Alaska National Parks

Alaska, the largest and northernmost state in the United States, is truly a land of unparalleled beauty and grandeur. Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska boasts over 663,000 square miles of diverse landscapes, from the lush rainforests of the southeast to the expansive tundras in the north. With its awe-inspiring mountains, pristine glacial rivers, and abundant wildlife, Alaska is a dream destination for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Located in the far northwest corner of North America, Alaska is bordered by Canada’s Yukon Territory and British Columbia to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Bering Sea to the west. Its unique geographical location has gifted Alaska with a staggering 34,000 miles of tidal coastline, over 3,000 rivers, and about 100,000 glaciers – more than any other state in the U.S.

Alaska’s vast size and diverse terrain are further complemented by its 23 national parks and preserves, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. These protected areas encompass nearly 54 million acres, accounting for over 60% of the total land managed by the National Park Service in the United States. The parks in Alaska not only offer breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems but also provide visitors with opportunities to explore rare natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis, the midnight sun, and massive calving glaciers.

In this post, we will dive deep into Alaska’s majestic national parks, providing a helpful guide for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the state’s untamed wilderness. From the towering peaks of Denali to the remote fjords of Kenai Fjords, Alaska’s national parks offer unforgettable experiences for all who venture into their pristine landscapes. So, gear up and get ready to embark on an incredible journey through the wonders of Alaska’s national parks.

Map of National Parks in Alaska

List of National Parks in Alaska

1. Denali National Park
2. Gates of the Arctic National Park
3. Glacier Bay National Park
4. Katmai National Park
5. Kenai Fjords National Park
6. Kobuk Valley National Park
7. Lake Clark National Park
8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve is located in interior Alaska, encompassing over 6 million acres of wilderness. The park’s main feature is Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, which is the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. The park is also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Visitors can explore the park via a single 92-mile road through the heart of the park, with access limited to park buses during the summer months. Unique points of interest include the Polychrome Overlook, which offers stunning views of the Alaska Range, and Wonder Lake, a picturesque glacial lake.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

Located above the Arctic Circle, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a vast, remote wilderness with no roads or infrastructure, making it one of the least visited national parks in the United States. The park encompasses 8.4 million acres of diverse landscapes, including the pristine rivers, jagged mountains, and vast tundras of the Brooks Range. The main attractions are the park’s spectacular wilderness and solitude, which offer abundant opportunities for hiking, backpacking, river rafting, and wildlife viewing. Unique points of interest include the Arrigetch Peaks, a series of granite spires and rugged cliffs, and Anaktuvuk Pass, a traditional hunting and gathering area for Alaska Native people.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Located in southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a 3.3-million-acre marine and terrestrial wilderness featuring tidewater glaciers, rugged coastlines, and temperate rainforests. The park’s main attraction is its dynamic glacial landscape, which provides visitors with a chance to witness the retreat and advance of glaciers up-close from the water. Wildlife watching is another popular activity, with humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and harbor seals commonly spotted. Unique points of interest include the Fairweather Range, the highest coastal mountains in the world, and Gustavus, a small community that serves as the gateway to the park.

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Located on the Alaska Peninsula, Katmai National Park and Preserve is a 4-million-acre wilderness known for its abundant brown bear population and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic ash field created by the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta Volcano. At the Brooks River, visitors can witness bears fishing for salmon at the famous Brooks Falls. In addition to bear viewing, the park offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring the volcanic landscape. Unique points of interest include Naknek Lake, the largest lake in the park, and the remains of the Katmai village, which was buried by ash during the 1912 eruption.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Situated on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is a 669,000-acre coastal wilderness known for its tidewater glaciers, deep-sea fjords, and abundant marine life. The park’s main attraction is the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States, which feeds over 30 glaciers. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged coastline and fjords by boat, kayak, or on foot via trails such as the popular Harding Icefield Trail. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot whales, seals, sea lions, seabirds, and other marine life while exploring the park’s waters. Unique points of interest include Exit Glacier, the only glacier in the park reachable by road, and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, which shares the park’s coastline and is home to a vast array of seabirds and marine mammals.

Kobuk Valley National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park lies 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It encompasses the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the Little Kobuk and Hunt River Dunes – a striking sight in the Arctic. The park also protects a migration route of the largest herd of caribou in Alaska. Its remote location makes it one of the least visited national parks, offering opportunities for solitude, hunting, boating, and witnessing the northern lights.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, situated in south-western Alaska, combines the features of many Alaskan parks in one. Its diverse landscape ranges from coastal rainforests, turquoise lakes, and volcanic features to tundra at higher elevations. It is home to brown bears, salmon, wolves, and a variety of bird species. Accessible only by plane or boat, the park is a wilderness paradise for adventurers, offering hiking, camping, kayaking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and winter sports.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Covering over 13 million acres in southcentral Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States. The park includes a vast wilderness, numerous glaciers, and some of the tallest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias. Its diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of wildlife like brown bears, moose, and caribou. With opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, river rafting, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic mining sites, it provides a truly wild Alaskan experience.

Situated amidst these rugged landscapes, these national parks in Alaska offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure and solitude. Each park is a unique jewel with distinct features that provide visitors with memorable experiences amid nature’s grandeur. As remote wilderness areas, most of them require careful planning and self-sufficiency, but reward visitors with the unmatched beauty and majesty of the Alaskan wilds.