7 Top Things to Do in Alaska

Have you always dreamt of traveling to Alaska?

If so, you're certainly not alone in these adventurous desires. In fact, approximately 1.93 million tourists flocked to Alaska within this last year. Of all the serene nature and incredible Alaskan wildlife, it's the promise of adventure that keeps tourists coming back.

When you come to Alaska, you'll see why it's considered to be one of the most special places in all of America. You're also guaranteed to have the adventure of a lifetime and to experience some of the most beautiful sights that your eyes have ever seen.

If you're interested in discovering the top things to do in Alaska, this one is for you. We're outlining the seven most adventurous things to do on your trip to Alaska.

Let's get started!

1. Hike the Goat Trail

If you ask any true Alaskan about their favorite hiking trail, you can rest assured that they are going to say The Goat Trail.

While this is a classic Alaskan hike, it isn't exactly cut out for beginners. Not only is this a lengthy hike, but it also features many instances of steep terrain. If you're not afraid of the prospect of climbing, this one is meant for you.

Here, you can look forward to witnessing glaciers, grizzly bears, eagles and some of the most stunning scenery in all of Alaska. So, if you eat, sleep and breathe extreme hiking, you're going to want to ensure that you check this out.

2. Kayak the Kenai Fjords National Park

Have you always wanted to come face-to-face with a real, live glacier?

If so, it's time to schedule a visit to the incredible Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, you can kayak or sail through the waters and enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

You'll also witness skyscraping granite cliffs alongside tidewater blue glaciers. While on the water, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for whales, seals and even polar bears.

Even when others are present, you'll be shocked at how remote and hidden this entire area is able to feel.

3. Join a Wildlife Tour

Is your number one priority in visiting Alaska to experience the wildlife?

If so, you can't bear to leave Alaska without booking a wildlife tour. While it is possible to experience the Alaskan wildlife on your own, a wildlife tour is certainly the best way to get the most out of your sightseeing experience.

If you're interested in marine life, you can look into a tour that is specific to the water. Here, you can look forward to seeing whales, dolphins, seals, walrus' and sea otters. You can also sign up for fishing tours that seek to fish record-breaking salmon, trout, and halibut.

If, however, you're interested in land mammals, you can book a land tour that focuses on moose, bear, caribou, wolves, and bison.

Either way, you're certainly not going to want to forget to bring your camera!

4. Climb Mount Mckinley (Denali)

Are you interested in climbing North America's highest mountain?

All must be warned that this is not for the faint of heart. Not only is Mckinley nearly 21,000 feet, but the second half of the climb is going to be cold, ice-covered and lacking oxygen.

Of course, this climb is going to require climbs to have appropriate gear such as ice picks and mountaineering shoes. This is especially true in the winter months when conditions are sure to be more severe.

5. Go Dog Sledding

Attention all animal lovers: this one is for you!

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience with animals, it's time to sign up for dog sledding. If you ask any local, this is surely one of the most popular and adored activities in all of Alaska.

Fortunately, there are a number of dog sledding tours that operate throughout the state. Some more adventurous tours even offer glacial dog sledding. This involves being transported to a glacier via helicopter and beginning your dog sledding adventures atop a glacier.

6. Search for the Northern Lights

When in Alaska, searching the starry night sky for the northern lights is an absolute must.

After a long day of hiking or kayaking, following the northern lights is the perfect sundown activity.

While actually bearing witness to the northern lights isn't a simple task, there are numerous companies that operate northern light tours. These companies are well aware of the different times and places that carry the best chances of spotting the stunning lights. While most tours operate during Alaska's winter months, others will also run tours nearing the end of summer.

It's safe to say that this is certainly something worth waking up in the middle of the night for.

7. Fly With a Talkeetna Air Taxi

There's no denying that seeing Alaska on both ground and water is an exceptional experience. But, what if there was another, even more, incredible way to get to know to Alaska?

Let's say, for example, from a bird's eye view...

Fortunately, seeing Alaska from such great heights is possible with Talkeetna Air Taxi. If you book a tour with this company, you can look forward to a once in a lifetime experience witnessing the beauty of Alaska from the sky.

While this tour is admittedly expensive, you can rest assured that it's well worth the money. Each tour is customized to the everchanging weather and is flown by skilled glacier specific pilots.

The Top Things to Do in Alaska 

If you've been seeking the adventure of a lifetime, there's no better place to find yourself than Alaska.

This is your chance to experience some of the top things to do in Alaska.In a state that has a mere population of 730,000, it's safe to say that Alaska itself has much to offer the keen adventurer. To both residents and tourists alike, Alaska offers a taste of adventure that is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Here, you can look forward to spending your day kayaking Alaskan rivers, hiking breathtaking trails and experiencing a dog sledding expedition. Come nightfall, you can chase the northern lights and explore some of Alaska's most quaint and sparsely populated towns.

It's safe to say that these Alaskan memories are sure to serve you a lifetime.

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Vibeke Johannessen

My name is Vibeke. A travel blogger and a photographer from Norway. I am posting about my journey around the world as well as my experiences living in Ecuador.

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