Ten Of The Most Beautiful Destinations In Alaska

In a land known for it's breathtaking wilderness, it is almost impossible to pick a favorite mountain or glacier or forest path. The unique Alaskan landscape changes in accessibility and beauty from season to season and region to region. There are so many amazing places that it is hard to choose, but we have done our best to narrow down a list of ten of the most unforgettable natural wonders in Alaska.

1) Exit Glacier

This is one of the most beautiful and accessible valley glaciers on the Kenai Peninsula. Located at the head of the Harding Ice Field, Exit Glacier hosts a bevy of trails, a nature center and a namesake hotel just up the road. Don’t miss it…you can walk right up to the glacier ice on some of the shorter trails.

2) Chilkoot Trail

The Chilkoot Trail is 33 miles of gorgeous terrain between Skagway and British Columbia you don’t want to miss. This was the fastest way into Alaska during the gold rush. For history buffs, the trail is a goldmine of artifacts left by miners lightening their packs before heading up the Golden Staircase into Alaska.

3) Harding Ice Field

Words can’t really capture the glory of the Harding Ice Field. The ice field sits above Exit Glacier, just outside the charming harbor town of Seward, Alaska. It takes a fit hiker about an hour and a half to get to the top of the trail. Then, it's trail tradition to sign your name on the walls of the little visitor’s cabin at the edge of the icefield. When you get there, try to come up with a name for the unearthly blue glow emanating from the glacier ice all around you.

4) Mt. Denali

Denali, once called Mt. McKinley is the highest peak in North America. Alaskans love it for its outrageous size and history. It looms majestically over Denali National Park, which celebrates the mountain and its pristine surroundings with tours, a beautiful hotel, restaurants, B&Bs and art galleries.

5) Denali Highway

Don’t drive it alone... but do drive it! The road between Cantwell and Paxson is about 135 miles long and mostly unpaved. Bicyclers from across the globe come to Alaska to ride it, Iditarod racers practice on it, and large herds of caribou thunder down it. This is a place where mountains and hills run right up to the road. Every inch is an adventure, so plan accordingly.

6) Fox Island

Fox Island is one of the most breathtaking getaways in all of Alaska. Kenai Fjord Tours can take you there for a day tour or overnight stay in a cute, comfortable cabin or their overnight lodge. The quarter mile half-moon beach is often visited by Dall's Porpoise, who enjoy rubbing their bellies on the smooth harbor rocks. You can go kayaking, relax with a beach fire, or take advantage of the fact that the perfectly curved beach looks out over one of the most spectacular views in the State.

7) Mendenhall Glacier

13 miles of ice, snow, and glowing blue caves are all just a few minutes from Alaska’s capital city. Mendenhall Glacier is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Easily accessible for basic viewing, you can also hike in closer or rent a kayak to paddle across the proglacial lake and visit one of the gorgeous ice caves.

8) Kenai Fjords National Park

Come play in Resurrection Bay, where sea lions sun themselves, Dall's porpoise surf the wake of passing boats and puffins and sea otters show off in the water next to your boat. Gray whales breach, practically posing for pictures. The scent of ozone charges the atmosphere when a chunk of ice, bigger than your cruise ship, shears off the front of a majestic glacier. There is a reason we call the Kenai Peninsula Alaska’s Playground, and the fun begins in Resurrection Bay.

9) Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs is a short distance from Fairbanks, and worth every mile. The springs are hot, relaxing, and share a parking lot with a gorgeous ice hotel and a restaurant. The owners grow their own produce in a geothermally heated greenhouse. We recommend a dip in the hot springs, followed by a refreshing appletini in a fancy glass made out of ice.

10) Inside Passage

Alaska is still largely more accessible by water than by land. Nothing celebrates that more than the Inside Passage, a winding water route down through beautiful Southeast Alaska to Victoria, BC and into Puget Sound, Washington. The Alaskan portion of the journey is roughly 500 miles of glaciers, whale watching, harbor towns and glorious scenery which looks equally good from the deck of a cruise ship, fishing vessel, or Alaska State Ferry.

There is a surplus of natural wonders in the 49th state and it would... and does... take years to experience them all. Don't put us on your bucket list. Make it your next adventure.