Our Favorite Alaska Adventures
Alaska is known for being rugged and wild. Our state is the largest in the USA, our mountains are tall, and our wildlife is abundant. It’s no surprise that there are endless adventures to be had in this vast state. Your trip to Alaska is bound to be full of new, unforgettable adventures!
We cannot wait for you to experience our backyard. While riding an ATV to the Knik Glacier and snowmachining in the mountains are our favorite adventures in the state, and, we hope you’ll join us, we also wanted to share some other experiences that we know you’ll love! Get inspired for your vacation with bucket list adventures no matter which season you plan your visit.
When to Visit Alaska
Which season you choose to visit Alaska in can change what type of adventures you can go on. We recommend planning your visit based on which season is best for the adventures you are most excited about. Some adventures, like hiking, can be done year round. Other adventures, like Northern Light viewing, are seasonal and require more planning.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit Alaska. The sun seems to never set, the weather is at its finest, and every kind of adventure experience can be found.
Summer spans from June through mid August. Enjoy the peak time for outdoor activities!
Highlights of Summer:
- Longer days where the sun doesn’t set – perfect for getting in all the adventures.
- Great time to see wildlife, get up in the mountains, and see wildflowers.
- Adventure experiences like glacier exploring, flying, kayaking, rafting, hiking, ATVing, ziplining, and fishing are in full swing.
- A great time for a polar plunge!
Fall
Fall is great for a chance to see the Northern Lights, less crowds, and golden foliage. It can also be a perfect time to spot wildlife.
Fall starts in mid August and lasts through October depending on the snowfall. Be prepared for variable weather conditions!
Highlights of Fall:
- The first two weeks of September are best for leaf peeping.
- Pick blueberries in the mountains and tundra.
- Good hiking weather with less crowds.
- Great time for hiking, off roading, fishing, and wildlife tours.
Winter
Alaska’s longest season is one of our favorites with all the unique experiences it brings. Try snowmachining with us, see the Northern Lights, and enjoy the peace of winter.
Lasting from October to late March, Winter in Alaska is best enjoyed by adding some adventure.
Highlights of Winter:
- Best chance to see the Northern Lights.
- Try exciting winter activities like snowmachining or dogsledding.
- Enjoy the snow, the unique landscapes, and the low tourist season.
- Best time for snowmachining, skiing, dog sledding, Northern Light viewing, and ice cave adventures.
Spring
Spring in Alaska marks the transition from Winter to Summer as ice starts to melt and wildflowers start to grow. This season also calls for variable weather so bring your rain jacket.
Spring runs from late March through May as much needed sunshine returns to the state.
Highlights of Spring:
- The days start to get longer and warmer.
- Breakup season is here and trails become more accessible.
- There are fewer tourists and it’s a great time for mudding and seeing wildlife.
- Great time for spring skiing, off roading, low elevation hiking, and boat tours.
Top Alaska Adventures
Flightseeing Adventures
With more pilots per capita you know that Alaska should be seen from the air! Choose between a helicopter, fixed wing plane, or float plane to take you on an epic adventure into the backcountry. You can land on glaciers, soar through mountains, and see Alaska from a different perspective.
Fly and explore with Outbound Heli Adventures: Located on the same property as our ATV tours, go on an epic helicopter adventure with Outbound. Land on the ice of the Knik Glacier, explore other locations, or try glacier paddle boarding for a unique adventure.
Flightsee with Rust’s Flying Service: Explore by float plane right from Anchorage. You can go see bears in Lake Clark National Park, fly over glaciers, go fishing on remote rivers, or see Denali National Park out the plane window.
See Denali with K2 Aviation: Fly around the Alaska Range for a chance to see Denali. Enjoy snow covered peaks and granite mountain faces as you cruise through mountain passes. Land on a glacier and take in the vastness of these impressive mountains.
Fly with Sheep Mountain Air: Explore the Matanuska Glacier from the air and land up in the mountains or at a glacier blue pool. In the winter time you’ll look for ice caves and see snow capped mountains.
Wildlife Encounters
Alaska is known for its abundant wildlife and huge subspecies of animals. Everything in Alaska is bigger from our moose to our mosquitos! Have the chance to see moose, bear, and bald eagles from the road, or go on a wildlife specific tour or fishing charter to ensure you get to see some of these amazing creatures.
Adventure with Alaska Bear Viewing: Take a floatplane to Katmai National Park for a chance to see bears fishing in the iconic Brooks Falls, or go to Lake Clark National Park to see bears along the coast. Your pilot can help you find which bear viewing experience is right for you depending on the season.
Cruise with Major Marine Tours: Go on a cruise for a chance to see migrating whales, orcas, puffins, sea otters, bald eagles, and more. With Major Marine Tours you’ll have the option between half day and all day cruises so you can choose to focus on seeing wildlife or add in a trip to tidal glaciers.
Fish with Miller’s Landing Fishing Charters: Take a boat out of Seward and catch halibut, salmon, pollock, rockfish, cod and more with Miller’s Landing. Your guide will show you some of the best spots to fish. Add sightseeing and even sea kayaking to your fishing charter to make it an adventure for everyone.
Fish with Kenai River Fishing Guides: Fish for salmon and trout on some of the prettiest rivers in Alaska. The turquoise blue of the Kenai River is a sight to see. Choose from half day to full day guided trips with all the gear you need included for a comfortable experience.
Water Sports
Alaska is full of lakes, rivers, and fjords that are meant to be explored by boat. Opt to go kayaking in a glacier lake, feel the thrill of whitewater rafting, kayak in rivers or along coastlines, or even go jet skiing! Alaska has some of the most beautiful waterways that are just waiting for you to explore.
Raft Lions Head with NOVA: Go on a whitewater rafting adventure to hit some rapids, ride some waves, and get splashy. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Matanuska Valley while going on an adrenaline pumping ride!
Kayak with Anadyr Adventures: Take a trip to Valdez to kayak in a glacier lake, to a tidal glacier, or to a coastal island. Anadyr Adventures will teach you all about kayaking and get you to a beautiful location no matter which adventure you choose.
Raft with Denali Raft Adventures: Go for a quick scenic float or whitewater tour with Denali Raft Adventures. You’ll experience the beauty of the Alaska Range from your boat while getting splashed by fun rapids.
Sea Kayak with Kayak Adventure Worldwide: Explore Seward, visit tidal glaciers, and see wildlife from a sea kayak. Your guide will teach you all about safety and show you some of Alaska’s coastal beauty. Choose between half and full day adventures or enjoy a multi day trip to further explore.
Ride with Glacier Jetski Adventures: Go for an unforgettable jet ski ride across a fjord to reach a tidal glacier. Spot wildlife and waterfalls along the way and catch a glacier calving event!
Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is an Alaskan tradition that makes a great bucket list item. Tour the kennel, pet puppies, and meet dogs who have raced in the Iditarod. You’ll even have the chance to mush your own team!
Mush with Alaskan Husky Adventures: Enjoy views of Denali as you mush with dogs who have run the iditarod. Pet puppies, meet mushers, and take a tour of this award winning kennel. In the Summer you’ll help train the dogs by mushing in a sled cart. In the Winter you’ll mush on snow though their private trail system.
Mush and Fly with Seward Helicopter Tours: Go dog sledding in the Summer and mush on snow! Flying to a glacier dog camp is the best way to get an exciting dog sledding experience and helicopter ride all in one.
Hiking Adventures
Hiking is one of the best ways to get out and experience Alaska. The state has many opportunities for the avid hiker and beginner adventurer to take in the beauty of the area. Hike to glaciers, up into mountains, along beaches, and through forests for incredible views.
You can’t go wrong with any hike you choose, but here are some of our favorite guided and non guided adventures you won’t want to miss.
Hike with Alaska Alpine Adventures: Choose from backpacking, hiking, and paddling trips to the more remote National Parks in Alaska. This guide company is perfect for those looking for a unique hiking or backpacking adventure in a remote location without all the planning logistics. Explore places like Lake Clark National Park, Gates of the Arctic National Park, or Kobuk Valley National Park.
Reed Lakes Trail: Hatcher Pass is the gateway into the Talkeetna Mountains and offers all types of hiking adventures for all ages. Reed Lakes is a beautiful hike that leads you along the river and up to alpine lakes. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views and the adventure of boulder hopping to bring you up to Reed Lakes.
Horseshoe Lake Trail: This trail is one of the most popular in the park for good reason. Enjoy a scenic overlook of the lakes and nearby mountains and hike down around the lakes. Take in the sights of the forest and look for wildflowers along your hike.
Portage Pass Trail: Enjoy this beautiful hike just out of Whittier. Climb up the pass to be rewarded with ocean and mountain views. Hike down into the valley to see Portage Glacier up close from its lake. You may be lucky enough to experience a glacier calving event!
Thunderbird Falls Trail: This hike is a short drive from Anchorage and is fun for the whole family. You’ll see an impressive waterfall from the overlook and you can hike down to get closer to the river and explore.
Exit Glacier Trail: Explore Kenai Fjords National Park and hike to different viewpoints of this impressive glacier through the loop trail. Learn about how glaciers carve the landscape and how they have been receding over the years.
Flattop Mountain Trail: Enjoy beautiful views of Anchorage from the summit of this popular trail. This hike is a steep climb that is well worth the effort. On a clear day you may even see Denali off in the distance.
Crow Pass to Raven Glacier: Crow Pass runs 24 miles from Girdwood to Eagle River. Enjoy the most scenic part of the trail and see the Raven Glacier. Leave from Girdwood and hike up into the mountains for beautiful mountain views. You can explore Crystal Lake on your way and have a picnic at the day use cabin.
Winter Adventures
Visiting Alaska in the winter means you get to go on a bunch of different adventures. The state gets blanketed in snow, you’re more likely to see the Northern Lights, and snowmachining season begins. We love the beauty and peace that winter brings!
Go Skiing or Snowboarding at Alyeska: Ride some pow at Alaska’s big resort in Girdwood. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Knik Inlet from the top of these steep, fun runs. There’s terrain for all experience levels and ski lessons for those starting out. Take a trip to the spa to relax after a day of hitting the slopes.
Snowmachine with Alaska Backcountry Tours: Experience Alaska’s winter wonderland from a snowmachine! You’ll get all geared up to stay nice and warm and learn how to drive a snowmobile with one of our guides. Choose between riding to the Knik Glacier and exploring around ice sculptures and caves, or surfing some pow up in Boulder Creek. Our tours are fun for the whole family and are bound to leave you with incredible memories!
See the Northern Lights: Alaska is known for the show the Aurora puts on in the darker months. From late Fall to early Spring keep an eye on the forecast to watch the Northern Lights on display. Fairbanks is your best bet for seeing the lights, while most towns in Alaska catch a glimpse while looking north.
Start Planning Your Trip
Choose a few adventures to go along with your ATV tour with us and start planning your trip to Alaska! We recommend staying at least a week to really make the most of your trip. In a week you can comfortably road trip from Seward to Talkeetna, or Anchorage to Denali National Park. Stay 10+ days to really explore from the coast to Denali!
Staying in a city for at least two days will give you more time to explore, go on a few adventures, and have time to rest and recharge. Driving time between cities can always change due to weather or construction (especially in the Summer) so be sure to give yourself buffer time so you have more energy for all the experiences you choose. Be sure to add Palmer to your trip itinerary so we can get you out exploring around the Knik Glacier!
More Inspiration for Your Alaska Vacation
Best Winter Activities Near Anchorage
