10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Alaska

Anderson

Alaska’s national preservers and parks are a great choice for those seeking true wilderness. You will be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes and the sense of freedom that is hard to find in our modern society. However, be prepared to put in some effort.

These parks cover a huge amount of land, to the extent that if you combined them all, they would be the 14th largest state in the country. Not many of these parks have accessible roads, which means you’ll need a well-thought-out plan unlike popular parks such as Yellowstone and Yosemite.

10. Kenai Fjords National Park

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Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is a beautiful place where the ocean and glaciers meet. The Harding Icefield Trail is a challenging but worthwhile hike that offers stunning views of the coastline and fjords. In addition to the scenery, visitors might be lucky enough to see otters, mountain goats, puffins, and sea lions.

The national park is conveniently located 125 miles south of Anchorage and is easily accessible by car. There is also a road that goes into the park, which makes it even more convenient to reach the various hiking trails. Another option to explore the park is by taking a cruise that travels through the fjords.

9. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a place with amazing and unique experiences. It has stunning landscapes that are protected by patents, making it a special place to visit. The park is home to the tallest peaks in the United States and is even larger than the state of Connecticut.

It is also connected to Glacier Bay, creating an even bigger UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike Glacier Bay, it is easier to explore the huge glaciers in Wrangell-St. Elias with many exciting adventures available, including ice-climbing. Surprisingly, despite being close to the state’s most popular park, Wrangell-St.

Elias doesn’t have many visitors each year. This is due to its two access roads and numerous hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the wilderness with plenty of space and opportunities.

8. Noatak National Preserve

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The Noatak National Preserve is located between the Baird and De Long mountains and protects a large river basin surrounded by mountains in North America. It is connected to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and is where the Noatak River changes from a forest environment to a tundra environment.

Although it is difficult to access, visitors who arrive by boat or plane will be rewarded with an incredible wilderness experience. The preserve offers one of the best paddling opportunities in the country, with stunning views of the Brooks Range while floating along the river.

Apart from navigating the moderate rapids, visitors can also enjoy hiking into the backcountry to see a large herd of caribou that roam the tundra.

7. Kobuk Valley National Park

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The Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Waring and Bard. This park is unique because it is located within the Arctic Circle and has the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes which were formed by the movement of local glaciers.

To reach this special desert, one must venture into the wilderness for about an hour as the park doesn’t have any trails or amenities. Along the way, you can enjoy the beauty of forests and rivers, with no other people around.

If you’re looking for a different experience, you can also take a boat trip down the Kobuk River from Ambler to Kiana in this remote park.

6. Katmai National Park

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If you have seen pictures of bears waiting for salmon in a river, that is what Katmai National Park looks like. The park has amazing views and scenery that make it a place you have to visit. The problem is that it is not easy to get there because there are no roads. To reach the park, you have to take a 60-minute flight from Anchorage.

If you can afford it, you will be able to explore a place that not many people have seen before. The park has beautiful attractions like the Brooks Falls and the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, which has impressive volcanic landscapes. There is limited camping available, so make sure to book early.

5. Gates of the Arctic National Park

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Getting to the Gates of the Arctic National Park is a challenging task, just like the name suggests. However, those who make the journey will be rewarded with a beautiful and wild wilderness. To reach the park, you will need to take multiple flights and hire a guide.

The national park is located in the northern part of Alaska, within the Arctic Circle. It offers a unique experience that feels like the edge of the world, and having a guide by your side will make you even more grateful.

If you visit during the summer, you will witness the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets, providing abundant light to a magical landscape. In this untouched environment, there are no maps to follow, allowing you to truly explore. You may encounter muskox, caribou, and grizzly bears as they freely roam around the park.

4. Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark National Park in Alaska offers a variety of activities including boating, hiking, and photography. It is known for its stunning landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventures. The park is situated around the sixth largest lake in the state, along with both an active and a dormant volcano.

Visitors can engage in water-based activities such as fishing in the lake or explore the park’s many trails on land. Wildlife viewing experiences are also available, allowing visitors to observe the diverse wildlife in the area.

Despite its remote location and lack of roads, the park provides various types of accommodation options for visitors to enjoy.

3. Denali National Park

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Denali National Park, located near Anchorage, is considered one of the top parks in Alaska. It’s not surprising, as the park is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, which stands over 20,000 feet tall and is truly awe-inspiring. However, it’s a rare sight to see the summit of Denali due to cloud cover.

To preserve the park’s wilderness, there are only a few marked trails available, leaving large areas untouched and without trails. If you want to explore off-trail, it’s advisable to consult a park ranger for guidance. The park’s backcountry is inhabited by caribou, dall sheep, wolves, bears, and moose, commonly referred to as the Big Five.

2. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

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Bering Land Bridge National Park is located on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula and is known for its vast polar tundra. It is a park that offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance. This area played a crucial role in the migration and expansion of humans in the Western Hemisphere.

When visiting the park, visitors can explore diverse landscapes and discover ancient artifacts. The park’s landscapes include volcanoes, barrier islands, and lagoons, which are important for bird migration and serve as habitats for various animals during storms.

1. Glacier Bay National Park

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If you’re planning to visit Glacier Bay National Park, you can leave your hiking boots behind. The best way to enjoy the breathtaking views is from the water, so you won’t have to do any strenuous hiking. Getting to Glacier Bay is not easy, as there are no roads leading to the park. Your options are to join a cruise or pay for multiple flights.

Luckily, there are many cruises available that allow you to explore the most popular park in Alaska. While on the boat, keep an eye out for orcas, whales, and the majestic glaciers that provide a stunning backdrop. If you’re fortunate, you might even have the opportunity to kayak for a closer look.

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