Planning a trip to Alaska can be overwhelming given its vast size and endless outdoor opportunities. To help you get the most out of your adventure, we’ve gathered insider tips from local experts on some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences, from backcountry hiking to cultural encounters.
Meet Next-Gen Indigenous Artists
For those interested in contemporary Native Alaskan art, First Friday events in Juneau and Anchorage are a must. These monthly art walks showcase the work of Indigenous artists like Rico and Crystal Worl, who own the Anchorage-based Trickster Company. Rico Worl recommends visiting the Sealaska Heritage Institute in Juneau and Akela Space gallery in Anchorage to learn more about the cultural significance and modern interpretations of Native art.
Go Boating in a Lesser-Known State Park
Alaska’s national parks often steal the spotlight, but the state’s largest park, Wood-Tikchik, is a hidden gem that’s perfect for boating enthusiasts. Covering 1.6 million acres, this park in Southwest Alaska offers incredible opportunities for float trips, hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing. Don Rearden, a novelist and University of Alaska Anchorage professor, encourages adventurers to explore this remote wilderness with the help of local guides who can assist even novice boaters.
Try Backcountry Hiking on the Kenai Peninsula
For those new to multiday backpacking, Luc Mehl, an experienced outdoor educator, suggests the Resurrection Pass Trail in the Chugach National Forest. This trail provides a more accessible introduction to Alaska’s backcountry, avoiding the technical challenges of more remote areas like the Brooks Range. Starting at the coast-side Hope Trailhead, hikers can experience the diverse vegetation and stunning scenery as they make their way up to Devil’s Pass.
Climb a Mountain on Alaska’s “Emerald Isle”
Kodiak Island, known as Alaska’s “Emerald Isle,” offers breathtaking landscapes that are best appreciated from atop North Sister Mountain. Lynn Walker, curator at the Kodiak History Museum, recalls her first hike up the mountain as surreal, with panoramic views of White Sands Beach and the surrounding peaks. Afterward, explore the rich history of the island at the museum and the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository, which provides deeper insights into the island’s Indigenous heritage.
Cruise with Locals on the Alaska State Ferry
For a unique and scenic way to travel, Amy O’Neill Houck, co-publisher of Edible Alaska magazine, recommends taking the Alaska State Ferry. Whether you’re heading from Bellingham, Washington, to Ketchikan, or taking a shorter trip from Homer to Kodiak, the ferry offers a chance to meet locals and enjoy stunning coastal views. The ferry’s onboard cafeteria serves comforting meals like Alaskan cod fish and chips, making it a nostalgic experience for residents and visitors alike.
Celebrate Tradition and Community Through Dance
Bethel, a Yup’ik community on the Kuskokwim River, comes alive each March during the Cama-i Dance Festival. This multiday event features traditional dances from groups around the world, celebrating cultural heritage and community. Jesslyn Elliott, executive director of Bethel Friends of Canines, highlights how the festival encourages people to embrace their culture in a modern world.
Explore a Historic Mining Town in a National Park
The town of McCarthy, nestled within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, offers a rich blend of history and art. Visual artist Maria Shell, who spends her summers in McCarthy, recommends starting with a hike on the Crystalline Hills Trail and then exploring the historic Kennecott Mines. The old wooden mills and wagon roads provide a glimpse into Alaska’s mining past. After a day of exploration, enjoy live music at the Golden Saloon and indulge in the legendary curly fries at The Potato.
These local tips offer a glimpse into the authentic Alaskan experiences that await, whether you’re exploring remote wilderness areas, engaging with Indigenous culture, or simply soaking in the stunning landscapes.