One of the best things about hiking in Alaska is that high adventure can be had only minutes from civilization. A hike up Anchorage’s wildly popular Flattop Mountain is a strenuous experience with hand over hand climbing at points. And the weather can seem serene and calm at the parking lot, then become socked in and cloudy at the top.
With that in mind, it’s always important to prepare accordingly while hiking in Alaska. The weather can be unpredictable, so rain gear, plenty of water, food and some emergency supplies area must. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
The following hikes offer a great beginner’s tour of the Alaska’s trail system. Some of them are exceptional for their unparalleled beauty, others for their remoteness. Some are short. Others are long. And if you have the time, they are all worth the effort.
1. King Mountain, Seward Peninsula: This relatively easy hike starts about 7.5 miles northeast of Nome and climbs about 900 feet in elevation. Hikers are rewarded with superb views of the Kigluaik Mountains to the north, and the ocean to the south. It's a good hike for older children. If younger ones are in tow, be sure to keep an eye on them because surrounding cliffs can be dangerous. The hike is only about 3 miles round-trip but it will take a few hours, and on sunny days lounging at the top is unbeatable. (No cabins)
2. Resurrection Pass, Kenai Peninsula: This is one of Alaska’s best trails for multi day trips, and it passes through gorgeous countryside, reaching a high point at the pass of 2,600 feet. The trail is about 37 miles long and is accessible via a side road in Hope or off the Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing. (Chugach National Forest, cabins available)
3. Lost Lake, Seward: Many people hike Lost Lake’s 15 miles in one day, and it is certainly a possible for hikers in good shape and who are prepared for all weather conditions. But this alpine trail has great camping spots for those who want to take it a bit slower. Roughly 8 miles in, Lost Lake makes a truly unforgettable camp spot. (Chugach National Forest, cabin available)
4. Termination Point, Kodiak Island: This rolling and diverse hike will offer cliffside views of the ocean and its marine wildlife frolicking below. The hike also dips into deep forests of old-growth Sitka spruce, and the occasional sighting of Sitka black- tailed deer. The trail is about 6 miles round-trip although many prefer to hike shorter portions of it. (One cabin)
5. Twin Peaks, Eklutna Lake: Twin Peaks is a wonderful full-day hike with easy access from Anchorage. The trailhead is at Eklutna Lake, which is about an hour to the north of the city. The trail itself is about 2.5 miles long, but it can be extended another mile and a half to East Twin Pass if you want a challenge. (Chugach State Park, campground at the trailhead)
6. Kesugi Ridge, Denali State Park: This route can be difficult and it is imperative to know your map and compass skills, as fogged-in weather can become disorienting. In clear weather, though, the 27-mile traverse across Kesugi Ridge is wide-open alpine meadow. Bring your camera! (Alaska State Parks, no cabins)
7. Pinnell Mountain, Fairbanks: This 27-mile hike is wonderful because it travels over high tundra and offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. It is a strenuous hike with a high point of 4,934 feet at the top of Pinnell Mountain, but the rewards are unmistakable. (Bureau of Land Management, Shelters available)
8. Perseverance Trail and Granite Creek, Juneau: The Perseverance Trail is relatively easy, but the views at the lake are incredible and not worth missing. The 2.5-mile walk is mostly board walked and travels through beautiful old-growth forest, and lots of hikers visit it. Toward the end of the trail is a path that leads to the left and will continue on for another mile and a half to Granite Creek. This section is steeper and more strenuous. (Alaska State Parks, no cabins)
9. Chilkoot Pass, Skagway: This historic Gold Rush-era trail is approximately 35 miles long and climbs the noted Chilkoot Pass, some 3,550 feet in elevation. Even though the hike is well developed, it is still considered strenuous for the climb up the pass, where loose gravel can be a challenge. Permits are needed to hike the trail. (National Parks, established campsites)
10. Saddlebag Glacier, Cordova: This easy, well-developed 3-mile hike offers a scenic reward upon reaching Saddlebag Lake and its accompanying glacier. The trail travels through Sitka spruce and cottonwoods before opening out on the lake. The best part of all? It won’t be crowded. Cordova is a small town and the trail is one of its gems. (Chugach National Forest, no cabins)
11. Deer Mountain, Ketchikan: Deer Mountain is the quintessential Ketchikan hike, and access is easy from downtown by simply heading uphill (check in with locals or buy a guide book for exact directions). The trail features great views of downtown Ketchikan, Tongass Narrows and Gravina and Prince of Wales islands at the top of the 3.3-mile, fairly strenuous trail. In late summer, the upper reaches of the trail are
surrounded by wildflowers. (Tongass National Forest, cabins available)
12. Flattop, Anchorage: One of the most popular hikes in Alaska, Flattop is a moderately difficult climb that definitely gets the heart pumping. Access is easy from town and the trail offers great views of Turn again Arm and the Kenai Peninsula from the top. Total distance is three miles, but budget a few hours because you’ll gain over 1,200 feet of elevation in a mile and a half on the way up. (Chugach State Park, no cabins)
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