Alaska is the largest U.S. state — and one of the wildest. It’s filled with towering peaks, massive glaciers, endless tundra, and incredible wildlife. In fact, Alaska is home to eight National Parks, second only to California.
Each park offers something unique. Some are remote, while others are easier to reach. Because of this, Alaska offers a park for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a cruise, a backcountry hike, or a wildlife tour, there’s something unforgettable waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore all eight of Alaska’s National Parks. Along the way, you’ll find helpful links, fun facts, and trip planning tips.
🌄 1. Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali is home to the tallest mountain in North America — 20,310 feet high. But it’s not just about the peak. Grizzlies, moose, and caribou also roam these lands. Because the park is partly accessible by road, it’s one of the easiest Alaskan parks to visit. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a mountain that touches the sky? 👉 Read the full Denali National Park guide.
Plan your trip: nps.gov/dena
❄️ 2. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay is a dream for cruise travelers. Not only can you see icebergs calving from massive glaciers, but you can also spot whales, sea lions, and puffins. As a bonus, it’s reachable by boat from Juneau, which makes it very popular.
Explore the bay: nps.gov/glba
🏞️ 3. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
If you’re searching for solitude, this is it. Since there are no roads or trails, visitors fly in by bush plane. As a result, you’ll find pure wilderness — vast, quiet, and untouched. Just be sure, you’re well-prepared for backcountry travel.
Adventurer info: nps.gov/gaar
🐻 4. Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai is famous for its brown bears. Each summer, dozens of them gather at Brooks Falls to catch salmon mid-air. In addition to the bears, Katmai features lakes, volcanoes, and remote trails. So if you’re into wildlife and adventure, this park has both.
Bear cams + more: nps.gov/katm
🧊 5. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords is one of the most accessible parks in the state. Because it’s close to Seward, many people start their Alaska journey here. You can hike Exit Glacier, take a boat tour, or just enjoy the icy scenery. Better yet, you can do all three in one day.
Visit info: nps.gov/kefj
🏜️ 6. Kobuk Valley National Park
This park is remote, quiet, and otherworldly. Unlike other parks, it features giant sand dunes — in the Arctic. Additionally, caribou pass through during their seasonal migration. Since there are no roads, you’ll need to fly in. That said, the views are worth it.
NPS page: nps.gov/kova
🏞️ 7. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark has it all. There are volcanoes, alpine lakes, rivers, and bears — and far fewer crowds. In fact, many visitors say it’s like a mini Alaska in one place. So if you want diversity, Lake Clark is a top pick.
More info: nps.gov/lacl
🏔️ 8. Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve
This is the biggest National Park in the United States. To give you an idea, it’s larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland — combined. You’ll find glaciers, abandoned mining towns, and soaring mountains. Even so, the crowds are small.
Discover it: nps.gov/wrst
📍 Planning Tips for Visiting Alaska’s National Parks
- First, decide how remote you want to go. Some parks are easy to reach; others require charter flights.
- Next, prepare for all weather. Even in summer, snow and rain are possible.
- Then, book early. Popular tours and flights sell out months in advance.
- Finally, consider mixing land and sea. That way, you’ll experience both the interior and the coast.
✨ Why Alaska’s National Parks Are Unforgettable
These parks are unlike anywhere else in the country. Where else can you hike above glaciers, camp under the Northern Lights, and watch bears fish in the wild?
Altogether, Alaska’s National Parks show nature at its most raw and beautiful. No matter which one you visit, you’ll return with stories worth sharing. In the end, you’ll see why so many people fall in love with the Last Frontier.
