Alaska is full of vast, majestic places where few people dare to exist. The country’s northernmost National Park is remote and most of it is nearly untouched by humans. Take a look at this stunning place in the Alaskan wilderness:
Gates of the Arctic National Park includes 8.5 million acres of wildlands nearly totally untouched by tourists.
NPS Wilderness/Flickr
This place is so remote that few people visit. In 2014, for instance, only 12,669 trekked through this wild place.
ilya_ktsn/flickr
You can’t just hop in your car and drive to this majestic region. In early spring, a few visitors arrive by dogsled; in the summer, others arrive by float plane.
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Check in at the ranger station when you arrive, then head out on your adventure.
ilya_ktsn/flickr
Once the plane leaves you here, you’re pretty much on your own. You’ll find few services here. In fact, many of the landmarks in this vast place are unnamed.
Paxson Woelber/flickr
Trekking through this wilderness is difficult; no established trails exist here. A full day’s hike results in only about six miles of progress.
ilya_ktsn/flickr
The park is home to caribou, grizzly bears, Dall’s sheep, moose and wolves, but this place is so vast that you might stay here for weeks and see very little wildlife.
ilya_ktsn/flickr
You’ll need to be well-prepared to visit this place. Topographical maps and GPS are crucial here. Quality cold-weather gear will make a big difference in your comfort level; trekking poles will help you traverse the terrain. Mosquito nets and insect repellant are a must.
Paxson Woelber/flickr
This park offers terrain that most people will never see during their lifetimes.
ilya_ktsn/flickr
For the most incredible wilderness adventure of your life, visit Gates of the Arctic National Park.
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Few people have ever visited this place. Have you been there? Tell us about your adventures in the comments!
NPS Wilderness/Flickr
ilya_ktsn/flickr
Paxson Woelber/flickr
For some more easily-reachable natural places, take a look at these 15 fish camps in Alaska.
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Address: Gates of the Arctic, Alaska, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Alaska February 15, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best state parks in Alaska? The term “best” is subjective, but when you ask the locals, chances are you’ll hear plenty of the same places over and over again. Theoretically, then, it is safe to assume that those are the “best” state parks in Alaska, as decided upon by the people. Some of those beloved, oft-visited parks include Chugach State Park, which features some of Alaska’s wilderness at its finest, and some of the best fishing in the state. Denali State Park is another gem famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. It’s almost impossible to find something in Denali State Park that isn’t amazing. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is – okay, not a state park, but still – another much-loved crown jewel of this beautiful state. You’ll be amazed at the geology and geography of this amazing stretch of wilderness, and we definitely recommend a tour with a ranger for a fuller experience. Keep your eyes peeled for land and seas critters, for plenty of them call the parks home. Other favorites include Kenai Fjords National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Alaska is home to more than 150 state parks and recreation areas – you’re sure to find something amazing! What are the most popular hiking trails in Alaska? There are more than 750 incredible trails all over the amazing state of Alaska to pick from, each with varied degrees of difficulty, and it can be pretty tough to decide where to begin. Well, we think the best way to jump in to exploring a state’s trails is by embarking on the most popular, beloved ones first, so you get a general feel for the trails, the scenery, and more. There are so many options that no matter what your skill level is you ought to find something amazing that suits you; for example, if you’re a seasoned hiker, you’ll love the world-famous Harding Ice Field Trail, a 9.2-mile trek in Kenai Fjords National Park that is sure to take your breath away. Another expert-level-difficulty hike is the Flattop Mountain Trail, which is 3.3 miles long and located inside Chugach State Park. Looking for something a little easier? Check out the ever-popular and well-trekked hike on Exit Glacier Overlook Trail in Kenia Fjords National Park, or Thunderbird Falls Trail, in Chugach National Forest. If none of those strike your fancy, that’s alright – check out this article for plenty more ideas!
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Alaska
February 15, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best state parks in Alaska? The term “best” is subjective, but when you ask the locals, chances are you’ll hear plenty of the same places over and over again. Theoretically, then, it is safe to assume that those are the “best” state parks in Alaska, as decided upon by the people. Some of those beloved, oft-visited parks include Chugach State Park, which features some of Alaska’s wilderness at its finest, and some of the best fishing in the state. Denali State Park is another gem famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. It’s almost impossible to find something in Denali State Park that isn’t amazing. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is – okay, not a state park, but still – another much-loved crown jewel of this beautiful state. You’ll be amazed at the geology and geography of this amazing stretch of wilderness, and we definitely recommend a tour with a ranger for a fuller experience. Keep your eyes peeled for land and seas critters, for plenty of them call the parks home. Other favorites include Kenai Fjords National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Alaska is home to more than 150 state parks and recreation areas – you’re sure to find something amazing! What are the most popular hiking trails in Alaska? There are more than 750 incredible trails all over the amazing state of Alaska to pick from, each with varied degrees of difficulty, and it can be pretty tough to decide where to begin. Well, we think the best way to jump in to exploring a state’s trails is by embarking on the most popular, beloved ones first, so you get a general feel for the trails, the scenery, and more. There are so many options that no matter what your skill level is you ought to find something amazing that suits you; for example, if you’re a seasoned hiker, you’ll love the world-famous Harding Ice Field Trail, a 9.2-mile trek in Kenai Fjords National Park that is sure to take your breath away. Another expert-level-difficulty hike is the Flattop Mountain Trail, which is 3.3 miles long and located inside Chugach State Park. Looking for something a little easier? Check out the ever-popular and well-trekked hike on Exit Glacier Overlook Trail in Kenia Fjords National Park, or Thunderbird Falls Trail, in Chugach National Forest. If none of those strike your fancy, that’s alright – check out this article for plenty more ideas!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The term “best” is subjective, but when you ask the locals, chances are you’ll hear plenty of the same places over and over again. Theoretically, then, it is safe to assume that those are the “best” state parks in Alaska, as decided upon by the people. Some of those beloved, oft-visited parks include Chugach State Park, which features some of Alaska’s wilderness at its finest, and some of the best fishing in the state. Denali State Park is another gem famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. It’s almost impossible to find something in Denali State Park that isn’t amazing. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is – okay, not a state park, but still – another much-loved crown jewel of this beautiful state. You’ll be amazed at the geology and geography of this amazing stretch of wilderness, and we definitely recommend a tour with a ranger for a fuller experience. Keep your eyes peeled for land and seas critters, for plenty of them call the parks home. Other favorites include Kenai Fjords National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Alaska is home to more than 150 state parks and recreation areas – you’re sure to find something amazing!
What are the most popular hiking trails in Alaska?
There are more than 750 incredible trails all over the amazing state of Alaska to pick from, each with varied degrees of difficulty, and it can be pretty tough to decide where to begin. Well, we think the best way to jump in to exploring a state’s trails is by embarking on the most popular, beloved ones first, so you get a general feel for the trails, the scenery, and more. There are so many options that no matter what your skill level is you ought to find something amazing that suits you; for example, if you’re a seasoned hiker, you’ll love the world-famous Harding Ice Field Trail, a 9.2-mile trek in Kenai Fjords National Park that is sure to take your breath away. Another expert-level-difficulty hike is the Flattop Mountain Trail, which is 3.3 miles long and located inside Chugach State Park. Looking for something a little easier? Check out the ever-popular and well-trekked hike on Exit Glacier Overlook Trail in Kenia Fjords National Park, or Thunderbird Falls Trail, in Chugach National Forest. If none of those strike your fancy, that’s alright – check out this article for plenty more ideas!
