Happy Trails! 7 Best Hikes in Alaska: 2019 Edition

Keyword(s): best hikes in alaska

Not only does hiking give you an excellent cardiovascular workout, but it can also lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood pressure, and improve your balance, just to name a few. Hiking can even help you sleep and relieve stress and anxiety. In other words, it's good for the soul! The best hikes in Alaska are some of the best in the world. Are you planning your trip or just thinking about adventuring North to the Future?

Make your trip one to remember!

Here we have outlined the 7 best hikes in Alaska. Keep reading to learn what they are.  

1. The Twin Peaks Trail at Eklutna Lake

The Twin Peaks Trail is one to write home about. It's also a 5.5 mile difficult, uphill hike.
If you want to reach the peaks, you'll have to do so between June and September. Only the lower trails are accessible during the rest of the year. The further up you go, the more wildlife you'll see on your adventure. You can even spend the night by the lake and continue on the next day to Pepper Peak. The Native Russian Church and Cemetery are also here, so if you're interested, stop and see them on the way home. While this hike is on the steeper side, it's breathtaking views and wildlife are worth every step.

2. The Chilkoot Trail in Skagway

Another difficult hike, this trail makes its way all the way to Canada. It's 33 miles in length, though you don't have to hike the entire thing to reap the benefits of this beautiful trail. This trail has a significant history as it's been used as a trade route since before the 19th century. To prevent overuse, only 50 backpackers are permitted to access the trail on any given day.
The trail is well maintained and is considered a landmark by both countries. Make sure you take your passport and any other necessary documents, especially if you plan on crossing the border!

3. Portage Pass

One of the fantastic things about portage pass is that it's both kid and dog-friendly! You can explore this lovely train on foot or on a bike. Some hikers even run! There are so many beautiful bits of scenery here, including beavers, spotting birds, and wildflowers, in addition to the views. For safety's sake, dogs must stay on a leash at all times. On this hike, you'll be able to see a glacier and a beach, all in one day!

4. Mount Marathon in Seward

The Mount Marathon hike is a 3-mile, round trip hike, which means you'll get to see new scenery the entire time. From the peak of the hike, there are beautiful views of the city and Resurrection Bay. There is an easy path, but even that path is fairly tricky. This is the perfect hike for someone who's already in shape. There are plenty of moose here, so make sure to have your camera ready! You can also bring your furry friend on this hike, as long as you keep him on a leash. If you love running, be sure to look into the 4th of July marathon, which takes place every year on Mount Marathon. A good friend of ours Max Romey made a movie about the race.

5. Exit Glacier

There are many glaciers in Alaska, but not all of them are accessible. On this hike, you can walk right up to Exit Glacier. The Walk is slightly flat, and there's a forested area before you reach the glacier.
The Upper Trail, which is a little more difficult to hike, will give you better views of the surrounding mountains and Exit Glacier.
If you know you can handle one of the more challenging hikes physically but are worried about exploring new territory on your own, you could always arrange a custom hike expedition, with experienced team members to lead your adventures.

6. Winner Creek

Just like Exit Glacier, Winner Creek has an upper and lower trail, with different levels of difficulty.
This hike is only a 45-minute commute outside of Anchorage. 
The upper trail is 18 miles out, there and back, whereas the lower path is only 8 miles.
The lower trail is excellent for biking because when you have to cross the creek, you can load it on the tram. 
The upper trail is more difficult, has more water crossings, and is more of a full-day hike. But who wants hiking in Alaska to be easy?

7. Resurrection Pass

This trail is moderate, though it's 38 miles long, just one way. Resurrection Pass is broken up in sections so that you can spend a week hiking if you like. There are even 8 cabins for public use, and 19 campsites where you can pitch a tent. Even though this trail is mostly in the valley, it offers breathtaking views of the Kenai Mountains. It runs through the beautiful Chugach National Forest, which is home to some of the best hiking trails in Alaska.

Hiking Is Good for You

Even though we mentioned it above, we'll say it again. Hiking is so good for your body and mind alike!
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, hiking can also do these things for your health:

• Increase bone density
  
• Control your weight
• Reduce high cholesterol
• Reduce your risk for heart disease
• Reduce your risk for stroke
• Help with depression

Hiking in Alaska is one of the greatest ways to go on vacation, experience breathtaking views, and be healthy in the process.
The Best Hikes in Alaska Will Take Your Breath AwayOpting to venture on some of the best hikes in Alaska is one of the most amazing ways you can choose to spend a vacation.

Hiking is good for you, in body, mind, and spirit. It's also an excellent way to spend time with loved ones or enjoy some much-needed alone time.

Do you want to see bears while you're exploring Alaskan wilderness? Check out the details of our Bears of Katmai Immersion Experience!