Top 10 National Parks in Alaska You Must See!!!

Alaska, known as the Last Frontier, boasts some of the most stunning and pristine landscapes in the world. Its national parks offer a diverse range of experiences, from towering mountains and glaciers to abundant wildlife and rich cultural history. Let’s embark on a journey through the Top 10 Must-Visit Alaskan National Parks, exploring what see and do while visiting!

1. Denali National Park and Preserve:

Location: Central Alaska
Nearby City: Fairbanks
Distance: Approximately 120 miles (about 2.5 to 3 hours by car)

Why Visit: Denali is a wilderness haven, showcasing North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). Its six-million-acre expanse provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and breathtaking landscapes.

Things to Do:

• Take a bus tour for wildlife viewing.
• Hike trails for stunning views of Denali.
• Experience the Denali sled dog kennels.

2. Kenai Fjords National Park:

Location: Southcentral Alaska
Nearby City: Seward
Distance: Approximately 125 miles (around 2.5 hours by car from Anchorage)

Why Visit: Witness the dramatic beauty of fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant marine life in this coastal gem.

Things to Do:

• Embark on a boat tour for glacier viewing.
• Explore Exit Glacier for panoramic hikes.
• Engage in sea kayaking for coastal exploration.

3. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve:

Location: Southeast Alaska
Nearby City: Gustavus (closest major city is Juneau)
Distance: Accessible by air or water from Juneau (about 45 minutes by air)

Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring tidewater glaciers and a rich marine environment.

Things to Do:

• Cruise through Glacier Bay for calving glaciers.
• Explore intricate fjords and coastlines.
• Attend ranger-led programs for natural and cultural insights.

4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve:

Location: Southcentral Alaska
Nearby City: McCarthy (nearest major city is Anchorage)
Distance: Approximately 200 miles (around 7 hours by car from Anchorage)

Why Visit: The largest national park in the U.S. with immense mountain ranges, glaciers, and historic sites.

Things to Do:

• Visit historic Kennecott Mines.
• Hike or backpack in remote wilderness.
• Take scenic flights for glacier views.

5. Katmai National Park and Preserve:

Location: Southwest Alaska
Nearby City: King Salmon
Distance: Accessible by air from King Salmon (short flight)

Why Visit: Home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world.

Things to Do:

• Witness bears fishing at Brooks Falls.
• Explore the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
• Participate in ranger-led programs on bear behavior.

6. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve:

Location: Southcentral Alaska
Nearby City: Port Alsworth
Distance: Accessible by air from Anchorage (about 1 hour by air)

Why Visit: Diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes.

Things to Do:

• Enjoy bear viewing along the coast.
• Explore the backcountry through hiking or small aircraft.
• Engage in fishing for salmon and trout.

Side note: We actually wrote an entire article about Lake Clark National Park that goes more into depth that can be viewed here!!

7. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve:

Location: Northern Alaska
Nearby City: No direct road access; Fairbanks may serve as a starting point
Access: Primarily by air charter from Fairbanks

Why Visit: A truly remote and untouched wilderness experience as there are no roads or trails. This is truly the raw and untouched part of Alaska!!!

Things to Do:

• Backpack or raft in the backcountry for solitude.
• Explore the Arrigetch Peaks for climbing and hiking.
• Experience the midnight sun during summer months.

8. Kobuk Valley National Park:

Location: Northwest Alaska
Nearby City: Kotzebue
Distance: Accessible by air from Kotzebue (short flight)

Why Visit: Sand dunes, caribou migrations, and the Kobuk River make it a unique destination.

Things to Do:

• Witness the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.
• Observe the migration of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd.
• Explore the Kobuk River by canoe or raft.

9. Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge:

Location: Various units along Alaska’s coastline
Nearby City: Homer, Seward, or Kodiak (depending on the unit)
Distance: Varies by unit, accessible by boat or air

Why Visit: Protects vital marine and island habitats along Alaska’s coast.

Things to Do:

• Birdwatching with millions of seabirds nesting.
• Boat tours to explore islands and marine life.
• Learn about conservation efforts.

10. Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area:

Location: Aleutian Islands
Nearby City: Dutch Harbor/Unalaska
Distance: Accessible by air or sea from Anchorage (about 800 miles by air)

Why Visit: Preserves the history of World War II in the Aleutian Islands.

Things to Do:

• Explore historic sites, bunkers, and military installations.
• Visit the Aleutian World War II Visitor Center.
• Discover the role of the Aleutian Islands in the war.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through these national parks, each offering a unique blend of natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and historical significance. Whether you seek the thrill of exploration, the tranquility of nature, or the richness of cultural heritage, Alaska’s national parks have something extraordinary to offer every adventurer.