8 NATIONAL PARKS OF ALASKA -

If you want to know about the National Parks of Alaska, you are at the right place. We can understand your excitement level about discovering these beauties. Discover vast wilderness areas, towering mountains, stunning glaciers, and an incredible variety of wildlife. We will discuss the unique features of each park. So grab your hiking boots and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the stunning national parks of Alaska!

List of National Parks of Alaska

The list of 8 national parks of Alaska is as follows

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Denali National Park
Katmai National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Lake Clark National Park
Glacier Bay National Park

1- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Firstly it is the most incredible place I have ever been to. I remember walking into this vast Alaskan wilderness, feeling tiny amidst the towering mountains and glaciers. It was like stepping into a whole different world.

The park is enormous, covering 13.2 million acres. These parks will charge you an entry fee, which you will get as an Alaska park pass. As you hike through the trails, you will see the 18 highest peaks in North America, their snow-capped peaks glistening in the sunlight. And then, you will see Denali, the highest peak of them all, standing majestically at 20,310 feet! It will take your breath away.

However, it is not only the mountains that will astonish you; the wildlife is equally impressive. You will spot grizzly bears roaming freely, moose grazing in the meadows, and eagles soaring overhead. Being right there amidst it all will make you feel like you are in a nature documentary. The Glaciers are a sight to witness, stretching out like vast rivers of ice, their blue depths glowing in the sunlight. It will make you feel like you are walking on frozen water, and the sound of creaking ice is like music to the ears.

Visiting the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is like stepping back and seeing the old copper mining town preserved in all its glory.

2- Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of Arctic National Park! Let me tell you, this place is truly one of a kind.

Located in the farthest reaches of Alaska, Gates of the Arctic is the most remote national park in the US. No roads lead to it, no trails connect it, and the only way in is by air or river.

This park is immense, spanning 8.4 million acres and showcasing some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Imagine towering mountains, majestic glaciers, winding rivers, and expansive valleys—each one a testament to the pristine splendor of the natural world.

But what sets Gates of the Arctic apart is its incredible wildlife. Grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep all call this place home. And with no human development or infrastructure, they roam free and wild.

The park features six Wild and Scenic Rivers, such as the Alatna, John, and Kobuk rivers. Imagine floating down a beautiful river with mountains and wildlife all around you. It is an unmatched experience.

Some Fun Facts:

The park is named after the two mountain peaks, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, that form a gate shape.
The park has no permanent human residents, only occasional visitors and scientists.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.

3- Denali National Park

Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) is the highest peak in North America, and the national park that surrounds it is a stunning 6 million acres of pure wilderness.

Imagine vast tundras, majestic mountains, glaciers, and rivers teeming with wildlife. Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep reside here. And with the highest concentration of grizzly bears in the US, you are almost guaranteed to spot some.

The National parks near Anchorage showcase stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife alongside a vibrant Athabascan Native American culture. You can explore traditional villages and learn about their cultural heritage.

Do not forget the adventure of traveling in Alaska. Hike, camp, backpack, or take a shuttle bus tour through the stunning landscapes of the parks. Go dog sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing in the winter. Or take a flight-seeing tour for a birds-eye view of the breathtaking beauty of Denali.

Some Fun Facts:

Denali means the great one in the Athabascan language.
The park is home to the highest peak in North America and has the lowest elevation in the US (200 feet below sea level).
Denali has its peculiar weather system, with temperatures ranging from -40°F to 90°F (-40°C to 32°C).
Camping is an exciting feature of Denali Park.
The park is a Dark Sky Preserve, offering incredible stargazing opportunities.

I highly suggest that you should experience the grandeur of Denali National Park.

4- Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park is a true wilderness wonderland. Located on the Alaska Peninsula, Katmai is known for its:

Brown bears: Katmai National Park has the highest concentration of brown bears in the US. You can watch them up close at Brooks Falls, where they catch salmon during the summer.
Volcanic landscapes: Katmai is home to 15 active volcanoes, including the famous Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
Abundant wildlife: Besides bears, Katmai is home to moose, caribou, wolves, eagles, and even sea otters!
Unspoiled wilderness: Katmai is one of the most remote national parks in the US, with no roads or trails connecting it to the outside world.

Some Fun Facts:

Katmai was established as a national park in 1980 to protect its unique volcanic and wildlife resources.
The park is on the name of Katmai Volcano, which erupted in 1912 and created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
Katmai is home to the largest sockeye salmon run in the world.
The park has its unique geothermal features, including hot springs and fumaroles.

5- Kenai Fjords National Park

Located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, this park is a treasure trove of:

Glaciers: Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, and dozens more create a glacial wonderland that will leave you in awe.
Fjords: Kenai Fjords is the park’s most remarkable feature, offering exceptional boat tours and top-notch kayaking experiences.
Wildlife: Whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and eagles call this place home and embrace its beauty.
Hiking trails: Explore glaciers, fjords, and mountains on foot for unforgettable experiences.

Some Interesting Facts:

Kenai Fjords is one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska, with Seward and Homer nearby.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve.
Exit Glacier is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Alaska.
Kenai Fjords has unique geology, with glaciers carving out fjords over millions of years.

If you are looking for a mix of adventure, nature, and accessibility, Kenai Fjords is an excellent choice.

6- Kobuk Valley National Park

It is a tale of a land so wild and free that leaves you spellbound! I am talking about Kobuk Valley National Park, the best-kept secret of Alaska.

Imagine yourself standing amidst the vast expanse of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, the wind whispering secrets in your ear. These dunes stretch like golden waves, 25 miles long and towering high. You can not help but feel tiny in the face of the grandeur.

As you wander through this untamed landscape, you stumble upon ancient petrographs etched into the rocks by the hands of the Inupiat people centuries ago. Over 1,000 of these mysterious carvings whisper stories of the past, their meanings waiting to be unraveled.

But Kobuk Valley is not just about the past; it is also home to wildlife. And the best part? Kobuk Valley has most of the remote landscapes in Alaska. You will feel like a true pioneer venturing into the unknown.

7- Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark National Park is a hidden gem of Alaska. Can you imagine a place with so many wonders to offer?

Turquoise lakes symbolize captivated beauty.
Volcanic Peaks: You will be thunderstruck by experiencing Volcanic peaks (Redoubt Volcano is a highlight)
No Cell Service: The park has no cell phone coverage, allowing for a digital detox.
Geological Significance: Lake Clark features a unique combination of volcanic, glacial, and tectonic processes, making it a fascinating destination for geologists and scientists.
Northern Lights: The location of the park under the Auroral Oval makes it an ideal spot for witnessing the spectacular display of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Fishing and Boating: Lake Clark offers world-class fishing and boating opportunities, with numerous lakes, rivers, and streams filled with salmon, trout, and other fish species

Lake Clark has that pristine, untouched vibe, with glacial lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. Plus, the cultural significance is perceptible. You can feel the history and traditions of the Dena’ina people. Lake Clark is the real deal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

8- Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Interestingly, it has the highest concentration of glaciers in the US. Glacier Bay National Park is an amazing place that has almost 1000 glaciers. You can not even imagine how breathtaking it is to see them up close. The most famous of them is Margerie Glacier. It is called the crown jewel of Glacier Bay and is 21 miles long and 1 mile wide.

How can I not mention the fjords? Glacier Bay features 50 glaciers that calve into fjords. Picture this: towering cliffs, waterfalls galore, and you’re cruising through it all like a boss.

If I mention the mountains, just hike, camp, and take in those views—they will leave you in awe.

Glacial lakes are also a beauty element of Glacier Bay National Park. One of the most famous glacial lakes is Lake Bartlett. It has a picturesque vibe and is a mesmerizing sight to witness.

Glacier Bay National Park offers mesmerizing activities like kayaking and canoeing, which is a great attraction for tourists. In summary, Glacier Bay is truly epic.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! The National Parks of Alaska are breathtaking. From the towering peaks of Denali to the majestic fjords of Glacier Bay and the vibrant wildlife of Katmai, each park is a unique adventure waiting to happen. We should protect the natural wonders of Alaska for future generations by preserving its ecosystem. Happy trails, and see you in the wild.