Complete Guide to Hiking in Alaska

Hiking in Alaska can be very intimidating considering the multitudes of wildlife roaming abundantly. I have hiked all over the state and had a few encounters so here are some tips to help you feel prepared for your own adventure in Alaska!

                                                                                     Lions Head near Matanuska Glacier

Tips for Hiking Safely in Alaska

1. Bring bear spray

   • One of the Alaskan golden rules is to always be prepared with bear spray even on short small hikes. If you feel comfortable carrying a gun and have firearms training, that is also recommended. Alaska has an open carry law and most residents will be wearing a gun while hiking so be aware that firearms are commonplace. I carried bear spray, but make sure whatever it is to have it easily accessible to you and make it a part of your hiking routine!

2. Stay on the trail

   • This rule should be followed everywhere but even more so when hiking in Alaska. Hiking off-trail can not only destroy fragile ecosystems but you run the risk of higher chances for wildlife encounters! Remember that we are crossing into THEIR territory, so we must respect their space.

3. Use AllTrails to help you find a hike

   • I LOVE AllTrails because you can track yourself on your hike to make sure you’re going the right way (with the upgraded version), you can see recent reviews for trail conditions, and see the elevation gain + distance for the hikes to help you pick out one for your level. Some of the terrain in Alaska is challenging so having a map is essential.

4. If you encounter a bear, follow these rules

5. Do your best to not hike alone

   • Hiking in larger groups can help alert bears to your presence, it could scare them off before you encounter them. Bells are another option that hikers employ to make themselves louder and more noticeable because the last thing you want to do is surprise a bear.

6. Pack the right clothes (for rain and cold temps)!!

   • June tends to be the sunniest month and July-September can experience more rain. I felt comfortable wearing my Patagonia nano puff and a waterproof shell when it started to rain. I always bring gloves and thick socks if for any reason I get too cold.

7. Trails can be muddy

   • From melting snow to rain, you can encounter a lot of muddy trails. Don’t let that stop you from exploring!

8. Avoid glacier crossings without gear or an experienced guide

   • There are some trails that encounter glaciers or crossings. If you have no experience with glaciers just appreciate them from a distance as they can be dangerous.

9. As always, PACK OUT what you PACK IN!

   • It’s so important to take all your trash and food scraps with you when hiking to preserve the wondrous beauty of Alaska!

10. Garmin inReach

    • If you are doing some serious backcountry trekking, it may be a good idea to carry a Garmin GPS, in case of emergency. You can reach an SOS system via satellite in areas that cell service will not cover. You can even send texts via satellite with a subscription!

Hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this untamed landscape. If I didn’t scare you off already, here are some areas I felt safe trekking that I highly recommend.

Best Hikes on the Kenai Peninsula

Most of the hiking I did was on the Kenai Peninsula. You have plenty of options from Girwood, Hope, Cooper Landing, Seward & Homer. There are opportunities to hike to glacier overlooks in Girwood or Seward. Homer, AK has glorious trails across Kachemak Bay but you have to pay for a water taxi to get across. It makes for a beautiful boat ride with the opportunity to see wild sealife! I HIGHLY recommend using AllTrails to find directions to the trailhead and reading an overview of the hike before you start.

Girwood:

Jewel Mountain via Crows Pass Trail - 7.5 miles 3,290ft elevation gain

Whittier:

Byron Glacier Trail - 2.3 miles 396ft elevation gain

Portage Pass Trail - 4.5 miles 1,463ft elevation gain

Hope:

Hope Point - 8.5 miles 3,451ft elevation gain

Palmer Creek Lakes - 2.7 miles 921ft elevation gain

Seward:

Exit Glacier to Harding Ice Field - 8.6 miles 3,198ft elevation gain

Tonsina Creek Trail - 3.1 miles 669ft elevation gain

Cooper Landing:

Slaughter Ridge - 4.6 miles 2,700ft elevation gain

Skilak Lookout Trail - 4.2 miles 885ft elevation gain

Homer:

Saddle and Grewingk Lake Trail - 4.5 miles 790ft elevation gain

Grace Ridge - 8.4 miles 3,353ft elevation gain

Grace Ridge, Exit Glacier to Harding Ice Field, Jewel Mountain, Palmer Creek Lakes

Best Hikes in Hatcher Pass

This is one of the gems of hiking in the Anchorage area and the pass itself is gorgeous to drive. There is an adorable lodge with a cafe that occasionally plays live music you can enjoy after your hike! If you want to spend a little more time in this area without driving back and forth you can reserve a rustic cabin at the Hatcher Pass Lodge. It’s also open year-round for cross-country and backcountry skiing in the winter.

April Bowl Trail - 2.2 miles 849ft elevation gain

Reed Lakes Trail - 8.7 miles 2,247ft elevation gain

Mint Hut via Gold Mint Trail - 16.6 miles 3,471ft elevation gain

Reed Lakes & Mint Hut Trail

Best Hikes Near Anchorage

Anchorage is a great place to base yourself if you’re interested in hiking. There are many trails under an hour from the city that are gorgeous and easily accessible.

Flattop Mountain Trail - 2.8 miles 1,345ft elevation gain

South Fork Valley Trail (Eagle & Symphony Lakes) - 10.8 miles 1,535ft elevation gain

Rabbit Lake Trail - 8.7 miles 1,538ft elevation gain

Lion’s Head Trail - 2.1 miles 977ft elevation gain

Little O’Malley Peak - 4.5 miles 1,466ft elevation gain

East Twin Peak Trail (Eklutna Lake) - 7.8 miles 4,891ft elevation gain

Rabbit Lakes, Twin Peaks & Lions Head

In order to appreciate the beauty of this place, please have respect for the raw nature and potential for danger. Always stay prepared so Alaska can remain accessible to all. Happy Trails!