The legendary, brutal Alaska winters scare away most of the tourists and the summer seasonal employees. By November, those serious about Alaska are hunkering down for the winter and the snow is falling in earnest. Follow these tips, and you may not freeze to death or get the blues this winter. We promise it will make the winters bearable!
Get outside and play and you will feel 1,000 times better. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people in Alaska, making them moody and listless in the dark winter months. Beat back the Alaska winters blahs with a healthy dose of sunshine every day and you will have a much more enjoyable winter. Of course, you can purchase full spectrum lights for your home or office, but there is no real substitute for the sun.
Winter has the most beautiful, long sunsets on the short winter days, but don't discount outside fun just because the sun is about to set. Skiing, sledding, running, and long walks in the woods can be magical in the moonlit starry evenings and mornings. That's how to survive Alaska winter!
It makes EVERYTHING a whole lot easier if you have the proper gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable while outdoors in the harsh winter. It will seriously change your desire to leave the house. Get the gear you need, whether it's layers of warmth for the cold northern winters or waterproof everything for southern rain. Winters in Alaska are easier to bear when you're dressed correctly.
You actually have to put the warm gear on to reap the benefits of ownership. Even on a warm, sunny afternoon, remember to fill the car and backpack with all your warm clothes for when the temperatures drop. It can happen quickly and drastically. You won't want to skip out on these essentials during Alaskan winters.
Whether you head across the globe or just down the road, plan an adventure at some point this winter. A change of scenery can break up the long months of darkness. Hawaii is a popular winter destination for Alaskans and international traveling is common, but seeing a new part of the state can be just as refreshing.
Alaska winters can be nice when broken up by some warm weather and sunshine!
When you head out on a trip, try to do so during the daylight hours for ease of travel. Roads that are dizzying with blowing snow late at night can be completely clear by the time the sun is high in the sky. Temperatures aren't as frigid, either, which cuts down on misery if you should break down or slide into a ditch. Winters in Alaska are just easier that way!
Getting out in the wilderness is one of the wonderful benefits of living in Alaska. Taking advantage of the mountains and oceans will make the winter a lot more fun. Try snowshoeing, the different types of skiing, ice skating, hockey, snowboarding, ice climbing, curling, or just walking in the woods. Exercise will show you how to survive an Alaskan winter.
Don't be absolute about plans in the winter months. Be flexible and accommodating, taking into account the regularity of flight delays, road closures, and storm warnings. It'll make everything easier if you accept that the conditions are extreme and tight schedules can't always be kept. Everything's just different up here!
You never know when a motorized vehicle is going to break down in the cold and you will have to walk to safety. Being caught unprepared has negative consequences ranging from uncomfortable to fatal. Always assume you need to be ready to walk a couple miles in the cold, and night temperatures can drop significantly. Alaskan winter can strike at any time.
Even if it's bitterly cold, icy, foggy, slippery, and snowing like crazy, you still probably have to go to work. Prepare yourself and your vehicle for the winter with winter tires, flares, a tow strap, gravel or kitty litter for traction, gloves and extra warm gear for driving in stormy conditions because that is just the way of life the north. Check local websites to make sure the roads and businesses are open. Locals get used to the weather in winters in Alaska, so our schedule doesn't change much.
11. Autostart is real, and it can change your life.
Before you leave to go somewhere, it is customary to start the car and wait a few minutes for it to warm up. This reduces strain on the engine and gets the heater going in the cab, making the trip easier on you and the car. Autostart is an upgrade you can purchase that allows you to start the car from 20-50 feet away, through a window. It's the best invention ever. It makes an Alaskan winter more bearable!
It's easy to hole up in your home and workplace and become lonely and isolated. Make sure you get some human interaction from friends, clubs, sports or activities once in a while. It's good for the soul. Get out, find the sunshine (or aurora borealis,) and soak in what you can. It will help!
The hardest time for the mind can be when the light comes back in spring. Be careful not to get hopeless at this time of year. Reach out to your friends who have been hibernating, too. Get outside, get together, and start moving your body.
Throughout the winter, you will inevitably find people in need. No matter if it's shoveling a driveway, chopping wood, or carrying something up an icy path, take the extra time help someone out. Winter can be very hard on those in a weakened condition. Lend a helping hand when you can, for it may be you that needs help next time. In Alaska we take care of each other!
Winter can be rough, but Alaskans make it through together. And once you get all of these tips under your belt, you’ll start to see everything there is to love about our Alaska winters!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
The temperatures are warming, sunlight is quickly increasing, and spring is returning to The Last Frontier. There is a wealth of activities to enjoy and destinations that are worth exploring during the warming spring months, and we've compiled a guide to the best of the best things to do in Alaska in spring to help you plan your travels and adventures.
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Flower Blooms In Alaska
Wildflower blooms don't typically occur in Alaska until the very late spring and early summer months – as early as May and as late as July – depending on the latitude and location. Below is a selection of the best wildflower blooms in Alaska in spring and early summer for wildflower lovers.
Price: Kodiak Island can be accessed via the Alaska Marine Highway, the state's ferry system, beginning at $275 per outward trip from Seldovia
Kodiak Island Borough is resplendent with wildflower blooms in the late spring into early summer seasons. The landscape itself is lovely, but when it's blanketed in wildflowers of all varieties, the natural beauty of this majestic landscape is unsurpassed. The wildflower types you're most likely to see here are wild iris, fireweed, wild geranium, and lupines galore! Check out the rolling hills surrounding Fossil Beach and mindfully explore the bluffs to see if you can spot these beautiful flowers. As always, be careful not to accidentally trample them or any other sensitive vegetation in the area.
Popularity: Fairly popular to visit in late spring and early summer
Price: Tongass National Forest can be accessed via multiple communities within the Inside Passage. You can join a guided tour, a cruise excursion, or explore independently by chartering an air taxi service or daily flight service from Anchorage or Seattle. Prices vary depending on the method of travel. Special Use passes and cabin reservations carry additional costs and vary depending on the activity. Visit the Forest Service website for more information
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Tongass National Forest encompasses an archipelago with about 1000 islands and stretches across a distance of 500 miles of southeastern Alaska, a geographic area also known as the Panhandle. Throughout this stretch of temperate coastal landscape, you'll find wildflowers like Chocolate Lilies, Bunchberries, Bog Laurels, Red Paintbrush, Western Buttercups, and much more. Of course, wildflowers aren't the only thing to love about this beautiful landscape; there is also abundant wildlife, such as wolves, grizzly bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, Pacific salmon, Bald Eagles, and more. In fact, this forested area hosts the largest Bald Eagle population (over 7,000) in the world! Explore the wildflowers, enjoy the wildlife, and take in the sights of the sprawling glaciers and lush scenery that surrounds you in Tongass National Forest. And for a bonus fun fact: Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, as well as the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world!
Popularity: Very popular during the spring and summer months
Price: Ketchikan ferries are $6 one way per adult or $7 per vehicle
Among the most beautiful places to find wildflowers in full bloom in Alaska is around the Ward Lake area in Ketchikan. This area is very popular for whale watching this time of year as well, so you can couple your wildflower explorations with some whale and wildlife spotting beginning in late spring and going into summer. The majestic Misty Fiords National Monument is also nearby and is a must-visit for its resplendent landscape, which offers towering coastal cliffs and awe-inspiring fjords. There is a plethora of beautiful natural wilderness to explore in the Ketchikan area, and Ward Lake, in particular, is one of the best areas to find wildflowers strewn across the landscape.
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Botanical Gardens In Alaska
Many areas of Alaska do not begin to see wildflowers bloom until the summer months, but you can still enjoy flowers in the springtime despite the frozen landscapes. Head to one of the many diverse botanical gardens in Alaska to discover many blooming wildflower varieties in the spring and summer.
Popularity: Popular with locals and visitors during evenings, weekends, and holidays
Price: Winter entry rates are $6 per person (children under age 6 are free), spring and summer rates are $14 per adult, $10 per student/senior/military, and $10 per youth ages 7 to 17
Hidden in plain sight in one of Alaska's largest towns lies a little slice of heaven: Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage. Beginning in early May, you can find vibrant Liverleaf, Saxifrage, Drumstick Primula, Oxlip Primrose, and Currant; then, into late May, you'll start seeing some Perennial Tulips, Snake’s Head Lilies, Alpine Snowbells, and many more. Peonies, Arctic Poppies, Yellow Globe Flowers, and other varieties begin to make their appearances in the garden in early June. You'll find no shortage of flower varieties throughout this carefully curated botanical paradise.
Popularity: Very popular during the spring and summer months
Price: Admission is $7 per person, and all donations go toward Garden programs and operations
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Georgeson Botanical Garden houses some of the most visually stunning and diverse subarctic flora in Alaska. The garden grounds are quite peaceful as you wander around – hopefully with your camera in hand – admiring the beautiful flower and plant varieties throughout the garden. You'll even find a newly created pollinator exhibit that houses bees, butterflies, and other insects. They host several events throughout the warmer months, so be sure to check their event calendar for opportunities to experience all the goodness the Georgeson Botanical Garden has to offer.
Popularity: Very popular during the spring and summer
Price: Rainforest Adventure Tours cost $30.40 after tax for adults and $19.90 after tax for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free
One of the most unique gardens in Alaska is located in Juneau and offers some of the most diverse and beautiful flora in the state. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is a hidden gem that offers 50 acres of greenery, rainforest, and flowers to explore. It is most well-known, perhaps, for its impressive flower towers, which earned the title of America's Most Interesting Landmark by Reader's Digest in 2012. The temperate climate allows some truly exotic plants and flowers to bloom here that aren't found anywhere else in Alaska. You'll want to take one of the guided Rainforest Adventure Tours for the full experience; it's well worth the cost as it is both enriching and educational. There is a small lower garden area that you can explore at your leisure after the tour. Make sure you don't forget to bring your camera!
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Parks To Visit In Alaska This Spring
Truth be told, Alaska is home to some of the most jaw-dropping parks in the country. With 15 national parks and 150 state parks (plus many hidden gems in between), there are endless opportunities to experience the beauty of springtime in Alaska. Below are a selection of the best parks to visit in Alaska in the spring.
Popularity: Popular during the spring and summer months
Price: There is no entrance fee for Kenai Fjords National Park. Wildlife Cruises begin at $109 per adult.
Kenai Fjords National Park is among the most beautiful and wild of Alaska's parks. Whale migration patterns bring various whale species through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park beginning as early as March each spring. Common whale sightings include Gray, Humpback, Orca, Minke, and Fin, depending on what month you visit. To get the full whale-watching experience, I'd recommend taking a wildlife boat cruise, such as those offered by Major Marine Tours, through Resurrection Bay — one of the most popular destinations for whale watchers — and surrounding areas. These tours are truly the ultimate wildlife viewing escapade in Alaska; it's hard to imagine an experience more thrilling than watching whales breach, all while being guided by local experts who know how to get you there safely.
Location: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks, Alaska
Popularity: Very popular
Price: Standard entrance fees are $15.00 per person
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Denali National Park is a destination that seems like a page straight out of a storybook. Denali, also called Mount McKinley, stands as the towering centerpiece of this magnificent park at 20,310 feet in elevation, making it the tallest mountain in North America. The park itself encompasses 6 million acres of pristine wilderness waiting for adventurous explorers to traverse its natural wonders. Wildlife is abundant, and grizzly bear sightings are not uncommon, so always come prepared with bear mace if hiking off the beaten path. Polychrome Pass offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park, but many scenic locations may not even require you to leave your car. Denali National Park is one of Alaska's most precious natural landscape gems, so treat it with the respect it deserves as you enjoy the endless beauty it offers.
9. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area, Sutton-Alpine
Price: Guided tours are the only way to access the glacier and range from $40 for residents and $150 for non-residents, depending on the trail and tour. Otherwise, you can view the glacier from a distance from Glenn Highway for free
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area in Glacier View, Alaska, is a popular destination for visitors because it is one of the most easily accessible and viewed glaciers in Alaska. You can view the glacier from various scenic viewpoints found along Glenn Highway, which itself is one of the most scenic highways in Alaska. Matanuska Glacier Trail is an amazing trail option for those wanting to get close to the glacier via hiking, but just be aware that you'll need to pay $150 for access to this particular trail. Guided tours are the only way to access the glacier up close, but they are fully worth the cost of the experience. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area is truly a photographer and nature-lover's paradise.
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Spring Hikes In Alaska
Springtime provides unique hiking and trail-running opportunities, including sled dog racing trails that visitors travel from around the world to witness. So grab your microspikes and head to the trails to experience some of the most unique and beautiful spring hikes in Alaska. Be sure to download AllTrails+ to download offline trail maps (including topographic maps), record and track your hike, and much more.
Price: There is no cost to watch the race, aside from any associated travel costs to and from the event
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a beloved Alaskan tradition dating back to 1973. While this trail is more suited for the mushers and their sled dogs, visitors come from around the world to partake in the event's festivities, which begin a few days before, and to watch the race itself. The ceremonial race is typically held on the first Saturday in March every year in Anchorage, with the official restart of the race beginning the next day in the small town of Willow. The race ends in the town of Nome, which is a great location for those wanting to wait at the finish line to see who wins the race. Come witness a cherished staple of Alaskan culture and history by watching the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Popularity: Popular during the spring and summer months
Price: There is no fee to park at the trailhead or hike the trail itself
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Byron Glacier Trail is a stunning 3.2-mile out-and-back trail located beside Portage Lake, which is about a 45-minute drive from Anchorage. What's amazing about this trail is that it brings you up close and personal to the glacier even during the warm summer months, so visiting in the spring will offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy the glacier, Byron Creek (you'll cross over it via wooden bridge), and the surrounding snow-covered mountains. As with any hiking trails in Alaska in the spring, just come prepared with microspikes in case of patches of ice, and you will be set to enjoy the magnificent views that Byron Glacier Trail provides.
Popularity: Light to moderate crowds, depending on the time of day and the day of the week
Price: There is no cost to park at or hike Lost Lake Trail
If you're up for a lengthier trail that leads you through some of Alaska's most remote and pristine wilderness, Lost Lake Trail is the trail for you. Touted as one of the best hikes in the Kenai Peninsula, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more visually stunning hike in the state. While the trail itself is 14 miles in length, it is only rated moderate in difficulty, so it's not an overly strenuous trail aside from the distance. Come prepared with all the hiking essentials – including extra layers, plenty of food and water, bear mace, bug spray, sunscreen, and first aid supplies – and you'll be well prepared for the journey. While you will gain 2,631 feet in elevation during this hike, the ascent is a gradual one, so you won't encounter any extreme inclines. Lost Lake is incredibly peaceful and beautiful – when you do finally reach it, you may not ever want to leave. Due to the remoteness of this trail, you're unlikely to encounter many – if any – crowds. As always, be aware of wildlife and do your part to leave the environment as natural and untouched as you found it. You can expect to complete this trail in six and a half to seven hours, making it a great option for a full-day hike. Pack a picnic, and enjoy!
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Spring Picnic Spots In Alaska
Fancy a picnic in Alaska? If so, you're in luck because you'll find plenty of scenic spots to settle down for a quick rest and refuel across this beautiful state. A few of these locations below may surprise you, but each of these locations offers a unique way to enjoy a springtime picnic in Alaska.
Price: Lift tickets start at $109 for a full day during mid-week for adults and $59 per child, with prices increasing during prime time dates
There is unlike to be a more epic place to enjoy a picnic on the mountain than at Tramway Cafe at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. This is the perfect option for skiers and snowboarders who plan to enjoy a day on the slopes; you can grab a tasty meal to refuel during lunch or after a long day of shredding that fresh powder. And what's even better is that the cafe is one of six restaurants you can choose from at the resort. Soak in the scenic alpine views as you take in a tasty meal at the cafe, and bonus points if you can secure accommodations at Alyeska Resort. After all, what's better than waking up with the ski lift essentially in your backyard? If I were to visit, that would be exactly what I would do to maximize my experience visiting this beautiful area.
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Price: General Admission: $25 per person (ages 13 and up), Youth: $20 per person (ages 4 to 12), Child: Free (3 and under), Military: $22 per person (active US military with ID), Alaska Adult: $22 per person (Valid Alaska ID required. Year-round),Alaska Youth: $18 per person (ages 4 to 12. Valid Alaska ID required. Year-round)
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a true sanctuary for Alaskan wildlife that is being rehabilitated or has a permanent home on the conservation center's lands. You'll get the opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife that you might not be so fortunate to witness anywhere else, such as black, brown, and grizzly bears, arctic fox, tundra wolves, bald eagles, lynx, moose, musk oxen, owls, wood bison, porcupines, reindeer, Roosevelt elk, and much more. The Flamin' Raven restaurant on-site makes for a delicious and convenient option for a picnic break during your visit. You'll want to take your time exploring the 200 acres of wildlife enclosures accessible via the 1.5-mile loop (which you can explore by foot, car, or bike). A picnic and visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the perfect springtime activity to enjoy if you happen to be visiting the Girdwood area of Alaska.
Price: Admission is $25 per adult (ages 18-64), $20 for Alaska residents (ages 18-64), $18 for Seniors (65+), active duty military with ID, students (13-17) with ID, $12 admission for ages 6 to 12, and FREE admission for ages 5 and younger
Springtime weather in Alaska can be quite unpredictable, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a great picnic and adventure of a different variety. If you live in or plan on visiting Anchorage and the weather doesn't quite cooperate for much in the way of outdoor activities, I highly recommend you visit the Anchorage Museum. Thousands of works have been displayed in both resident and traveling exhibitions throughout the gallery, and many of these pieces date as far back as 100 years. The museum represents the thriving art culture in Alaska and its people, and you'll be enamored by the vibrant contemporary artistry you'll encounter on your visit. You can enjoy a picnic on the museum's grounds with a visit to the Muse, the on-site cafe, and soak up the sunshine if the weather cooperates, making the Anchorage Museum a unique but memorable option for a picnic in Alaska.
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Which of these spring activities in Alaska are you most looking forward to visiting first? There is no shortage of things to do in Alaska in spring, and we hope this guide serves as travel inspiration for your next adventure to The Last Frontier.
