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The must-see national parks in Alaska are some of the wildest, most untouched places on Earth, where mountains scrape the clouds and rivers run for miles without crossing a single road. Visiting them isn’t just a trip; it’s a whole encounter with nature in its rawest form.
Planning a trip to Alaska without knowing which parks to visit could mean missing some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in America. This guide helps you explore the parks that matter most, whether you want glacier views, up-close wildlife encounters, or true wilderness far from crowds.
Think of it like choosing chapters in a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. One might lead you to a glacier, another to bear-filled coastlines, and another deep into tundra that feels like another planet. Each park tells its own story, and knowing which one fits your kind of adventure can make all the difference.
What You’ll Learn
Before we get into the parks themselves, here’s what you’ll walk away with after reading:
A clear list of the must-see national parks in Alaska: from easy-to-reach favorites to fly-in-only wilderness.
Insights to help you choose the right park for your adventure style, whether you’re traveling with family or going solo.
Practical tips on access, safety, and what to bring when exploring some of the most remote lands in the United States.
Overview
Alaska is home to eight national parks, more than any other state in the U.S. Together, they cover over 54 million acres, which is about 60% of all land in the U.S. National Park System. These parks are more than just destinations; they’re vast ecosystems that stretch from glacier fields to tundra plains and volcanic peaks.
Each park tells a different story of Alaska’s wild character:
Denali showcases towering mountains and abundant wildlife.
Kenai Fjords brings you face-to-face with tidewater glaciers.
Gates of the Arctic reveals untouched wilderness far beyond the road system.
Wrangell–St. Elias, the largest national park in the U.S., sprawls across mountains taller than the Alps.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, peace, or solitude, every national park in Alaska offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Some are easy to reach by car, while others require a small bush plane or boat ride.
The Most Accessible & Popular National Parks in Alaska
Not every Alaskan park requires a bush plane or backcountry gear. Some are surprisingly easy to reach and give you a taste of the state’s untamed beauty without the extreme logistics. These are the parks most visitors start with, and for good reason.
Denali National Park
The perfect introduction to Alaska’s wilderness, combining accessibility with iconic wildlife and mountain scenery.
Highlights: Home to North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Wildlife includes moose, caribou, wolves, and bears roaming across the open tundra.
Accessibility: Reachable by road. Private vehicles are allowed only up to Mile 15 on Denali Park Road. Shuttle buses go deeper into the park.
Must-Do Activities:
Hike the Savage River Loop, a gentle two-mile trail through a canyon.
Walk the Horseshoe Lake Trail, where beavers and moose are often seen.
Try the Curry Ridge Trail in Denali State Park for sweeping views on clear days.
Best For: Families, first-time visitors, and wildlife lovers.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Ideal for travelers who want to see glaciers and marine wildlife without leaving Alaska’s road system.
Highlights: A dramatic mix of tidewater glaciers, fjords, and marine life, including orcas, puffins, and seals.
Accessibility: Drive from Anchorage to Seward, then explore by boat tour or trail near Exit Glacier.
Must-Do Activities:
Walk the Exit Glacier Trail to stand near ancient ice.
Take a glacier cruise through Resurrection Bay to see calving ice and sea life.
Best For: Cruise travelers, photographers, and those seeking scenic coastal experiences.
Glacier Bay National Park
One of Alaska’s top coastal destinations, known for easy cruise access and world-class glacier viewing.
Highlights: Known for massive calving glaciers and thriving marine wildlife such as humpback whales and sea otters.
Accessibility: Reachable only by boat or plane from Juneau or Gustavus.
Must-Do Activities:
Join a cruise or kayaking trip through Glacier Bay.
Watch glaciers break apart from the comfort of a ship deck.
Best For: Photographers, cruise passengers, and travelers who prefer breathtaking scenery with easy exploration.
Alaska’s Most Remote and Wild Parks (Fly-In Required)
Beyond Alaska’s highways and towns lie parks that only a few people will ever visit. These wild destinations are reachable only by bush plane and invite travelers who want pure wilderness and solitude.
Gates of the Arctic National Park
The most remote park in the country, offering pure backcountry exploration above the Arctic Circle.
Highlights: A land of rugged tundra, Arctic rivers, and untouched valleys with no roads or trails.
Accessibility: Fly-in access from Bettles or Coldfoot; often requires gravel bar or lake landings.
Must-Do Activities:
Backcountry hiking and river paddling under the midnight sun.
Multi-day wilderness camping with experienced guides.
Best For: Skilled backpackers, explorers, and those seeking complete isolation.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Known for its Arctic sand dunes and caribou migration routes, this park offers one of Alaska’s most unusual landscapes.
Highlights: Famous for Arctic dunes over 100 feet tall and massive caribou migrations. Only about 15,000 people visit each year.
Accessibility: Fly-in from Kotzebue; no trails or facilities.
Must-Do Activities:
Trek across the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.
Watch migrating caribou crossing the tundra.
Best For: Adventurers, wildlife watchers, and photographers seeking rare landscapes.
Lake Clark National Park
A more accessible fly-in park that combines wildlife viewing, fishing, and incredible lake and mountain scenery.
Highlights: Combines mountains, volcanoes, rivers, and salmon runs in one spectacular setting.
Accessibility: Fly-in only from Anchorage; access through Port Alsworth by air taxi.
Must-Do Activities:
Bear viewing along salmon streams.
Fishing, kayaking, or hiking near glacial lakes.
Best For: Anglers, photographers, and travelers who want a balance of adventure and comfort.
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Best known for world-famous bear viewing at Brooks Falls and its unique volcanic landscape.
Highlights: Famous for brown bear fishing at Brooks Falls and the volcanic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
Accessibility: Fly-in from King Salmon; floatplane landings near Brooks Camp.
Must-Do Activities:
Watch bears during peak salmon runs in July.
Visit the volcanic valley for stunning geological views.
Best For: Wildlife photographers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts.
The Largest National Park in the U.S.
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Recognized as the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell–St. Elias combines glaciers, mountains, and history on a scale unmatched anywhere else in North America.
Highlights: Spanning 13.2 million acres, it’s the biggest park in the U.S., larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon combined. The park contains some of Alaska’s highest peaks, active volcanoes, and the historic Kennecott copper mine, once one of the richest in the world.
Accessibility: Reachable by road via McCarthy Road or Nabesna Road, both leading to small gateway communities. Some remote regions still require air access.
Must-Do Activities:
Visit the Kennecott Ghost Town to explore preserved mining buildings.
Take a flightseeing tour to view glaciers and peaks from above.
Go ice climbing or backcountry hiking for a true wilderness experience.
Best For: Backpackers, mountaineers, and travelers seeking a mix of history, adventure, and vast landscapes.
Hidden Gem to Consider
Yukon–Charley Rivers National Preserve
An overlooked preserve that offers historic sites, rich wildlife, and some of the best river adventures in Alaska.
Highlights: Encompasses over 1,000 miles of rivers, including the Yukon and Charley Rivers, ideal for rafting and kayaking. Visitors will also find Gold Rush–era cabins, cliffs, and abundant wildlife such as moose and bald eagles.
Accessibility: Most easily reached by charter flight or river access from towns like Eagle or Circle. Limited facilities make it best for self-sufficient travelers.
Must-Do Activities:
Raft or kayak along the Yukon River for several days of scenic travel.
Explore historic mining sites and abandoned cabins along the banks.
Spot wildlife in one of Alaska’s least-crowded preserves.
Best For: Experienced paddlers, history buffs, and travelers seeking remote solitude with cultural significance.
Tips for Visiting National Parks in Alaska
Exploring the must-see national parks in Alaska is an unforgettable experience, but it also requires planning, preparation, and respect for the land. Many parks are remote, the weather can change quickly, and access is limited to certain types of travel. Here are key tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Plan flights early: Many parks are accessible only by bush plane, and schedules fill up quickly during peak summer months. Book air taxis or charters well in advance.
Pack for all weather: Even in midsummer, temperatures can swing from warm sun to cold rain or wind within hours. Layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy boots are essential.
Stay safe around wildlife: Alaska is home to bears, moose, and other large animals. Carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and keep food sealed. Never approach or feed wildlife.
Respect local communities: Many access points for remote parks are in small Alaska Native villages. Be mindful of local customs, ask before photographing residents, and support local guides or services when possible.
Be prepared for limited services: Most parks have few or no amenities, no cell service, no gas stations, and no stores. So bring everything you’ll need for the duration of your trip.
Learn basic backcountry safety: Always let someone know your itinerary, carry navigation tools, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Protect your vehicle in cold climates: If you’re driving to or through Alaska, cold weather can impact battery life, tire pressure, and engine performance. Review how cold weather affects your car before setting out.
Final Thoughts
Alaska’s national parks aren’t meant to be checked off a list. They are places that remind you how vast, wild, and powerful nature can be. Each park, whether it’s Denali’s open tundra, Kenai Fjords’ icy coastline, or the trackless tundra of Gates of the Arctic, offers something completely different.
These landscapes ask for patience and preparation, but what you get in return is worth every mile of travel. You might see a bear catching salmon, a glacier collapsing into the sea, or a sky so wide it feels endless.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any established trails for day hiking in Kobuk Valley National Park, or is it mostly backcountry?
Kobuk Valley has no marked trails or visitor facilities. Hiking is entirely backcountry, often across sand dunes and tundra. Visitors must navigate using maps, GPS, or guides familiar with the area.
Can you drive into Gates of the Arctic National Park, or is it fly-in only?
Gates of the Arctic has no roads or maintained trails. It’s accessible only by bush plane from towns like Bettles or Coldfoot, making it a destination for experienced wilderness travelers.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Denali National Park during early summer?
Denali teems with wildlife in summer. Visitors often spot moose, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves, along with smaller mammals and migratory birds active during the long daylight hours.
What are the unique fishing regulations in the national preserves of Alaska?
Fishing rules vary by preserve, but most follow state-managed seasons and catch limits. Anglers need an Alaska state fishing license and must follow specific local guidelines, especially near protected species habitats.
How can I plan a multi-park trip in Alaska?
Because of Alaska’s vast distances and limited road access, it’s best to focus on parks within the same region. For example, Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell–St. Elias can be reached from Anchorage, while Glacier Bay and Katmai are accessible from southeast and southwest hubs. Always confirm transportation options in advance, especially for fly-in parks.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information only and does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making decisions related to vehicle sales or financing.
