2025's Most Underrated Towns In Alaska

Beyond the vast stretches of wilderness, glaciers, and mountains that attract visitors to Alaska lie under-the-radar gems known only to long-term locals. From secret lakes tucked into the forests to ghost towns, you'll discover the real heart of Alaska. The Last Frontier holds many secrets and charming cities that capture the hearts of hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Here are Alaska's most underrated towns, perfect for those seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience away from the usual tourist spots.

Juneau

Glaciers & Rainforests Gem

Nestled between the Gastineau Channel and the peaks of the Coast Mountains, Juneau is one of the few places in the world where you can be standing in a rainforest one moment and staring at a glacier the next. Regrettably, the capital of Alaska often flies under the radar for travelers in favor of more well-known destinations like Anchorage or Denali. Ranked as the third most populated city in the last frontier, this timeless town's population of roughly 32,000 is quite small and relaxed, making it less bustling and crowded compared to other Alaskan towns. Visitors enjoy warm hospitality, world-class fishing, glacier excursions, a peaceful picnic, or a full day of phenomenal hiking with views overlooking the Gastineau Channel.

Kaktovik

Polar Bear Paradise

Kaktovik is the ideal destination for travelers who want more than memories; it’s for those seeking stories and connection to natural beauty. Situated on Barter Island, Kaktovik is one of the best places in the world to see polar bears in their natural habitat, but its extreme location in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge often makes it overlooked. Kaktovik has a tight-knit population of around 260 people, which is one of its most appealing aspects. Its people have built a sustainable life in one of the harshest environments on earth, maintaining both tradition and resilience in the face of climate and economic change. Visitors can take guided tours with local Inupiat guides to witness the polar bear’s natural migration path up close. If you're ready to go beyond the usual, Kaktovik should be on your Arctic radar.

Kivalina

Arctic Vistas

Located in the Northwest Arctic Borough, the small village of Kivalina is home to approximately 400 residents. It is one of Alaska’s most isolated communities, reachable only by air or sea. The area offers breathtaking Arctic vistas as it sits on a thin barrier island between the Kivalina Lagoon and the vast, icy Chukchi Sea. Unfortunately, the island where Kivalina is located is increasingly threatened by climate change, which makes it even more essential to visit in 2025. It offers visitors a raw, unfiltered look into life above the Arctic Circle. With sustainable travel trending, Kivalina offers an opportunity to engage with nature and indigenous heritage. People can also watch the northern lights dance vividly across their skies in the winter months.

Fairbanks

Northern Lights & Midnight Sun

Fairbanks is not only gold mining land but also the most fantastic place to witness surreal views. In winter, the landscape transforms into an Arctic wonderland ideal for viewing the northern lights from August through April. In summer, visitors experience the midnight sun, where the sun doesn’t set for weeks, bathing the land in golden hues 24/7. People can choose to hike winding trails, kayak, or ride upriver on a jet ski right from downtown. From fishing on the Chena River to prime hunting spots, adventure awaits anyone who visits.

Valdez

Historic Adventure

Located at the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound with a population of approximately 4,000 residents, this historic town was nearly destroyed by the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and tsunami, but its community members rebuilt it from the ground up. Today, it is a flourishing area known for its port, oil pipeline, commercial fishing, renowned heli-skiing adventures, and thriving tourism industry. Valdez is one of the few places in Alaska where majestic fjords, massive glaciers, and snow-capped mountains all collide in one dramatic panorama. Worthington Glacier is accessible right off the highway, while the Keystone Canyon waterfalls are perfect for quick, scenic stops or hikes.

Kake

Indigenous & Serene

Home to approximately 550 residents, Kake is a southeastern Alaska gem nestled in the lush Tongass National Forest. Kake is often overlooked in favor of more touristy towns like Sitka or Ketchikan, making it special, untouched, uncrowded, and authentic. It is a nature lover’s dream and has been inhabited by the Tlingit indigenous people for thousands of years. Kake is the hidden gem worth discovering if you're looking for a peaceful, perspective-shifting experience. Fishing, hiking, and hunting are some of the more popular activities here, but don't miss the 132-foot totem pole, which is one of the tallest in the entire world and was erected in 1971. Kake offers a rare window into traditional indigenous culture, remote Alaskan wilderness, and genuine community warmth, all without the cruise-ship crowds.

Skagway

Gold Rush Legacy

Gold was found in the Klondike in 1896, triggering a rush of 100,000 hopefuls. Skagway became the main gateway with prospectors braving the brutal Chilkoot and White Pass trails, carrying a ton of gear. Few found fortune, but rush-built towns like Skagway shaped Alaskan history. Today, Alaska's oldest towns offer a historic district that transports visitors back in time with their well-preserved buildings and streets, offering a vivid glimpse into the bustling gold rush era. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park provides guided walks and the chance to stroll along the famous Chilkoot Pass, retracing the steps of gold seekers.

Pelican

Remote Wilderness

Located in the northwestern part of Chichagof Island in southeastern Alaska, Pelican is a tiny coastal town that only about 90 residents call home. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it’s a place many have never heard about, yet it offers pure Alaskan wilderness, zero crowds, and world-class fishing. Towering cliffs, dense rainforest, misty coves, and crystal-clear inlets surround Pelican. It’s like stepping into a live postcard, only more peaceful. The town is also seeing a quiet rise in eco-lodges and guided wilderness retreats designed to preserve and celebrate its unique setting.

In 2025, Alaska’s most underrated towns offer a perfect escape from the typical tourist crowds, providing authentic experiences that showcase the state's natural beauty, rich history, and tight-knit communities. Whether you're drawn to the rugged landscapes, local culture, or hidden gems, these towns offer something truly special. Visiting them gives you the chance to explore Alaska in its rawest, most unfiltered form.