18 Picturesque Winter Hikes In Alaska That Are The Ultimate Trails

There are so many things to do during the winter in Alaska. Hiking during the snowy, chilly months is by far the best way to enjoy all the winter wonderland beauty that the last frontier has to offer. The feeling that overcomes you when that first gasp of fresh air hits is something that can’t even be put into words. It is utterly transcending. Then, as you briskly begin to work up a sweat, your body will come alive and be awakened by the magical touch of the last frontier. Get ready for the greatest new addiction of your life as we explore these winter hikes in Alaska…

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Wikimedia Commons Where do we even begin? This place is pure paradise! Enjoy the 1.92 million acre wildlife preserve on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground by heading to places like Skilak Lake Road in Sterling and Cooper Landing for epic hiking trails. The trails are unlimited and the fun is undeniably unmatched. There are also lots of awesome forest service cabins that make a winter hiking experience all that more fun and exciting. Why not stay a while and make the experience last as long as possible? 33398 Ski Hill Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA

Spaulding Meadows

Flickr - Joseph Enjoy the epic beauty of Lena Cove and Auke Bay by hiking three miles into the John Muir Cabin in the Tongass National Forest. To access this trail, hop on the Spaulding Meadows/Auk Nu trailhead off of the Glacier Highway in Juneau. 12180 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Burns Glacier

Flickr - Paxson Woelber Head to Whittier and get ready for the time of your life. From the middle glacier, to byron glacier, to Burns glacier - Portage Pass has something larger-than-life for anyone and everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a profound ‘Only In Alaska’ moment, this is hands down where you will find it. 99664, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Powerline Pass

Flickr - Paxson Woelber Just 20 minutes from downtown Anchorage is another great hike in the Chugach State Park. Enjoy 14 miles of epic, rugged beauty in the Glen Alps with some pretty phenomenal city views on the way up. Pick a portion and enjoy the recent snowfall, but be sure to bundle up before heading outside. The wind tunnels in the mountains can pick up unexpectedly and leave you wishing you didn’t forget to wear that extra layer. Anchorage, AK, USA

Milo Lakes

Google Located in the Mat-Su Borough in the town of Willow is this lovely little recreation area that is perfect for enjoying winter wonderland in Alaska, without the crowds. Hop on the Lynx Lake Loop and enjoy a gently rolling path with endless views of trees, frozen lakes, and utter peace and quiet. 99688, Willow, AK 99688, USA

White Mountains

Flickr - Bureau of Land Management Fairbanks and Interior hiking trails are filled with beauty and natural wonder. Although, sometimes the temps are far too frigid to get out and enjoy all the amazing sights. Off Nome Creek Road in Fairbanks, hike Table Top Mountain and find yourself deep in the White Mountains National Recreation Area with panoramic winter wonderland views in every single direction. 99730, Central, AK 99730, USA

Admiralty Island

Flickr - Joseph Although there aren’t many ‘designated trails’ on this remote island in the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska, there are still so many phenomenal places to explore during the snowy winter months. Go immerse yourself in the land where the bears outnumber the human population and enjoy the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you. Alaska, USA

Turnagain Arm

Flickr - Laura Avellaneda-Cruz The Turnagain Arm between Anchorage and Girdwood holds many precious winter wonderland secrets. Head down to Beluga Point for a view overlooking the boar tide or up to McHugh Falls to soak in a panoramic view overlooking Cook Inlet with Sleeping Lady in the far distance. Alaska, USA

Knoya Peak

Flickr - Paxson Woelber If Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage is your home base, you’ll probably end up getting addicted to the Chugach State Park this winter (if you aren’t already). Just 20 minutes from downtown, Knoya Peak is a great place to get deep into the mountains. This eight-mile trek can easily be an all day experience, or just do portions of the trails with your fur babies and enjoy instant views from the second you step out of your vehicle. 9025 Hesterberg Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA

Haines

Flickr - Joseph Hop on the 1.2-mile Battery Point Trail to enjoy shoreline vistas with epic mountain views. With access to Mt. Riley, climb deep into the backcountry and decompress from the daily routine by enjoying Alaska’s untouched outdoors. Haines, AK 99827, USA

Tongass National Forest

Flickr - Joseph From Juneau to Sitka, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Prince of Wales and everywhere in between - the widely spreading Tongass National Park can be found with numerous trails that are perfect for year-round use. As the largest national forest in the United States, this temperate rainforest looks effortlessly breathtaking when covered with a fresh blanket of snow. You’ll never forget the views of the massive Sitka Spruce trees covered in heavy snow. 99801, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Peterson Lake

Flickr - Joseph This special forest service cabin located in the Tongass National Forest is an exceptional place to enjoy a snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or winter hiking getaway. To access this cabin, hike 4.5 miles from the Peterson Lake Trailhead off the Glacier Highway in Juneau. 99801, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Salmon Creek

Flickr - Joseph Juneau is a magical place, and this trail is no exception. The trailhead for the Salmon Creek trail is behind the Alaska Electric Light and Power Co.’s powerhouse at mile 2.5 Egan Drive. The trail itself is an easy three-mile walk with a steep climb at the end. Originally built in 1914, this historic trail was originally built as a tramway to carry supplies to workers that were constructing the dam nearby. Twin Lakes, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Girdwood

Flickr - Joseph The Lower Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood is an easy three-mile hike that leads to some pretty unforgettable places, one of which being a hand tram over a scenic creek, the other being the historic Crow Creek Mine. The Upper Winner Creek Trail continues on for nine miles and leads through Berry Pass and down to Twentymile River. Girdwood, Anchorage, AK, USA

Rainbow Lake Trail

Flickr - Joseph Head into the beautiful Chugach National Forest in Cooper Landing for a sweet little walk in the woods. Turn onto Snug Harbor Road and 11.5 miles down, where the road turns from pavement into gravel and becomes Cooper Lake Road. You’ll see a trailhead in the parking lot area, and where it will lead you is positively enchanting. The trail itself is about a half mile long, making it the perfect distance to enjoy the quietness of a winter wonderland without being outside in the cold for too long. Seward, AK 99664, USA

Boy Scout Beach

Flickr - Joseph Sometimes the best hiking trails are actually just casual strolls along the beach. This place in Juneau has been dubbed as the ‘best sunset beach’ in the area, so be sure to time your winter wonderland stroll appropriately and soak in a colorful sunset while you’re at it. Don’t forget to bring your camera to enjoy the great photo opportunities! This little secret beach can be found at mile 25 where there is a road off Glacier Highway. 401 Cordova St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Seward

Flickr - Joseph Hop on the scenic and wildly popular Exit Glacier Trail in Seward and hike right up to the glacier, in just a couple of miles. Or use caution and enjoy the steep slopes of Mt. Marathon. While you’re at it, take a nice hike through town and enjoy the epic views from the waterfront or a peaceful beach view at Miller’s Landing toward Caines Head State Recreation Area. Seward, AK 99664, USA

Wolverine Peak

Flickr - Paxson Woelber If trail running or bagging summits is the name of your game, this phenomenal spot is where you need to fuel your adrenaline rush. Climb high into the clouds and enjoy some of the freshest air in the world! Best of all, it’s located in the Chugach State Park so it’s only a hop, skip and jump away from downtown Anchorage. The excursion itself is an 8.6-mile lightly trafficked out-and-back trail, so be prepared for a mighty climb. Or, do like we do and just bag a few miles and return home before sunset. Anchorage, AK, USA

Once the snow clears and spring rolls around, be sure to check out these 15 incredible hikes under 5 miles that will lead you to unforgettable places. Also, these 20 trails in Alaska will lead you to unforgettable places.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Wikimedia Commons

Where do we even begin? This place is pure paradise! Enjoy the 1.92 million acre wildlife preserve on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground by heading to places like Skilak Lake Road in Sterling and Cooper Landing for epic hiking trails. The trails are unlimited and the fun is undeniably unmatched. There are also lots of awesome forest service cabins that make a winter hiking experience all that more fun and exciting. Why not stay a while and make the experience last as long as possible?

33398 Ski Hill Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669, USA

Flickr - Joseph

Enjoy the epic beauty of Lena Cove and Auke Bay by hiking three miles into the John Muir Cabin in the Tongass National Forest. To access this trail, hop on the Spaulding Meadows/Auk Nu trailhead off of the Glacier Highway in Juneau.

12180 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Flickr - Paxson Woelber

Head to Whittier and get ready for the time of your life. From the middle glacier, to byron glacier, to Burns glacier - Portage Pass has something larger-than-life for anyone and everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a profound ‘Only In Alaska’ moment, this is hands down where you will find it.

99664, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Just 20 minutes from downtown Anchorage is another great hike in the Chugach State Park. Enjoy 14 miles of epic, rugged beauty in the Glen Alps with some pretty phenomenal city views on the way up. Pick a portion and enjoy the recent snowfall, but be sure to bundle up before heading outside. The wind tunnels in the mountains can pick up unexpectedly and leave you wishing you didn’t forget to wear that extra layer.

Anchorage, AK, USA

Google

Located in the Mat-Su Borough in the town of Willow is this lovely little recreation area that is perfect for enjoying winter wonderland in Alaska, without the crowds. Hop on the Lynx Lake Loop and enjoy a gently rolling path with endless views of trees, frozen lakes, and utter peace and quiet.

99688, Willow, AK 99688, USA

Flickr - Bureau of Land Management

Fairbanks and Interior hiking trails are filled with beauty and natural wonder. Although, sometimes the temps are far too frigid to get out and enjoy all the amazing sights. Off Nome Creek Road in Fairbanks, hike Table Top Mountain and find yourself deep in the White Mountains National Recreation Area with panoramic winter wonderland views in every single direction.

99730, Central, AK 99730, USA

Although there aren’t many ‘designated trails’ on this remote island in the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska, there are still so many phenomenal places to explore during the snowy winter months. Go immerse yourself in the land where the bears outnumber the human population and enjoy the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you.

Alaska, USA

Flickr - Laura Avellaneda-Cruz

The Turnagain Arm between Anchorage and Girdwood holds many precious winter wonderland secrets. Head down to Beluga Point for a view overlooking the boar tide or up to McHugh Falls to soak in a panoramic view overlooking Cook Inlet with Sleeping Lady in the far distance.

If Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage is your home base, you’ll probably end up getting addicted to the Chugach State Park this winter (if you aren’t already). Just 20 minutes from downtown, Knoya Peak is a great place to get deep into the mountains. This eight-mile trek can easily be an all day experience, or just do portions of the trails with your fur babies and enjoy instant views from the second you step out of your vehicle.

9025 Hesterberg Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA

Hop on the 1.2-mile Battery Point Trail to enjoy shoreline vistas with epic mountain views. With access to Mt. Riley, climb deep into the backcountry and decompress from the daily routine by enjoying Alaska’s untouched outdoors.

Haines, AK 99827, USA

From Juneau to Sitka, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Prince of Wales and everywhere in between - the widely spreading Tongass National Park can be found with numerous trails that are perfect for year-round use. As the largest national forest in the United States, this temperate rainforest looks effortlessly breathtaking when covered with a fresh blanket of snow. You’ll never forget the views of the massive Sitka Spruce trees covered in heavy snow.

99801, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

This special forest service cabin located in the Tongass National Forest is an exceptional place to enjoy a snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or winter hiking getaway. To access this cabin, hike 4.5 miles from the Peterson Lake Trailhead off the Glacier Highway in Juneau.

Juneau is a magical place, and this trail is no exception. The trailhead for the Salmon Creek trail is behind the Alaska Electric Light and Power Co.’s powerhouse at mile 2.5 Egan Drive. The trail itself is an easy three-mile walk with a steep climb at the end. Originally built in 1914, this historic trail was originally built as a tramway to carry supplies to workers that were constructing the dam nearby.

Twin Lakes, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

The Lower Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood is an easy three-mile hike that leads to some pretty unforgettable places, one of which being a hand tram over a scenic creek, the other being the historic Crow Creek Mine. The Upper Winner Creek Trail continues on for nine miles and leads through Berry Pass and down to Twentymile River.

Girdwood, Anchorage, AK, USA

Head into the beautiful Chugach National Forest in Cooper Landing for a sweet little walk in the woods. Turn onto Snug Harbor Road and 11.5 miles down, where the road turns from pavement into gravel and becomes Cooper Lake Road. You’ll see a trailhead in the parking lot area, and where it will lead you is positively enchanting. The trail itself is about a half mile long, making it the perfect distance to enjoy the quietness of a winter wonderland without being outside in the cold for too long.

Seward, AK 99664, USA

Sometimes the best hiking trails are actually just casual strolls along the beach. This place in Juneau has been dubbed as the ‘best sunset beach’ in the area, so be sure to time your winter wonderland stroll appropriately and soak in a colorful sunset while you’re at it. Don’t forget to bring your camera to enjoy the great photo opportunities! This little secret beach can be found at mile 25 where there is a road off Glacier Highway.

401 Cordova St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

Hop on the scenic and wildly popular Exit Glacier Trail in Seward and hike right up to the glacier, in just a couple of miles. Or use caution and enjoy the steep slopes of Mt. Marathon. While you’re at it, take a nice hike through town and enjoy the epic views from the waterfront or a peaceful beach view at Miller’s Landing toward Caines Head State Recreation Area.

If trail running or bagging summits is the name of your game, this phenomenal spot is where you need to fuel your adrenaline rush. Climb high into the clouds and enjoy some of the freshest air in the world! Best of all, it’s located in the Chugach State Park so it’s only a hop, skip and jump away from downtown Anchorage. The excursion itself is an 8.6-mile lightly trafficked out-and-back trail, so be prepared for a mighty climb. Or, do like we do and just bag a few miles and return home before sunset.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Attractions In Alaska December 06, 2022 William Suphan What are the best winter festivals in Alaska? These are the best winter festivals in Alaska:

Willow Winter Carnival. This festival includes dog sled races, carnival rides, an outhouse race, and many more whimsical events. Fur Rondy. Short for Fur Rendezvous, is a street festival with snow sculptures, hockey games, live music, and more. Iditarod Ceremonial Start. This famous event gets kicked off in downtown Anchorage and brings out the locals in droves. Sitka Jazz Festival. This festival has several amazing jazz performances and provides education through music.

Learn about these and several more of the best winter festivals in Alaska. What are the best ice-fishing locations in Alaska? The best ice-fishing locations in Alaska include:

Matanuska-Susitna Area. There are many lakes here that are perfect for ice fishing including Wasilla, Benka, Diamond, and more. Kenai Peninsula Area. This area has lakes like Skilak Lake, Swan Lake, Summit Lake, Trail Lake, and many more. Tanana Valley Area. The interior of this valley has locations like Dune Lake, Otto Lake, Tetlin Lake, and more. Bristol Bay area. This southwestern portion of Alaska has sites like Headwater Lakes and the Katmai Lakes for excellent ice fishing.

Find out more about these and more of the best ice-fishing locations in Alaska. What are the best family-friendly winter attractions in Alaska? The best family-friendly winter attractions in Alaska include:

Arctic Valley Tube Park. Located in Anchorage, this is a great place to bring the kids for sledding and snow tubing on the weekends. The Musk Ox Farm. This farm in Palmer has several musk oxen that you can interact with by appointment during the winter. Alaska Sea Life Center. This Seward attraction is a great way for the whole family to see and learn about all kinds of marine life.

Discover more about these and a few more of the best family-friendly winter attractions in Alaska.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Attractions In Alaska

December 06, 2022

William Suphan

What are the best winter festivals in Alaska? These are the best winter festivals in Alaska:

Learn about these and several more of the best winter festivals in Alaska. What are the best ice-fishing locations in Alaska? The best ice-fishing locations in Alaska include:

Discover more about these and a few more of the best family-friendly winter attractions in Alaska.

The OIYS Visitor Center

These are the best winter festivals in Alaska:

Willow Winter Carnival. This festival includes dog sled races, carnival rides, an outhouse race, and many more whimsical events.
Fur Rondy. Short for Fur Rendezvous, is a street festival with snow sculptures, hockey games, live music, and more.
Iditarod Ceremonial Start. This famous event gets kicked off in downtown Anchorage and brings out the locals in droves.
Sitka Jazz Festival. This festival has several amazing jazz performances and provides education through music.

Learn about these and several more of the best winter festivals in Alaska.

What are the best ice-fishing locations in Alaska?

The best ice-fishing locations in Alaska include:

Matanuska-Susitna Area. There are many lakes here that are perfect for ice fishing including Wasilla, Benka, Diamond, and more.
Kenai Peninsula Area. This area has lakes like Skilak Lake, Swan Lake, Summit Lake, Trail Lake, and many more.
Tanana Valley Area. The interior of this valley has locations like Dune Lake, Otto Lake, Tetlin Lake, and more.
Bristol Bay area. This southwestern portion of Alaska has sites like Headwater Lakes and the Katmai Lakes for excellent ice fishing.

Find out more about these and more of the best ice-fishing locations in Alaska.

What are the best family-friendly winter attractions in Alaska?

The best family-friendly winter attractions in Alaska include:

Arctic Valley Tube Park. Located in Anchorage, this is a great place to bring the kids for sledding and snow tubing on the weekends.
The Musk Ox Farm. This farm in Palmer has several musk oxen that you can interact with by appointment during the winter.
Alaska Sea Life Center. This Seward attraction is a great way for the whole family to see and learn about all kinds of marine life.

Discover more about these and a few more of the best family-friendly winter attractions in Alaska.