12 Of The Most Epic Adventures In Alaska

Alaska is a land of enchanting beauty and unparalleled adventures. From expansive glaciers to towering mountains to rushing rivers and everything in between, just existing in this awe-inspiring state is amazing. We've got a few adventure ideas for you that will make your time there even more memorable. In this article, we'll explore 12 of the most epic adventures in Alaska. Whether you want to hike (or climb!) Alaska's icy blue glaciers, kayak alongside them, spot native wildlife from land, sea, or float plane, or learn how to dogsled, we can guarantee you'll find something here to satisfy your inner adventurer.

Climb a Glacier

Let's start things off with a bang. Have you ever considered climbing up a wall of ice (aka a glacier)? Well, if you haven't, now you have! If you're an adventurer traveling to Alaska, you must look into ice climbing. This adrenaline-pumping sport allows you to ascend frozen waterfalls and towering glacier walls, providing an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and connection with nature. And Alaska may just be the best place for it. Adventure seekers from around the globe flock to The Last Frontier from mid-November to mid-April for an experience of a lifetime.

Although ice climbing may seem like a highly intimidating adventure, many tour companies make it accessible to individuals of all skill levels. Golden Mountain Guides, for example, offer tailored experiences in Caribou Creek and Chugach State Park (to name a couple) that aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for all members of your group, no matter their skill level. They also provide all necessary gear, such as crampons, ice axes, and harnesses. So, all you have to do is show up with a thirst for adventure (and plenty of warm layers).

Try Glacier Hiking

If you're keen on an up-close-and-personal look at Alaska's glaciers but aren't feeling quite up to ice-climbing, glacier hiking is another great way to explore the state's frozen giants. Guided glacier hiking tours are available for all skill levels, making it accessible even for those with limited hiking experience. Experienced guides will equip you with the necessary gear, such as crampons and ice axes, and will provide essential safety training. MICA Guides offers a variety of tours ranging from family-friendly glacier hiking on Matanuska Glacier in the Chugach Mountains to helicopter rides into the backcountry for more advanced ice hiking (and ice climbing) tours.

Other popular destinations for glacier hiking are offered by other guide services, including trips to Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau and Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. If you are an advanced hiker and want to take things one step further, consider glacier backpacking. Immerse yourself in Alaska's icy wonders day and night with a seasoned guide from Expeditions Alaska or Kennicott Wilderness Guides.

Go Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting in Alaska offers a refreshing way to navigate the state's rushing rivers while admiring its natural beauty and native wildlife along the shoreline. From thrilling class IV rapids to peaceful, scenic floats, this expansive state and its many rivers have something for everyone. Some of Alaska's more popular rafting spots include the Nenana River in Denali National Park, the Talkeetna River (also in Denali), and Sixmile Creek in Kenai Peninsula. We highly suggest booking a tour with a qualified guide for the best experience. New Wave Adventures does a great job. So does NOVA Alaska Guides. Gaze up at epic glaciers from the river during the day and camp out under the expansive Alaskan skies on peaceful riverbanks in the evenings.

Whale Watching

A trip to Alaska would not be complete without some good old-fashioned whale watching. With its rich biodiversity and nutrient-rich feeding grounds, Alaska is home to several whale species, including humpback, orca, and gray whales. While you can glimpse them from the shore if you're lucky, by far the best way to witness these majestic creatures is from the water.

Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, and the Kenai Fjords National Park all offer plentiful opportunities for whale watching, particularly from May through September. Book a three-and-a-half-hour whale-watching tour with Alaska Tales Whale Watching in Juneau or a full-day tour through the deep blue waters and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park with Kenai Fjords Tours. Both outfits provide friendly, knowledgeable guides who will help you spot native wildlife (particularly whales, but also puffins, dolphins, seals, and more) and educate you on their behaviors and habitats.

For those craving a closer look at Alaska's marine life, consider whale watching via kayak. Liquid Adventures offers some incredible kayaking/whale-watching excursions in Aialik Bay and Resurrection Bay that come highly recommended.

Paddle Past Icebergs

Speaking of kayaks, if you're seeking a more intimate immersion into the awe-inspiring coastal and glacial terrains of the Last Frontier, sea kayaking might just be for you. These smaller crafts allow you to get incredibly close to the iceberg-dotted aquatic world of Alaska. Paddle through pristine waters surrounded by towering mountains and serene fjords, and watch for seals, sea otters, and whales. Kenai Fjords National Park is a hot spot for sea kayakers, specifically Aialik Bay. Here, you can paddle right past Alaska's largest glacier, Bear Glacier, while taking in gorgeous mountain views and boreal forests in the distance.

For those staying in Juneau, Mendenhall Lake is another ideal spot to paddle through pristine, deep blue waters to the river of ice that is Mendenhall Glacier. It's 13.6 miles long and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rushing waterfalls, and pristine evergreens. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself, your group, and the native wildlife, we suggest booking a guide. Alaska Shore Tours does a great job at Mendenhall Glacier, and we love Liquid Adventures for trips to Aialik Bay. For a multiday trip, consider booking a four-day journey into Columbia Bay in Prince William Sound with Pangea Adventures. They provide everything you need, from kayaks to camping gear to meals and beyond. Glide past multiple icebergs and explore remote bays for an experience of a lifetime.

Witness the Northern Lights

The northern lights (or aurora borealis) may just be one of the most incredible feats of nature found in Alaska. You've probably seen photos of the breathtakingly beautiful, vibrant swaths of greens, pinks, and purples stretch across the night sky. But can you imagine standing beneath them and seeing them with your own eyes? If you can include a midnight adventure to witness this incredible empyrean phenomenon on your trip to Alaska, you won't be sorry. You have the best chances of spotting them on clear-sky nights between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., starting at the end of August through the month of April.

Many viewing locations are accessible by car, such as Chena River State Recreation Area outside Fairbanks and Creamer's Field right in town. Perhaps the best ways to see this atmospheric phenomenon involves a bit more adventure. Snowmobiles and UTVs (we'll tell you more about them in the following sections) can get you to more scenic viewing areas with less light pollution and, thus, better viewing. You can even book a northern lights dogsledding tour with Arctic Dog Adventure Co. They offer some magnificent multiday dogsledding tours that will take you from one sleeping hut to another during the day and to some of the more remote northern lights viewing areas at night.

Dogsled Through the Wilderness

Speaking of dogsledding, this canine sport is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the vast Alaskan wilderness. Imagine gliding over pristine snow, surrounded by towering mountains and serene landscapes, as a team of eager, well-trained sled dogs pulls you along. Unless you brought a team of highly trained sled dogs in your suitcase, you'll have to book a tour with one of Alaska's dogsledding outfits. Alaska Mushing School, north of Anchorage, is our top pick. They offer daytime dogsled rides as well as evening rides. Their evening rides are extra special because you might get a glimpse of the northern lights with some luck and good timing. Alaska Mushing School also offers dogsledding lessons; you can actually learn how to work with a team of canine athletes as they pull you across the snow. Some tours will take you straight from the doors of their establishment out onto the snow, whereas others will lift you and your adventure companions into higher elevations via helicopter. TEMSCO has a great helicopter/dogsledding adventure out of Juneau.

Rent a Snowmobile

Snowmobiling in Alaska is an exhilarating way to explore the state's unforgettable winter world. Zoom over snow-covered terrain, through dense forests, and across expansive frozen lakes with awe-inspiring views of snowy mountain tops and ice-blue glaciers in the background. Snowmobiling is a pretty beginner-friendly sport. It doesn't take a whole lot to get up and going, and most guided tours are perfect for all levels.

Take a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour on private trails through Hatcher Pass with Hatcher Pass ATV Tours. If you're looking to get your adrenaline pumping a little extra, consider booking an advanced powder sled tour. Hatcher Pass ATV Tours also rents snowmobiles out for up to eight hours if you prefer to explore at your own pace. Another incredible snowmobiling option is Fairbanks Snow Sleighers. They provide nighttime tours through the beautiful backcountry outside of Fairbanks. If the conditions are right, you might even glimpse the northern lights.

Go Off-Roading

As the world warms up a little in the summer, snowmobiling is less viable, and locals and tourists turn their attention to off-roading on sporty ATVs instead. ATVing in Alaska provides a thrilling way to explore Alaska's vast expanses of wilderness on (and off) exciting trails with picturesque mountains, glaciers, and waterways in the background. Navigate through forests, riverbeds, and high-altitude terrains with one of Alaska's many quality adventure companies. Tours cater to all skill levels and include a knowledgeable guide that will not only help you navigate but also educate you on the scenery flying past the windows. Many touring companies also offer UTV rentals (no guide) so you can explore independently. Denali ATV Adventures is a great adventure company that offers ATV tours. Their Midnight Sun Adventure Tour is particularly spectacular. Book a single-person ATV and race through the rivers and mountains under the summer skies glowing with the state's famed "midnight sun."

Zipline Through the Trees

Experience the state's breathtaking natural beauty from a unique vantage point by ziplining. It's a bird's-eye view as you soar through the treetops. Treat yourself to views of majestic mountains, lush forests, and pristine rivers that will literally take your breath away. Plus, you get the thrill of feeling like you're flying through a forest.

Finding the right zipline tour can really make or break your experience. Don't worry, though. We've done the research for you. Kawanti Adventures provides an unforgettable experience with their canopy zipline tours on Douglas Island near Juneau. Set high in the rain forest, their course features multiple ziplines and a suspension bridge, all offering supreme, panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Denali Park Zipline is another phenomenal option. Take a three-mile ATV ride up to their epic ropes course and fly through the tallest trees on seven thrilling ziplines connected by multiple sky bridges. As you speed through the canopy, feast on the beauty of the nearby Denali National Park. Scared of heights? That's OK! You can rest assured that the aforementioned adventure companies offer knowledgeable, patient guides who will ensure safety and help you conquer your fears for the best experience possible.

Spot a Bear

Alaska is home to a fair number of bears — some black, some brown, some grizzly. While it is not uncommon to spot these furry creatures in the wild, you have the best chance of getting a good peak into their lives and habits with the help of a knowledgeable bear-spotting guide. Popular areas for bear spotting include Katmai National Park, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, and the remote coastal regions of Kodiak Island. You can find excellent tour guides at any of them, but we love Smokey Bay Air's bear-viewing tours. Spend two hours in the air in one of their aircraft, soaring over the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve as your guide points out bears in their natural habitat below. Then, spend a couple of hours on the beaches of the national park and observe Alaskan coastal brown bears as they wander the shoreline, searching for clams.

Feeling more adventurous? Consider a six-day bear-viewing adventure on Kodiak Island with Alaska Tours. A couple of your days will be taken up with travel, but a full three days are dedicated to bear viewing, with a stop at Kodiak Brown Bear Center on Kodiak Island. All the while, you'll be making unforgettable memories with your tour mates while staying in cozy waterfront cabins. If you don't want to book a guide, head on over to Brooks Falls Platform in Katmai National Park. This world-renowned bear viewing spot offers a front-row seat to these magnificent creatures snatching salmon from the river.

Explore the Skies

Discovering Alaska from the air in a float plane or helicopter provides an awe-inspiring view of the state's remarkable scenery, showcasing the immense wilderness, towering mountains, and vast glaciers from a bird's-eye perspective. It also provides access to remote areas that are often unreachable by land, allowing adventurers to get a more complete picture of Alaska's natural beauty. Floatplane and helicopter tours are both popular ways to go. Some tours focus solely on showcasing the Alaskan wilderness from above. Others take a more specialized approach, emphasizing bear spotting (see the previous section) or getting you to the best ice-climbing or snowmobiling spots.

Take a floatplane tour over Denali National Park with Alaska Bush Floatplane Service. Soar over frozen waterfalls, snowy mountains, sheer cliff faces, and the famed Ruth Glacier. Want to take things up a notch? Tack on a remote lake landing or a guided wilderness hike. If helicopters are more your speed, book a tour with Alaska Helicopter Tours. They offer a wide variety of "heli" (for "helicopter") adventures. Their safe airborne vessels will whisk you off for unforgettable experiences ranging from landing on glaciers to ice skating on the remote frozen surface of Lake George to E-mountain biking through the Knik River Valley.

Happy Adventuring!

There you have it! From gliding across the snow on snowmobiles and dogsleds to taking a helicopter ride to a remote glacial lake for some of the most scenic ice skating you can imagine, Alaska offers no shortage of activities that allow you to connect with the state's wild heart.

Thanks to Alaska's ever-frozen glacier and high-elevation snowfall, most of these adventures can be accomplished year-round, with the exception of bear spotting and whale watching, which are best done in the summer months. So, go ahead! Book an impulsive plane ticket and set your sights on the trip of a lifetime.