A Guide to Alaska’s National Parks and Wilderness

To a brown bear or a grand majestic moose, you are likely to appear awfully small in size compared to the wildlife of Alaska. With an invasive number of moose in the area and the country’s largest number of bear families, it’s hard to find a place with more furry friends than Alaska. As seasoned experts here at Adventures by Matt, we are here to show you around and teach you about the best wildlife activities in Alaska.

Have you ever dreamed of an adventure to some of the most beautiful and untamed places on the planet? Look no further than Alaska’s national parks, where nature reigns supreme. In the northernmost reaches of the United States, Alaska has many national parks that are as vast as they are different. From mountains to sprawling tundra and icy fjords and forests, each park is special in its own way.

As huge national park lovers here at Adventure by Matt, we have created this guide to all of the National Parks in Alaska. If you are ready to hike into the magic and explore these protected places, youre in the right place. Let’s begin!

Denali National Park and Preserve, located in Alaska’s interior, is a wilderness sanctuary renowned for its landscapes and wildlife. At its heart stands Denali, North America’s tallest peak, soaring to an impressive 20,310 feet. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems, from forests and rivers to tundra and snowy mountains.

The wildlife population here is equally impressive, offering ample opportunities for viewing species such as grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can partake in recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and mountaineering expeditions for the adventurous at heart.

The park is typically open year-round, though services and facilities may vary depending on the season, so it’s advisable to check operating hours and plan accordingly.

Glacier Bay National Park, located in southeastern Alaska, features glaciers, towering fjords, and a big marine ecosystem. The park is shaped by the ebb and flow of ancient ice, where glaciers calve into the icy waters, creating a dramatic and ever-changing sight. Here, you can witness glaciers such as the Margerie Glacier and the Johns Hopkins Glacier.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be happy to know that there are numerous opportunities to encounter marine life, including humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. To really see what this place is all about, you can take boat tours through the park’s waterways or go on kayaking adventures to remote shores.

The park’s hours vary throughout the year, with seasonal changes affecting accessibility and services, so it’s recommended to check in advance for the best time to visit.

Kenai Fjords National Park sits along the coastline of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and features glaciers, ice fields, and fjords. Massive glaciers carved their way through ancient mountains for centuries, leaving deep fjords and dramatic ice fields behind. Witnessing the majestic sight of glaciers calving into the waters below is a big highlight of the beauty of this national park.

Wildlife thrives in the environment of Kenai Fjords, offering you the chance to encounter species such as orcas, sea lions, and puffins. These protected waters provide vital habitat for many types of marine life, making wildlife viewing opportunities abundant and rewarding. For those eager to explore, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boat tours, hiking excursions to the Harding Icefield, and wildlife cruises.

Kenai Fjords National Park welcomes visitors year-round, with operating hours varying according to the season. For more information, visit the park’s website.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, proudly holding the title of the largest national park in the United States, sprawls across the remoteness of southeastern Alaska. Its vast expanse encompasses various landscapes, from mountains and vast glaciers to tundra and rivers.

You can enjoy a range of recreational activities within the park, including backcountry hiking amidst forests and alpine meadows, river rafting expeditions, and flightseeing tours that offer a bird’s-eye view of the park’s scenery. With its remote location and vast wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is disconnected from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and gives you the chance to reconnect with nature.

The park’s operating hours vary depending on the season. Daylight hours extend during the summer months, providing ample time for exploration and adventure.

Katmai National Park and Preserve sits in southern Alaska and was shaped by volcanic activity. Among its features is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a landscape formed by the eruption of the Novarupta volcano in 1912. Here, you can see the aftermath of this cataclysmic event, exploring a vast expanse of ash and volcanic debris dotted with fumaroles and steam vents.

One of the best experiences in Katmai is observing brown bears in their natural habitat, particularly at Brooks Falls, where they gather to feed on spawning salmon. In addition to bear viewing, you can enjoy various outdoor activities in “Bear Country,” including fishing for salmon in the park’s pristine rivers and hiking through untouched wilderness.

The park operates seasonally, with hours varying throughout the year, so plan accordingly for the best time to visit and experience all that Katmai has to offer.

In conclusion, Alaska’s national parks offer a glimpse into some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. From towering mountains to vast glaciers, these protected areas provide an opportunity to explore and appreciate the world around us. Whether you’re seeking adventure or solace, Alaska’s national parks promise an unforgettable experience. If you are ready to discover everything the national parks in Alaska are all about, contact us today at Adventure by Matt!