Alaska, known for its multitude of lakes, extensive coastline, and defining mountain peaks and glaciers, is the largest state in the U.S. northwest. Besides Alaska’s meandering coastline, the Alaska interior is marked by rivers such as the Yukon River, as well as arctic tundra land and shorelines.
Alaska is home to popular national parks and backpacking destinations like Denali National Park — home to Denali, formerly Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet — as well as others such as Kenai Fjords and Wrangell-St. Elias.
From climate change to drilling and mining, various threats promise to wipe out what’s best about America’s 12 most endangered trails. Hike them now to admire ancient glacial ice, hear howling wolves, splash at pristine beaches, and admire ancient art galleries.
These difficult hikes will challenge you no matter who you are.
Long days and big views make this a trip you'll never forget.
Maples and aspens are nice, but you better look down if you want to see fall's best color show.
As a gateway to the Chugach National Forest, a trip to Cordova is a primer in hiking southern Alaska
Explore Alaska's bear HQ with the best viewing sites and remote backpacking routes.
Nothing gets the heart pounding like seeing a wild bear up close (but hopefully not too close). Strap on your pack, grab your camera, and hit one of these ten trails where bruins roam free.
Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska
Chugach National Forest, Alaska
In Homer, playing outside is a way of life.
A group of determined Alaskans hopes to create an 800-mile trail that will trace the state’s famous pipeline from Arctic Sea to Pacific tidewater.
Chilkoot Trail, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
An interview with thru-hiking phenom Kristin Gates
Located in northeaster Alaska, ANWR is the largest wildlife refuge in North America with over 19 million acres. Photographer Chuck Graham explored the beauty of the refuge during a two-week, 160-mile excursion<b>. </b>Here, he shares his photos of the landscape, rivers, and wildlife.
Fairbanks man wards off a tent-invading bear with his fist.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
This old mining trail offers a 6-mile out-and-back on the shaggy, rugged Kenai Peninsula.
Taste Alaskan wilderness without the national park crowds on this 4.2-mile dayhike. Or continue hiking up to 36 additional miles for an extra-long day, an overnight, or a weekend.
Don't be fooled by the name: You'll climb 3,000 feet in 2 miles to a summit with spectacular views of rivers, mountains, and ocean.
Glaciers, high passes, and pristine tundra highlight this intermediate hike.
You'll need multisport skills to scramble, glacier-trek, and paddle through these rarely seen towers.
Savor backcountry solitude on a ridgetop snowshoe hike in Chugach State Park.
5-mile out-and-back meanders shale-covered beaches to an historic World War II fort perched on a rocky headland above Resurrection Bay.
Nibble wild blueberries as you climb to dramatic views of 20,320-foot Mount McKinley on this easy, 4.3-mile out-and-back in the Talkeetna Range.
Cross the west edge of the Chugach for glaciers, bears, and wildflowers.
Watch the bore tide in Turnagain Arm and tour a scenic section of the Indian-to-Girdwood bike path on this easygoing, 1.9-mile hike less than an hour from Anchorage.
Paddle past glacier-covered peaks and lush mountainsides on this 6.5-mile out-and-back that visits a small beach in Resurrection Bay.
Witness the effects of climate change on a challenging trek in the Delta Mountains.
Easy routefinding and life-list sights make this hike from Devils Creek to Summit Creek a must for Alaska novices.
Hike a historic, kid-friendly trail to wildflower meadows and fish-filled lakes.
Just minutes from Anchorage, score big scenery fast on the South Fork of Eagle River.
Hike to a private paradise up the Little Susitna River in the Talkeetna Mountains.
See the awesome Valdez Mountains on this 5.4-mile, off-trail adventure to Point Odyssey.
Bring plenty of supplies to this alpine plateau in the Chugach Mountains--you'll want to extend your stay.
This 10.2-miler in Chugach State Park threads through a broad river valley to two backcountry lakes teeming with trout and views of 6,000-foot peaks.
Less than five minutes from downtown Juneau, this 6.5-mile dayhike climbs through lush rainforest to two glacier-fed waterfalls.
The White Mountains Recreation Area is one of the most extensive winter trail systems in Alaska. With well maintained cozy cabins roughly 10 miles apart, skiers, ski-jourers, dog mushers, snowshoers, snowmachiners and even cyclists easily share the trails.
Cross the west edge of the Chugach for glaciers, bears, and wildflowers.
Feast your eyes on this photo of Alaska's North Slope, along the Arctic's Sagavanirktok River.