15 Phenomenal Alaska Hikes That'll Make You Crave Summer Like Crazy
Ready To Spring Into Summer ASAP With These Phenomenal Alaska Hikes
By: Courtney Dowd-Stanley
Okay, we lied. There is a really high probability that we included WAY more than just 15 hikes below. Also, some really good info about all those yummy berries and colorful wildflowers that you'll see along the way through these phenomenal Alaska trails. Plus, a whole boatload of safety tidbits to keep you away from danger that you could experience along the way. If you're craving hard-packed trails without a single flake of snow in sight, we hear ya loud and clear! We are right there with you just itchin' for warm outdoor adventure. So we compiled this packed-full guide to help you start planning your perfect 2021 season under the midnight sun. Each blue title is a clickable link - so feel free to give them a "tap" and learn a little something special about what each & every one has to offer...
1: 13 Incredible Hikes Under 3 Miles That Everyone Will Love
Yelp, Stephanie M.
Each of these 13 easy, breezy hikes are under three total miles, making them perfect for a fun day trip. With moderate terrain and easy accessibility, you’ll have a hard time trying to find a reason not to take each and every one of these enchanting outdoor adventures. Plus, they’re incredibly family friendly!
2: Slaughter Gulch Hike Up A 2,600 Ft Mountain In Scenic Cooper Landing, Alaska
The Alaska Life YouTube "The Slaughter Gulch trail is almost something of a secret trail with untold beauties and views at the top. Where can you find this treasure? In the small town of Cooper Landing which is about halfway between Soldotna and Seward. Cooper Landing is known for its beautiful views while fishing and river rafting on the Kenai River but this town is also nestled in between some majestic mountains."3: Hike All Day In America’s Least-Visited National Park To Escape All The Crowds In 2020
Wikimedia Commons Topping the list of least-visited National Park's in America is Gates of the Arctic National Park, America’s second largest national park, with around only 9,591 visitors annually. Considering Alaska’s short “peak” tourism season only lasting roughly four months a year, this averages out to be approximately less-than 100 visitors per day traveling to the 8,472,506-acre Gates of the Arctic outdoor playground.4: 5 Exercises You Need To Know To Prepare For Summer Hiking In Alaska
Steph Figarelle
"Exploring the trails and mountains gives us the opportunity to disconnect from technology, breathe fresh air and discover new things about ourselves. The more physically fit you are, the more capable you are in the wilderness. This not only makes your time spent outdoors more fun, it allows you to handle challenges that may arise in the backcountry."
5: Hike To Exit Glacier In The Kenai Peninsula’s Scenic Seward, Alaska
Flickr, PTorrodellas
The hike to Exit Glacier in Seward is constantly being rated as one of the top hikes in Alaska by visitors from all around the world. From the parking lot, a flat well-traveled path will lead you to epic views of the only glacier area inside Kenai Fjords National Park that is road-accessible. Hike the ‘Edge of the Glacier Trail’ or continue on longer to the ‘Harding Icefield Trail.’ No matter what you choose, you’ll be rewarded with delicious eye-candy for the entirety. Trail length: From 1 – 4.2 miles round-trip out & back.
6: An Adventurous Hike And Summit To Twin Peaks In The Chugach Mountain Range
Cecil Sanders of Last Frontier Magazine "Most Southcentral Alaska residents are familiar with the pair of mountain tops west of Pioneer Peak, known as Twin Peaks. Made up of East Twin (5873’) and West Twin (5472’), these peaks are among the most recognized mountains in the Chugach Mountain Range. I’ve lived most of my life in the shadow of their rocky summits, so I resolved to one day reach the top of East Twin."7: 5 Delicious Berries You Should Pick On Your Next Alaska Hike
Flickr - George Wesley and Bonita Dannells "When we are in the peak of summer, and thanks to unprecedented temperatures, Alaska berries tend to ripen early and often! Grab your favorite berry picking containers and get out on the trails to stock up on your favorite berries before they’re all gone!"8: Epic 4 Mile Round-Trip Hike In Hatcher Pass That Will Lead You To Pure Joy
Cecil Sanders "Our family moved from Palmer, Alaska, to a neighborhood near the entrance to Hatcher Pass when I was 11 years old. I consider these mountains, valleys and trails my backyard and have had many adventures in this area rich with mining history and artifacts. Here’s a quick look of the hike to Lane Hut in Hatcher Pass."9: Historic Charm Hiking Crow Pass Trail Along The Original Iditarod Route Outside Of Anchorage
Flickr - Thomas Check out the link above to watch an interactive YouTube video from The Alaska Life on the Crow Pass Trail route. 10: For The Hikers That Also Want To Hunt Here’s Your Ultimate Intro To Alaska Backpack Hunting
Matt Wymer "My first few backpack hunting trips taught me many lessons. In turn, thought I would share some basic tips to help one avoid some of the misery that the lack of preparation can bring! Hopefully these tips will allow you to be better prepared to get into the field, and also have a more enjoyable time outdoors."11: A Perfect Summer Day Hiking Harding Icefield With Up Close & Personal Glacier Views
Cecil Sanders
"Many visitors to Seward, Alaska, take the detour down Herman Leirer Road to Exit Glacier. The road, commonly referred to as “Exit Glacier Road” directs traffic to the Exit Glacier Nature Center and a short trail that leads to the terminus of Exit Glacier—a fascinating spectacle of flowing ice. But there is something else at the end of the road, the fuel for Exit Glacier and almost 40 other glaciers in the Kenai Peninsula, the Harding Icefield."
12: The 6 Most Beautiful Alaskan Wildflowers You’ll See Out Hiking This Summer
Flickr - Alan Grinberg "When the summer season is in full swing, it’s hard not to adore all of the flowers we see outside during our weekend hikes and camping trips. We rounded up some of our favorite Alaskan wildflowers for you to spot next time you’re out and about in our beautiful state!"13: Breathtaking Icy Blue Hues Hiking To Byron Glacier In The Chugach National Forest
The Alaska Life YouTube "Portage Valley is often overlooked by travelers as they navigate from Anchorage down to the Kenai Peninsula. However, this location is full of hidden gems for those ready to take a short detour down Portage Glacier Road."14: A Quick Trip To Seward, Alaska To Enjoy An Epic Hike & Spectacular Scenery
Cecil Sanders of Last Frontier Magazine "With so much to do and see, Seward is a perfect destination to enjoy with friends and family."15: Proceed With Caution; Alaska’s Wild Can Be Unforgivingly Dangerous
Paxson Woelber "While many Alaskans remain singularly unimpressed by McCandless, his wilderness travels, and his peculiar demise…he has become something of a celebrity among certain circles. While I’ve said before, McCandless isn’t all that different than many folks who wander up here and die in the woods- he did have the benefit of a better than average storyteller. While I have enjoyed Krakauer’s work in the past- he wove very little fact and a pile of speculation and some outright fiction into a popular story."Looking for another great read? You'll enjoy: Road-Trippin' Alaska; Your perfect way to escape the crowds in 2020. Also, enjoy checking out America's least-visited National Park located right here in Alaska.
Courtney D-S If you are living and loving The Alaska Life – share your adventures with us on our Facebook page HERE, and they might just end up being featured in one of our next blog posts.