Welcome to Alaska—home to some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the world. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who just likes to gaze at nature and take it all in (no judgment), the best Alaska national parks have got something to wow you. Think towering glaciers, majestic mountains, and wildlife encounters that will make your Instagram followers jealous.
This is the only guide you’ll need for Alaska national parks that you didn’t know you needed. We’re going to break down everything from what to do and what time to visit. So, grab your warmest jacket and your sense of adventure—Alaska is calling.
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About Alaska National Parks
Alaska is home to eight national parks, the most of any U.S. state. These parks cover over 41 million acres, which is more land than all the national parks in the lower 48 states combined. The eight national parks in Alaska are:
Denali National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Katmai National Park & Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Alaska also boasts numerous public lands, national historic area, national monuments, national preserves, and national historic parks. Check out the full list here.
Entrance Fees for Alaska National Parks
The best news about the Alaska parks is that most are free to access, but a few do have specific fees for entrance or certain services like shuttles or campground reservations.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Denali or other national parks across the U.S., consider the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year + fees) for unlimited access to all federal recreation lands. This pass covers entrance fees and day-use fees for lands managed by National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army of Corps of Engineers.
Below is a brief guide to national park fees.
Fee’s listed are for 2025. Always consult the National Park Service website for the most up to date fee schedule.
Alaska National Park | Entrance Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Denali National Park | $15 / Person | Valid for 7 days. Free for visitors under 15yo. Shuttle and campground fees are extra. |
Glacier Bay National Park | Free | No entrance fee. Park is often accessed via cruise ship. |
Katmai National Park | Free | No entrance fee, but some access (like Brooks Camp) may have fees. |
Gates of the Arctic | Free | No entrance stations |
Kenai Fjords National Park | Free | No entrance fee. |
Kobuk Valley National Park | Free | No entrance stations. Bush plane remote access only. |
Lake Clark National Park | Free | No entrance fee. Accessible by plane or boat only. |
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park | Free | No entrance fee. |
Permits & Backcountry Camping in Alaska
While most of the national parks in Alaska don’t charge entrance fees, you may till need backcountry permits or use permits and orientation for certain activities.
Best National Park in Alaska to See Wildlife
Out of the 8 Alaska national parks, Denali National Park is the best for wildlife viewing. It’s like an open-air safari, Alaskan-style. You can spot grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves—all without leaving the park road. For many, the chance to see Denali (the mountain) is a bonus, but the real show is often the wildlife roaming the tundra.
Runner-up: Katmai National Park, if you’re into bear watching. Head to Brooks Falls, where brown bears fish for salmon like they’re starring in a nature documentary—because, well, they often are.
Best National Park in Alaska for Hiking
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is a hiker’s dream—if your dream involves massive glaciers, active volcanoes, and almost zero crowds. It’s the largest national park in the U.S. and has a wild, remote feel. You can do anything from day hikes on old mining roads to multi-day treks across glacier fields.
If you need something more accessible:
Kenai Fjords National Park has the Harding Icefield Trail, one of the most jaw-dropping hikes in the state. Think icy panoramas, alpine meadows, and wildlife all in one relatively short (but strenuous) hike.
Best Alaska National Park for White Water Rafting
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park offer some of the most remote, wild whitewater rafting in the U.S.—but these are serious backcountry expeditions, often requiring bush plane drop-offs.
For something epic but slightly more accessible, go with Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. The Chitina, Nizina, and Tana Rivers offer thrilling rapids, glacier-fed waters, and rugged terrain with fewer logistics than the Arctic parks.
Bonus tip: Many outfitters also run rafting trips just outside Denali National Park on the Nenana River. It’s not technically in the park, but it’s a popular option if you want a combo of adrenaline and accessibility.
Related: Find a Alaska national parks tour
Alaska Parks Wildlife Safety
Alaska’s national parks are home to some of North America’s most iconic wildlife—grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and more. Spotting these animals in the wild is often a highlight of any Alaskan adventure, but knowing how to travel safely in bear country is just as important as packing your hiking boots.
Stay Bear Aware
Both grizzlies and black bears are found throughout Alaska, including in national parks like Denali, Katmai, and Wrangell–St. Elias. These animals aren’t out to get you—but they are wild and unpredictable. Carrying bear spray (and knowing how to use it) is strongly recommended, especially if you’re hiking or camping in remote areas. Make noise on trails, travel in groups, and avoid surprising a bear. If you’re not sure how to identify bear signs or behavior, many visitor centers and guided tours offer quick safety briefings.
Food Storage Is Essential
Whether you’re day hiking or backcountry camping, always store your food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or designated food lockers. Never leave snacks in your tent or unattended at a campsite. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and will investigate anything they think might be edible.
Give Moose Plenty of Space
Moose might look docile, but they can be just as dangerous as bears—especially during rutting season in the fall or when a cow is with her calf. Unlike bears, moose often won’t bluff charge; if they feel threatened, they’ll come at you. The best advice? Keep your distance and avoid getting between a moose and where it wants to go.
Stick to Smart Wildlife Watching
It’s tempting to get close for the perfect photo, but don’t. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens and follow all posted guidelines. Most national parks in Alaska have regulations to protect both visitors and wildlife. Respecting these boundaries isn’t just about safety—it’s also about preserving wild experiences for everyone who comes after you.
If you’re not super confident in your wildlife skills, it’s best to opt for guided tours for your own safety. Find reputable Alaska tours here.
Best Times of Year for Adventure Tours
Alaska parks have absolutely incredible adventure tours, regardless of who you’re traveling with. Summer tends to be the most reliable time of year, but shoulder seasons like spring and fall can offer unique experiences. Check out our comprehensive article about the best times to visit Alaska.
About All Alaska National Parks
Let’s dive deeper into Alaska national park and what makes each of them so unique. Stay tuned to the end to see which ones will make your bucket list!
Kobuk Valley National Park
Where is Kobuk Valley National Park?
Located in northwest Alaska, above the Arctic Circle near the village of Kotzebue, Kobuk Valley is only accessible by small aircraft—and there are no roads or designated trails.
What You’ll Love About Kobuk Valley National Park
One of the least known Alaska national parks, Kobuk Valley surprises many travelers with its massive sand dunes set against a backdrop of Arctic wilderness. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are a surreal landscape where caribou migrations pass through in the thousands each year.
What to Do in Kobuk Valley National Park
Most visitors fly in for scenic overflights, day hikes across the dunes, or float trips along the Kobuk River. Like Gates of the Arctic, it’s a park best suited for those seeking remote, self-guided exploration.
- Low-Energy:
Fly in for a sand dune day hike at the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes.
Visit Onion Portage (seasonally)—a historic caribou crossing with archaeological significance.
Overnight near Walker Lake—locals favor it for calm waters and beautiful scenery.
- High-Energy:
Backpack from Kavet Creek to the dunes, a multi-day route through boreal forest and open tundra.
Packraft the Kobuk River from Ambler to Kiana—remote and rewarding.
Traverse from the Baird Mountains to the dunes via backcountry bush route.
Best Time to Go to Kobuk Valley National Park
July and August offer the most favorable conditions for visiting—expect mild weather, long daylight, and fewer mosquitoes than early summer.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Where is Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve?
Gates of the Arctic lies entirely above the Arctic Circle in northern Alaska’s Brooks Range—it’s one of the most remote and roadless parks in the U.S., accessible only by bush plane or long overland treks.
What You’ll Love About Gates of the Arctic National Park
This is true wilderness. No roads, no trails, no visitor centers—just raw tundra, glacier-carved valleys, and quiet so deep it humbles. If solitude and off-grid adventure call to you, this park is unmatched.
What to Do in Gates of the Arctic National Park
Visiting often means hiring a bush pilot and preparing for full self-sufficiency. A few popular things to do include:
- Low-Energy:
Take a flightseeing tour from Bettles or Coldfoot to glimpse peaks and caribou.
Spend a day in Anaktuvuk Pass, visiting the Nunamiut museum and cultural center.
Walk short distances from a bush plane drop at Frigid Crags for high views.
- High-Energy:
Backpack the Arrigetch Peaks Loop—an iconic trek among Alaska’s most remote granite towers.
Packraft the Alatna River through untouched Arctic wilderness.
Scramble into the Endicott Mountains for off-trail navigation and epic remoteness.
Best Time to Go to Gates of the Arctic National Park
June through August is the best time to visit, when snow has melted, rivers are navigable, and daylight lasts nearly 24 hours. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather even in midsummer.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Where is Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve?
Glacier Bay is located in Southeast Alaska, just west of Juneau, and is only accessible by boat or plane—most visitors arrive via cruise ship or small tour vessel.
What You’ll Love About Glacier Bay National Park
If you’re dreaming of tidewater glaciers, dramatic fjords, and unforgettable whale watching, Glacier Bay delivers. This park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels like a living ice age, with calving glaciers and sea otters floating past your kayak.
What to Do in Glacier Bay National Park
Below are a few top-rated things to do in Glacier Bay.
- Low Energy:
- Visit the Huna Tribal House in Bartlett Cove to learn about Tlingit culture.
- Take a kayak day tour from Bartlett Cove into smooth, protected coves.
- Enjoy a scenic cruise to Margerie Glacier—best for wildlife, tidewater ice, and whales
- High Energy:
Sea kayak to Scidmore Bay for remote beach camping (locals love it for solitude).
Trek the Mount Wright area—an off-trail challenge with big alpine views.
Paddle the East Arm—a multi-day backcountry trip requiring full self-reliance.
Best Time to Go to Glacier Bay National Park
Late May through early September offers the best combination of calm seas, active wildlife, and glacier viewing. Most guided tours and cruises operate during this seasonal window.
Denali National Park and Preserve
Where is Denali National Park and Preserve?
Located in interior Alaska, halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks along the Parks Highway. Denali is a little over a 4-hour north of Anchorage.
When traveling from out of state, the two best international airports to fly into are Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), just a little over 4 hours south of the park, or Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) just 2 hours to the north of the park entrance.
What You’ll Love About Denali National Park
Denali is one of the most well-known Alaska national parks. At 20,310 feet, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is the highest peak in North America, and it’s not one to be outshined by its surroundings. The park is a treasure trove of tundra, glaciers, and plenty of critters to spot. Trust us, you’ll feel like you’re in a nature documentary.
What to Do in Denali National Park
Below are a few of our best recommendations for things to do in Denali. Top activities include:
- Low Energy
- Don’t have time for a full dog sledding experience? Stop by the sled dog kennels in the park to see a brief live demonstration.
- Drive Denali Park Road for a chance to see bears and caribou.
- Hike the Savage River Loop for a short and scenic hike.
- Enjoy a low-energy summer ranger-leg programs at the visitor center.
- High Energy
- Dog sledding: Yup, this is a thing, and yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds. These are our favorite dog sledding winter dog sled tour and summer dog sled tour on the way to the park.
- Book a flightseeing tour to see all that Denali has to offer from the air.
- For mountaineers and thrill seekers, consider climbing Denali itself.
Transportation in Denali
You can drive a portion of Denali Park Road yourself or choose one of the three alternative choices for transportation in the park.
How to to Denali National Park
Denali Park Road is your best bet for most visitors. But if you’re feeling fancy, train or bus tours are options too. There’s also a bus tour that goes deep into the park, giving you a chance to spot wildlife (and maybe spot some bears trying to eat each other’s lunch).
Best Time to Go to Denali National Park
Summer (June – mid-September) is when things get busy with warm weather, long days, and perfect hiking conditions.Winter (November – March) brings a quieter, snow-covered landscape, ideal for winter sports.
Denali National Park and Preserve Helpful Links
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Where is Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve?
Located in eastern Alaska, near the Canadian border, stretching from the Copper River Valley to the Yukon.
About Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Highlights: The largest national park in the U.S., it’s six times the size of Yellowstone.
Activities: Glacier hiking, mountaineering, and exploring historic mining sites.
Accessibility: Accessible by road to certain areas; other parts require air travel.
What You’ll Love About Wrangell–St. Elias
Wrangell-St. Elias is huge. Like, six times the size of Yellowstone huge. This park is for those who want to experience the rugged wilderness without the crowds.
What to Do in Wrangell–St. Elias
- Low-Energy:
- Tour the Kennecott Mine—a historic copper mill town with guided and self-paced options
- Walk the Root Glacier Trail (first 1–2 miles are gentle and scenic).
- Visit the McCarthy Museum and chat with locals over coffee at The Potato.
- High-Energy:
Ice climb on Root Glacier with local guides (one of Alaska’s most beginner-friendly spots).
Backpack the Bonanza Mine Trail—a tough climb to a scenic and historic mountaintop.
Traverse the Goat Trail along the Chitistone River—legendary, remote, and steep.
How to Get to Wrangell–St. Elias
Get to McCarthy by road and then take a bus or plane into more remote sections of the park.
Best Time to Go to Wrangell–St. Elias
Summer (mid-June to mid-September) for the best weather and access. Winter for skiing and snowboarding, though access is more limited.
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Where is Katmai National Park and Preserve
Positioned in southwest Alaska, across from Kodiak Island, accessible only by air or boat.
About Katmai National Park and Preserve
Highlights: Famous for the Brooks Falls where brown bears catch salmon mid-air.
Activities: Bear viewing, fishing, and exploring the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
Accessibility: Primarily accessed by floatplane.
What You’ll Love About Katmai National Park and Preserve
Want to see a bear catch a fish mid-air? Head to Brooks Falls in Katmai, one of the best spots for bear-watching. Trust us, it’s one of nature’s greatest performances.
What to Do in Katmai National Park and Preserve
- Low-Energy:
Watch brown bears fish at Brooks Falls from a raised viewing platform.
Join a floatplane tour over the Katmai Caldera for aerial views of volcanic landscapes.
- High-Energy:
Hike into the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes from the overlook for a rugged day trip.
Backpack to Dumpling Mountain Camp for epic views over Naknek Lake.
Paddle the Savonoski Loop—a backcountry kayak route through lakes, rivers, and bear country.
How to Get to Katmai National Park and Preserve
Floatplane or boat. It’s a bit of an adventure to get there, but it’s totally worth it.
Best Time to Go to Katmai National Park and Preserve
Summer (July – September) is the best time for bear watching when the salmon are running.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Where is Kenai Fjords National Park
Found on the southeastern edge of the Kenai Peninsula near the coastal town of Seward.
About Kenai Fjords National Park
Highlights: Features the Harding Icefield and numerous fjords carved by glaciers.
Accessibility: Accessible by road to Seward; boat tours depart from here.
What You’ll Love About Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords is all about glaciers, sea life, and jaw-dropping views. You can’t visit Alaska and not see a glacier—and Kenai Fjords is home to some of the most accessible ones.
What to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park
- Low-Energy:
Stroll the Glacier View Loop at Exit Glacier—short, flat, and glacier-front close.
Take a half-day wildlife boat tour from Seward into Resurrection Bay.
Explore Lowell Point Beach—a quiet locals’ hangout with tidepooling and kayaking views.
- High-Energy:
Hike the Harding Icefield Trail—a strenuous 8-mile out-and-back to glacier-top vistas.
Kayak Aialik Bay on a guided multi-day trip to remote coves and tidewater glaciers.
Trek the Caines Head Trail at low tide to explore WWII ruins and coastal wilderness.
How to Get to Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward is your gateway, accessible by car or train. From there, take a boat tour or get an air taxi for a more intimate experience.
Best Time to Go to Kenai Fjords National Park
Summer (June – August) for warm weather and easy access to activities.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Where is Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Found in south-central Alaska, west of Anchorage, reachable only by small plane or boat.
About Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Highlights: A combination of mountains, glaciers, and active volcanoes
Accessibility: Accessible only by plane or boat. Check out our full guide to Lake Clark National Park.
What You’ll Love About Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark feels like Alaska at its most rugged and remote. Think volcanoes, glaciers, and wildlife galore. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like you’re the only person on earth (in the best way).
What to Do in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Low-Energy:
Take an all-inclusive boat tour.
Visit Tanalian Falls via the easy lower trail for a misty, forested walk.
Spend a day in Port Alsworth, chatting with locals and walking the quiet lakeshore.
- High-Energy:
Hike the full Tanalian Mountain Trail for high views over Lake Clark and Iliamna Volcano.
Packraft the Telaquana River—a remote and advanced backcountry paddle route.
Climb Redoubt Mountain Lodge’s ridgeline trails with a guide for wildlife spotting.
How to Get to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Floatplane is the best way to get to the park. The below article on Lake Clark National Park includes all the details you need to know about getting to the park.
Best Time to Go to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Summer (mid-June to September) is the best time to visit.
Lake Clark National Park: A Complete Travel Guide for Fist-Time Visitors
Now that we’ve talked about each national park in depth, let’s get into the Alaska travel hacks you’ve been waiting for.
Alaska National Park FAQ
How many national parks are in Alaska?
There are eight Alaska national parks—each one as wildly different as the next. For travelers wanting a true “last frontier” feel and remote landscapes that don’t look or feel like anything in the Lower 48, Alaska delivers in spades.
When is the best time to visit Alaska’s national parks?
The summer months, from June to August, offer the most accessible weather and wildlife viewing opportunities for most Alaska parks.
What is the most famous park in Alaska?
Denali National Park takes the cake for the most famous of the Alaska national parks, and it ranks #1 in the second least visited national park in the state. If you’ve heard of just one Alaskan park, odds are it’s Denali National Park. It’s the easiest to access by road, and it’s home to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. You can take a bus deep into the park, join a guided hiking or photography tour, or just marvel at the alpine scenery from the roadside—all without needing a plane or boat to get in.
What is the least visited national park in Alaska?
The least visited national park in Alaska is Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve that boasted just 11,045 visitors in 2024.
What is the easiest national park to get to in Alaska?
Kenai Fjords National Park is the easiest national park to get to in Alaska. Located just outside the town of Seward, it’s one of the few Alaska national parks you can reach by car, train, or bus from Anchorage or by cruise ship. That alone makes it one of the most accessible—especially if you’re traveling without a rental car or don’t want to navigate small charter flights.
Do I need special permits to visit Alaska national parks?
While most Alaska national parks don’t require entry permits, specific activities like backcountry camping or fishing may require permits.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, many parks offer ranger-led programs, and numerous tour operators provide guided experiences. Start your search for Alaska tours here.
Conclusion on Alaska National Parks
Whether you’re an adrenaline addict or someone who just wants to get away from it all, Alaska’s national parks have something that will knock your socks off. With this guide, you’re ready to hit the trails, spot some wildlife, and take in those epic views. And remember, no matter where you go, Alaska’s wild beauty will stay with you long after you leave. Ready for the adventure? Let’s go!
Megan Shurites
Megan is Chief Adventure Officer and Founder of GuideR Adventure with extensive experience in adventure travel all over the world. Megan has been to almost all US states and 5 of 7 continents and enjoys off the beaten path experiences. She strives to empower others to collect memories with those you love and conserve our natural spaces.
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