Alaska’s Outdoors: Unsurpassed Beauty and Epic Adventures Await

Alaska is home to eight national parks as well as the largest state park system in the USA. Its public lands include monuments, preserves, historical parks and wildlife refuges where you’ll find endless avenues for education and recreation. Known for its namesake mountain, Denali National Park and Preserve is home to the highest peak in North America. Activities in the park range from biking and hiking to bus tours highlighting the park’s “big five” wild animals: bears, moose, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep. Hop aboard a cruise ship for magnificent glacier viewing at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or try your hand at other top activities within the park, such as fishing, river rafting and kayaking. At otherworldly Kenai Fjords National Park, snow and ice cover 60 percent of the land. Discover glaciers born from the Harding Icefield, kayak to peaceful coastal fjords and take a scenic boat tour to look for humpback whales, orcas, otters and seabirds in their natural habitats.

Whether you want to summit a snow-capped mountain or stroll down a flower-lined lane, you’ll find unparalleled places to get moving in Alaska. From accessible city pathways to steep mountain trails, Alaska is full of unforgettable hiking experiences. Let seasoned guides and outfitters help you find spots to suit your interests and equip you with essential gear and information for the journey. Consider a trip with one of the many woman-owned hiking and backpacking companies in the state. Go mountain and road biking in the warmer months and try out fat-tire biking across packed snow in winter.

In Juneau, tour companies offer equipment rentals and guided tours through old-growth forests and glaciers. In Anchorage, pedal expansive Kincaid Park in any season; its trails range from paved pathways to single-track trails, so there’s a path for every ability. For high adventure, immerse yourself in Alaska’s remote regions on a guided backcountry expedition. Choose from mountain, glacier and rainforest excursions while experienced guides lead you on multi-day wilderness adventures including backpacking, river trips, kayaking, dog sledding and more.

From babbling brooks to whitewater rapids and incredible blue-hued glaciers, Alaska is filled with unforgettable places to fish, float and climb. With three million lakes and over twelve thousand rivers, there are nearly infinite places to paddle. Paddling guides statewide offer everything from thrilling whitewater rafting to kayaking among icebergs and slower-paced family-friendly trips.

Try out glacier trekking: amble around glaciers, ice caves and ice fields on a guided excursion with popular destinations including Manatuska Glacier near Palmer, Root Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. Take your fishing to a whole new level on a chartered trip for top-notch ice, freshwater or saltwater fishing, surrounded by incomparable natural beauty. Outfitters statewide offer all-inclusive experiences at fishing lodges in remote destinations for a truly unforgettable catch. For more leisurely exploration, hop on one of the many boat tours and cruises in coastal communities like Seward, Juneau, Whittier and Ketchikan. Glide by glaciers and fjords while searching for whales and other marine wildlife, or catch a river cruise in communities such as Talkeetna and Fairbanks for beautiful vistas and insights into Alaska’s unique history.

Travel to Alaska often involves a stop in Seattle, Washington (SEA). From there, fly into Juneau (JNU), Ted Stevens Anchorage (ANC), or Fairbanks Alaska (FAI) and prepare for adventure. In-state transportation options vary by destination and arrival date.