Hey, fellow travelers welcome to Alaska, home to some of the most spectacular national parks on the planet. With its vast wilderness, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, Alaska’s national parks are a sanctuary of splendor. Cruise through stunning glaciers and fjords, get up close and personal with brown bears, hike, kayak, or take a boat tour through breathtaking landscapes.
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s start our Alaskan adventure. Let’s explore the best national parks of Alaska and discover the beauty and adventure that awaits.
Top National Parks to Visit in Alaska for Nature Lovers
Alaska is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in Alaska. From the towering mountains of Denali National Park to the stunning glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska’s national parks depict the beauty and offer uncountable opportunities for outdoor adventure and nature viewing.Some of the best parks to visit are as follows.
1. Denali National Park and Preserve
Located in the heart of Interior Alaska, Denali National Park and Preserve is a vast and breathtaking destination that spans over 6 million acres, surpassing the size of the state of New Hampshire. The park’s crown jewel is Denali, North America’s highest peak, towering at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level.
Established in 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park, the park was renamed Denali in 2015 to honor the native Koyukon people’s name for the mountain, meaning “the tall one” or “mountain-big.” This name change acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s indigenous people and their deep connection to the land.
As a visitor to Denali National Park and Preserve, you can expect to be amazed by the park’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or thrill-seeker, Denali National Park and Preserve is a must-visit destination in Alaska.
Must-see attractions
Denali : North America’s highest peak, visible from many areas of the park.
Wonder Lake: A picturesque lake with stunning views of Denali, accessible by bus or hiking.
Polychrome Pass: A scenic mountain pass with stunning views of the Alaska Range.
Kantishna Hills: A scenic area with stunning views of Denali and the surrounding mountains.
Scenic Drives and Hike
Denali Park Road: A 92-mile scenic road that runs through the park.
Wonder Lake Trail: A 20-mile round-trip hike to Wonder Lake.
Horseshoe Lake Trail: A 2-mile loop hike around a picturesque lake.
Savage River Trail: A 2-mile loop hike along the Savage River.
2. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a remarkable natural area in southeastern Alaska, covering approximately 3.3 million acres (5,129 square miles). This expansive park features a stunning landscape of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforests, and deep fjords, making it one of the most significant protected areas in the world.
Geographical Features
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its tidewater glaciers, which are glaciers that terminate in the ocean. Among these are notable glaciers like Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier, which actively calve icebergs into the bay. The park’s landscape is characterized by steep-sided mountains, fjords, and an array of ecosystems that have emerged as glaciers have retreated over time. The bay itself is approximately 65 miles long (105 km) and features a variety of habitats, from coastal rain-forests to alpine tundra.
Located in southeastern Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse national parks in Alaska. The park is home to over 1,000 glaciers, including the famous Margerie Glacier.
Must-see attractions:
Some must-see attractions include
Glaciers
Margerie Glacier: A 21-mile-long glacier that is one of the most accessible and spectacular in the park.
Lamplugh Glacier: A 12-mile-long glacier that is known for its stunning blue color and dramatic calving.
Grand Pacific Glacier: A 25-mile-long glacier that is one of the largest and most impressive in the park.
Fjords and Bays
Glacier Bay: A stunning fjord that is home to numerous glaciers, including Margerie and Lamplugh.
Bartlett Cove: A picturesque bay that is home to the park’s visitor center and is a great place to see wildlife.
Reid Inlet: A narrow fjord that is home to the Reid Glacier and is a great place to see bears and other wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing
Humpback whales: Commonly seen in the park’s waters, particularly in Glacier Bay and Bartlett Cove.
Sea otters: Frequently seen in the park’s waters, particularly in Bartlett Cove and Reid Inlet.
Bears: Commonly seen in the park, particularly in the Bartlett Cove and Reid Inlet areas.
Puffins and seabirds: Can be seen in the park’s coastal areas, particularly in Bartlett Cove and Reid Inlet.
Hiking and Kayaking
Bartlett Cove Trail: A 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a lush forest and offers stunning views of Bartlett Cove.
Reid Glacier Trail: A 4-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to the foot of the Reid Glacier.
Kayaking in Glacier Bay: A great way to explore the park’s glaciers and fjords up close.
Unique feature: Over 1,000 glaciers, including the famous Margerie Glacier
3. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, encompassing an area of 20,587 square miles (53,320 square kilometers) in south-central Alaska. It was designated as a national monument in 1978 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, officially established as a national park and preserve in 1980. The park features a stunning array of landscapes, including the Wrangell Mountains, Saint Elias Mountains, and the Chugach Mountains, making it a significant geological and ecological area. The park is home to 18 of the highest peaks in North America, including Mount Blackburn, the highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains.
Must-see attractions:
Here are some must-see attractions in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve:
Mountains and Glaciers
Mount Blackburn: The highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains, and the fifth-highest peak in North America.
Mount Saint Elias: The second-highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains.
Nabesna Glacier: A stunning glacier that is accessible by car and offers breathtaking views.
Bremner Glacier: A picturesque glacier that is accessible by hike.
Scenic Drives and Hikes
McCarthy Road: A scenic drive that takes you through the park’s stunning mountains and glaciers.
Nabesna Road: A scenic drive that takes you to the Nabesna Glacier.
Bremner Trail: A challenging hike that takes you to the Bremner Glacier.
Bonanza Mine Trail: A moderate hike that takes you to an old mine and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Unique feature: Largest national park in Alaska
4. Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve, located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, particularly its population of brown bears. The park is home to over 2,000 brown bears, which congregate at Brooks Falls to catch salmon. It was established on December 2, 1980, the park spans approximately 4 million acres, which is a massive area, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States. It encompasses significant geological features such as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and is home to 14 active volcanoes.
Must-see attractions:
Some must-see attractions of the park are as Follows.
Scenic Attractions
Brooks Falls: A picturesque waterfall that is home to a large population of brown bears.
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: A unique geological feature that has numerous volcanic cones and ash deposits.
Mount Peulik: A volcanic mountain that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Kukak Bay: A scenic bay that is home to a large population of brown bears and other wildlife.
Hiking and Camping
Brooks Falls Trail: A short hike to the Brooks Falls viewing platform, where you can see brown bears up close.
Dumpling Mountain Trail: A moderate hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Kukak Bay Trail: A challenging hike that takes you to the scenic Kukak Bay.
Back-country camping: Katmai offers numerous back-country camping sites, where you can experience the park’s wilderness up close.
Unique feature: Over 2,000 brown bears
5. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park established as a national park in 1980, is located on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska. It is a stunning natural area renowned for its glaciers, fjords, and rich marine life. Covering an area of approximately 669,984 acres, the park features the Harding Ice-field, which is the source of at least 38 glaciers, including the prominent Bear Glacier.
Geography and Features
Kenai Fjords National Park is characterized by its rugged coastlines, deep fjords, and high mountains. The fjords were formed by glacial activity and are now submerged due to rising sea levels. The park’s highest point reaches 6,450 feet in the Kenai Mountains.
Must-see attractions:
Here are some must-see attractions in Kenai Fjords National Park:
Glaciers and Fjords
Exit Glacier: A short hike to the toe of the glacier, where you can witness the glacier’s majesty up close.
Harding Icefield: A scenic hike to the top of the icefield, where you can see numerous glaciers and fjords.
Kenai Fjords: A scenic boat tour or kayak trip through the fjords, where you can see glaciers, whales, and other wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing
- Whale watching: Take a guided boat tour to see humpback, orca, and gray whales in their natural habitat.
- Sea otters: Commonly seen in the park’s waters, particularly in the Kenai Fjords.
- Puffins and seabirds: Can be seen in the park’s coastal areas, particularly in the Kenai Fjords.
- Bears: Black bears and brown bears can be seen in the park’s forests and meadows.
Hiking and Kayaking
Exit Glacier Trail: A short hike to the toe of the glacier, where you can witness the glacier’s majesty up close.
Harding Icefield Trail: A scenic hike to the top of the icefield, where you can see numerous glaciers and fjords.
Kenai Fjords Kayaking: A guided kayak tour through the fjords, where you can see glaciers, whales, and other wildlife.
Unique feature: Over 40 glaciers, including the famous Exit Glacier
Tips for Visiting Alaska’s National Parks
- Plan and book your accommodations and tours in advance.
- Pack layers of clothing and waterproof gear.
- Bring a map, compass, and GPS device.
- Check with park rangers for up-to-date information on trail conditions, weather forecasts, and wildlife activity.
Conclusion
The famous national parks in Alaska offer unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and soaking in nature. From the highest mountains of Denali National Park to the stunning glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park, each park has its unique features and attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, Alaska’s national parks are a must-visit destination.
