wildlife viewing, fishing
Access type: Air access only
Local Tip: A great park to visit if you only have one day. Take a flightseeing tour or bear watching tour.

Kobuk Valley National Park

The best time to visit Kobuk National Park in Alaska is definitely spring or fall where you can see the breathtaking migration of roughly 200,000 caribou! Weather wise, mid June to early August are the most comfortable time to visit, missing the rainy season and coldest peak temperatures. The entire park is above the Arctic Circle so the sun never fully sets in July and never fully rises in January. Cool right? This park is definitely recommended for experienced explorers or those looking for a rugged experience on a guided tour. The park is plane or boat access only and the Kobuk River Cruise is a great way to see what the park has to offer. Experienced backcountry campers can get dropped off by air taxi and camp on their own. If doing a day trip, you can fly from Kotzebue. 

Most spectacular are the sand dunes left behind from the last ice age. Some are soaring 100 feet into the sky. You can day hike in any direction and are sure to see some wildlife that have made the dunes their home. It is important to be well prepared for any backcountry experience. The heat here can be relentless and requires proper preparation!

Quick Tips- Kobuk Valley National Park

Where to Stay: Backcountry camping within the park, some hotels and B&B’s in Kotzebue 
Best Time to Visit: Mid June - early August
Main Activities: Camping for experienced campers, hiking, wildlife viewing
Access type: Air or water
Local Tip: Although summer is the best time to visit weather wise, we suggest aiming for Spring or Fall to catch the caribou migration

About The Author

Lindsay Boag

Lindsay has two sides to her. One side is the ultra organized school vice principal, where she keeps an entire school on track through meticulous supervision and regulatory work. The other side is when she let’s go, moves into a van for the summer and pursues her passion for adventure. You wouldn’t believe the transformation from prim and professional to wild haired, wild eyed and wild thing galivanting around the mountains and ocean each summer. You may run into her on some of our tours, as she loves to show up unannounced for a dinner with our groups!