Alaska is a land of extreme landscapes and unique wildlife. It offers endless opportunities for scenic exploration, from national parks and wildlife preserves to coastal islands.
The best places to visit in Alaska are the ones that showcase these incredible features of the state. From hiking to camping, here are the top spots you should add to your itinerary!
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a charming Alaskan port town facing the Inside Passage and filled with attractions worth exploring. Its natural landscape includes snow-capped mountains, glacier-carved wilderness and rich wildlife – making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and nature.
Ketchikan’s most famous attraction is its collection of Native American totem poles, which are on display throughout the city. You can see them at Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Native Village.
Alternatively, you can explore the town on a historic trolley tour. These narrated rides take you to highlights including Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight, Saxman Village and Creek Street.
It’s also a great way to learn about the history of Ketchikan and the locals. For example, the small but visit-worthy Tongass Historical Museum has exhibits about the logging and salmon fishing industry in Ketchikan.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a small town that’s straight out of many people’s dreams of Alaskan life. It’s 115 miles north of Anchorage, and surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a great base for hiking, rafting, fishing, camping and more.
The town’s main street is a two-block stretch of cute cafes, art shops and tiny restaurants. It’s also the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and other trinkets.
If you’re looking for some outdoor activity, head to the riverfront park where you can hike along a sandy beach, go fishing or even have a campfire! This is a great spot to take in the views of the Alaska Range and Mount Denali.
Another great thing to do in Talkeetna is to hop on the Alaska Railroad, which runs north to Denali National Park and Fairbanks or south to Anchorage and Seward. This is a popular way to explore the area as it avoids much of the summer traffic, and you can see plenty of beautiful scenery along the way!
Wrangell-Elias National Park
Wrangell-Elias National Park, the largest park in the United States at 13.2 million acres, is a wild and rugged place where the sheer power of nature is stunning. It is home to North America’s largest glaciers, nine of the sixteen highest peaks on US soil, and a plethora of wildlife.
This is the ultimate wilderness destination, and its remote location makes it a place where freedom abounds. It is a land of adventure and unsurpassed beauty, with epic landscapes waiting to be explored on foot, by air or on the water.
The park is awash with wildflowers and lush, green mountains, with a variety of plants, dwarf shrubs and grasses where Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou and moose make their homes.
If you are interested in exploring more of the park, a great option is to take a flightseeing trip. It is a mind-blowing experience to see this park from the sky.
Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park is a must-visit for travelers in Alaska. Its vast wilderness and huge volcanoes are a feast for wildlife lovers. Millions of salmon spawn in its rivers and lakes, and brown bears are a world-famous attraction.
The main attractions are Brooks Falls, where you can watch brown bears hunting salmon every year in a river, and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which was formed by a volcanic eruption in 1912. Most visitors head to the Brooks Camp area, where lookout platforms provide close-up views of these wild animals.
In addition to bears, you can also see moose and caribou in the park’s vast tundra. Sea otters, sea lions, and whales are also common in the area.
The easiest and safest way to experience the park is with a guided tour package, which can be arranged from Anchorage or Homer. These include a round-trip flight, hikes with an experienced guide, and safety gear such as a satellite phone.