Discover Alaska’s National Parks

With vast wilderness making up most of the state, Alaska’s parks and outdoor spaces take center stage for most visitors. Alaska is home to about 60% of the total national park land in the U.S., covering 56 million acres. Consequently, the sheer scale of these parks offers uncrowded experiences filled with opportunities to witness the rugged landscapes and wildlife for which Alaska is famous.

Denali National Park & Preserve

Best park for year-round access

Located along the George Parks Highway, Denali National Park & Preserve is the crown jewel of Alaska’s national park system, primarily due to the presence of its namesake mountain, Denali. Easily accessible by car or via the Alaska Railroad, Denali National Park operates from a main entrance hub, where visitors hop on buses to access key activities and attractions.

Denali features only one road traversing a sliver of its six million acres, with private vehicles restricted beyond Mile 15. This arrangement provides unobstructed access to view the ‘Big Five’ animals of Interior Alaska: moose, bears, wolves, caribou, and Dall sheep.

In winter, Denali is quieter but no less engaging. Nordic skiers, snowshoers, and fat bike enthusiasts relish the chance to explore the Park Road and surrounding trails, which are closed to vehicle traffic.

Visiting Denali National Park & Preserve

Reserve campsites early for the upcoming summer.
Join informative bus tours to learn about the park’s history and natural features. Check in at the visitor’s center for the complete bus schedule.
Access beyond Mile 46 of the Park Road is currently unavailable due to a landslide, expected to reopen until 2027.

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve

Best park for experienced adrenaline junkies

Gates of the Arctic National Park welcomes adventurous visitors who appreciate the challenges of exploring this roadless, remote area of Alaska. Boasting 8.4 million acres, the park features wild rivers and tundra landscapes. Given the absence of established campgrounds, many opt for guided outfits to navigate this rugged terrain.

Visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve

Prepare for weather extremes and mosquitoes, particularly between late June and late August.
Plan your itinerary in advance and inform someone at home when to expect communication.
Consider hiring a guide for expertise, gear, and food provisions.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Best park for cruise ship visitors

Glacier Bay’s icy fjords are a highlight for numerous cruise lines each summer. This 3.3 million-acre park not only serves as a critical ecosystem for tracking climate change but is also ideal for kayaking and hiking with appropriate planning. The park’s headquarters in Bartlett Cove provides valuable information for independent travelers.

Visiting Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Access to Glacier Bay requires either a day tour from Juneau or a small plane to Gustavus.
Pack waterproof layers and shoes, as rain and wind are common.

Katmai National Park & Preserve

Best park for bear viewing

Katmai is renowned for its large coastal brown bears fishing for salmon from June to September. This backcountry experience is accessible only by small plane. Planning is essential for optimal bear viewing at locations like Brooks Falls and Hallo Bay, where visitor permits are required.

Visiting Katmai National Park & Preserve

Start and end your adventure in King Salmon to gather essential information.
Advance reservations for lodging and camping are mandatory, especially in peak season.
Bring bear safety equipment and prepare for minimal assistance in remote areas.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Best park to view marine wildlife and glaciers

If you seek whale watching and glacier views, Kenai Fjords is an excellent choice. Located just outside Seward, this 600,000-acre park is filled with visitors but offers many opportunities to escape the crowds, including kayaking and camping on secluded beaches.

Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park

Consider a guided glacier and wildlife cruise and, if time permits, drive to Exit Glacier for stunning views.
Stay aware of your surroundings while hiking to protect fragile ecosystems.

Kobuk Valley National Park

Best park to check off a unique bucket list item

Kobuk Valley is a remote national park featuring stunning dunes amidst the northern tundra. Only accessible via plane, it offers an opportunity to witness the incredible caribou migration during spring and fall.

Visiting Kobuk Valley National Park

Visit a Public Lands Information Center in Anchorage or Fairbanks for updated information.
Consider guided rafting services for an unforgettable experience on the Kobuk River.

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Best park for remote camping and fishing

Home to pristine salmon fisheries, Lake Clark National Park offers various activities like bear viewing and paddling on its clean lakes. Founded around Port Alsworth, visitors can access gear outfitters for camping or fishing expeditions.

Visiting Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Prepare for small aircraft limitations regarding gear capacity.
Explore exceptional fishing spots along the park’s lakes and rivers.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Best park to explore Alaska’s mining history

This park, the nation’s largest, encompasses 13.2 million acres for climbing, hiking, and camping. Home to Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, this area highlights Alaska’s mining history and boasts stunning scenery.

Visiting Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Plan for a long drive; between Anchorage and the park, approximately eight hours is necessary.
Booking multiple nights to fully experience the area and participate in guided activities is essential.

Continue Planning Your Trip to Alaska:

Explore budget-friendly tips for making the most of your time in this magnificent region.

Learn key insights that Alaskan locals wish every visitor knew.

Discover the best times of the year to explore stunning Alaska.

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