8 National Parks In Alaska To Explore

Alaska’s national parks are among the most remote and wild places in the United States. As a wildlife artist and traveler, I think these parks offer unmatched opportunities to observe and document nature in its purest form. With vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and challenging access, each park presents a different experience.

Whether you’re tracking grizzlies along a riverbank, sketching caribou in the tundra, or photographing glaciers, the National Parks in Alaska provide an incredible backdrop for exploration and creativity.

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Key Facts About Alaska’s National Parks

• Alaska has eight national parks, the most of any U.S. state.
• Some parks are only accessible by plane or boat, making them remote and untouched.
• These parks protect a variety of ecosystems, from glaciers and tundra to coastal rainforests.

8 National Parks in Alaska

Alaska’s national parks showcase some of the most rugged and pristine landscapes in the world. These parks protect vast tundras, towering mountain ranges, and diverse wildlife, making them essential destinations for nature enthusiasts. Each park has its own unique environment, from the icy fjords of Kenai to the arid sand dunes of Kobuk Valley. While some are accessible by road, others require charter flights or boat rides, adding to their remote allure.

Exploring these national parks offers an opportunity to witness Alaska’s raw beauty and untamed wilderness.

1. Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (20,310 feet). The park covers over six million acres of tundra, forest, and glaciers. Wildlife includes grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou. A single 92-mile road runs through the park, with bus tours available to visitors. In 2016, I watched a grizzly bear and her cubs cross a river near Wonder Lake. The best way to experience Denali is through hiking, wildlife watching, or a scenic flight around the mountain.

2. Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the Kenai Peninsula, this park features glaciers, fjords, and marine wildlife. The Harding Icefield is one of the largest icefields in the U.S. Sea otters, whales, and puffins are common sights along the coastline. On a boat tour out of Seward, I once saw a pod of orcas surfacing alongside our boat, their sleek black fins cutting through the icy water. The best access is from Seward, where boat tours take visitors into the fjords. Kayaking, hiking, and glacier trekking provide unique perspectives of the park’s rugged landscape.

3. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay is famous for active glaciers and abundant marine life. Visitors can witness calving glaciers from boats or kayaks. I vividly remember the thunderous crack of ice breaking from Margerie Glacier, followed by an eerie silence before the iceberg crashed into the bay. The park is also home to brown bears, mountain goats, and humpback whales. Access is mainly via cruise ships or small planes, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience Alaska’s coastal wilderness.

4. Katmai National Park and Preserve

Katmai is best known for its large brown bear population, particularly at Brooks Falls, where bears gather to catch salmon. A mission you can have here is to see massive bears stand on its hind legs and swipe at leaping salmon just feet away from the viewing platform. This was one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences I’ve had. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a volcanic landscape, is another highlight. The park is only accessible by plane from Anchorage or King Salmon. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts visit for close encounters with bears in their natural habitat.

5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

The largest national park in the U.S., Wrangell-St. Elias covers 13.2 million acres—larger than Switzerland. It includes glaciers, mountains, and old mining sites. While hiking near the Root Glacier, you can possibly stumble upon old miner’s cabins, still filled with rusting tools and weathered wood. The park is home to Dall sheep, wolves, and moose. Visitors can drive to the towns of McCarthy and Kennicott to explore abandoned mines, hike glaciers, and take scenic flights over the wilderness.

6. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

One of the most remote national parks in the U.S., Gates of the Arctic has no roads, trails, or visitor centers. It is a true wilderness destination, requiring visitors to fly in or hike from the Dalton Highway. The park protects arctic tundra, rivers, and mountain ranges. It is ideal for experienced backpackers, wildlife watchers, and those seeking solitude in the Arctic landscape.

7. Kobuk Valley National Park

Kobuk Valley National Park is famous for the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, this park features a landscape that is rare for Alaska. The dunes can reach up to 100 feet high and contrast with the surrounding tundra. Caribou migrations pass through the park, making it an excellent location for wildlife observation. Like Gates of the Arctic, it has no roads or developed trails, and access is only by small plane.

8. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Lake Clark is known for its mountains, rivers, and stunning turquoise lakes. The park is home to brown bears, which can be seen fishing for salmon along the coast. Volcanoes and remote wilderness make it a hidden gem. Access is by plane from Anchorage, and visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and wildlife photography in a pristine setting.

What to Know About Alaska’s National Parks

Alaska’s national parks are unique in their remoteness and extreme conditions, offering both challenge and reward for those who venture into their wild landscapes.

Some parks, like Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias, can be accessed by road, while others, like Gates of the Arctic and Katmai, require chartered flights or boat travel.

The vastness of these parks means visitors often experience true solitude, with little to no cell service or infrastructure. Wildlife is abundant, and safety is a top priority—encounters with grizzly bears, moose, and wolves are possible, requiring preparation and respect for the environment.

Additionally, Alaska’s unpredictable weather can bring rapid temperature shifts, rain, and even snow in summer, making proper gear and planning essential for any trip.

How to Visit, Where to Stay, and Eco-Tours

The best way to visit Alaska’s national parks depends on their accessibility. Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias can be driven to, while others require flights or boat rides, often on small aircraft or ferries.

Lodging varies from campgrounds and backcountry lodges to remote cabins and tented camps that cater to adventurous travelers. Many parks offer guided eco-tours for wildlife observation, glacier trekking, and cultural experiences with Alaska Native communities.

Towns like Seward, Anchorage, and Fairbanks serve as launch points for visiting multiple parks, offering a mix of hotels, hostels, and local guesthouses.

For those looking for an immersive experience, multi-day guided expeditions can take visitors deep into the wilderness, offering unique opportunities for wildlife photography, river rafting, and even dog sledding in winter.

Nonprofit Organizations Specializing in Alaska’s National Parks

Several organizations work to protect and promote Alaska’s national parks:

• National Park Conservation Association (NPCA) – Advocates for protecting national parks.
• Alaska Geographic – Supports education and research in Alaska’s parks.
• The Wilderness Society – Focuses on conservation and land protection.