Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Alaska
×
Natasha Kayes
Author
Known as “The Last Frontier,” this state is without a doubt one of the most unique places in North America, with endless opportunities for outdoor adventures including hiking, mountain climbing, glacier exploration, northern lights viewing, cultural activities, boating, wildlife watching, and so much more. More than 3 million acres throughout the state are protected as part of the largest state park system in the country. So, just how many state parks are there in Alaska? There are over 120 state park units to discover!
Whether you are looking for a few unforgettable day trips or incredible multi-day backpacking itineraries, it seems like there are a million destination options, and it can be hard to narrow down the best places to start. That is, unless you have a handy-dandy list and description of some of the absolute best Alaska state parks. So, without further ado, let’s explore!
Most Popular State Parks In Alaska
We are starting our journey with Alaska’s most popular state parks, vast outdoor spaces filled with epic mountains, untouched wilderness, and pristine waterways.
1. Wood-Tikchick State Park
Wood-Tikchik State Park, Dillingham, AK 99576, USA
Not only one of the most popular, but the largest state park, the remote Wood-Tikchick is an extraordinary expanse of wilderness in Southwestern Alaska. It is named for two massive clear lake systems, Wood River Lake (accessed via Wood River) and Tickchick Lake (accessed primarily by air) systems. Adventurers enjoy exploring the tundra of the Nushagak lowlands, fishing, hunting, hiking trails, camping, kayaking, rafting, and encountering abundant wildlife including moose, caribou, foxes, brown bears, and waterfowl. Equipment rentals - including kayaks, canoes, rafts, and camping gear - are available in the local area. With gravel beaches offshore islands on the lakes’ eastern edges and a fjord-like appearance on their western sides, the spectacular scenery of this massive park is unmatched. Find out more things to do in Wood-Tikchick State Park.
2. Kachemak Bay State Park
Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer, AK 99603, USA
Located on the Kenai Peninsula, the 400,000-acre Kachemak Bay State Park boast mountains, forests, glaciers, fascinating rock formations, and the ocean. Take advantage of incredible backcountry camping, hiking and cross-country skiing to view glaciers and ice fields. Kayaking, whale-watching, and wildlife tours offer the opportunity to get an up-close view of humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, sea otters, black bears, moose, mountain goats, and more. This wild and remote park is just waiting to be explored. Take a peek at even more things to do in Kachemak Bay State Park.
Advertisement
3. Denali State Park
Denali State Park, Trapper Creek, AK 99683, USA
Denali State Park is located between the Alaska Range and the Talkeetna Mountains, adjacent to the eastern edge of Denali National Park and Preserve. While incredible any time of year, this is one of the best state parks in Alaska to visit in fall due to the abundance of fiery-colored foliage to be seen. The breathtaking scenery includes alpine tundra, prevalent wildlife, meandering waterways and lowlands, and some of the most striking views of Denali anywhere. Visitors can enjoy outstanding recreational opportunities including hiking trails, developed campsites, public use cabins, cross-country skiing, etc. Check out more things to do in Denali State Park.
Advertisement
Best State Parks In Alaska To Camp
Camping is an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature and make the absolute most of an outdoor adventure. So, here are some of the best state parks in Alaska to visit in summer when an Alaskan camping trip is the perfect vacation.
4. Afognak Island State Park
Afognak Island State Park, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Quite remote, but well worth the effort, Afognak Island State Park is the perfect place for adventurers who love the untamed wild. There are so many things to do in Afognak Island State Park State Park. This stunningly beautiful locale is ideal for hunting for Roosevelt elk, fishing for several types of salmon and other species, hiking throughout the park, wildlife viewing, and camping in one of four public use cabins.
5. Captain Cook State Park
Captain Cook State Recreation Area, Kenai Spur Hwy, Nikiski, AK 99611, USA
Among the many things to do in Captain Cook State Park State Park on the shores of Cook Inlet, you can enjoy strolling along miles of beach, birdwatching, hiking, cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter, and more. Search the shores for shells, sea glass, and even agate, while enjoying views of active volcanoes. Take a canoe along the Swanson River to the ocean, swim or kayak in at Stormy Lake, watch for Beluga Whales and harbor seals in the inlet, and pitch a tent (or park your RV) in one of the many campsites available.
6. Eagle Beach State Recreation Area
Eagle Beach State Recreation Area, 28955 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
There are so many things to do in Eagle Beach State Recreation Area State Park. Camp right along the shore at this lesser-known but wonderfully-scenic park with sweeping views of the Chilkat and Juneau Mountains. Enjoy hiking trails, beach combing, wildlife viewing, fishing, and more. In the summer months, wildflowers bloom along the beach and the tidal flats are richly populated with salmon, bald eagles, hawks, ravens, and even bears coming to feed on their favorite fish. You may even spot seals, sea lions, and whales offshore!
Best State Parks In Alaska To RV
Do you love camping, but prefer to take your home-on-wheels with you as you explore the state? Then one of these magnificent Alaska state parks may just become your next favorite destination.
7. Liberty Falls State Recreation Area
Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, Liberty Falls State Recreation Site Rd, Chitina, AK 99566, USA
At this picturesque site park, you can fall asleep and wake up in a wooded canyon to the sounds of a cascading waterfall and burbling stream. A private, calming nature retreat, there are just a handful of campsites suitable for both tents and RVs, with picnic tables and fire rings. You don’t have to camp to enjoy this picture-perfect park - come for a picnic and some hiking any time! Start planning a summer trip and check out more things to do in Liberty Falls State Park.
Related Stories
Kachemak Bay State Park In Alaska Just Turned 54 Years Old And It's The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip
The Most Remote National Park In Alaska Is The Perfect Place To Escape
Glacier Bay National Park Is A Magical Place In Alaska You Thought Only Existed In Your Dreams
8. Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park, 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
The beloved Chugach is a massive and beautiful place to explore and no matter what kind of camper or explorer you are, you will find incredible things to do in Chugach State Park. Visitors enjoy pristine lakes and rivers, waterfalls, amazing hiking, biking, and climbing opportunities, stunning views of mountain peaks, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and some of the best camping in the state, with several campgrounds throughout the park with RV sites. Every season is beautiful here, but this happens to also be one of the best state parks in Alaska in winter when frozen waterfalls turn it into a magical icy wonderland.
Advertisement
Best State Parks In Alaska For Hiking
There is nothing like exploring the natural beauty of Alaska on foot. There are countless trails and routes throughout the state, but if you are looking for some of the most incredible hiking trails in Alaska, your search for adventure begins here. Lace up your boots, make sure you have your hiking essentials, and get ready to hit the trail.
9. Independence Mine State Historical Park
Independence Mine State Historical Park Visitor Center, 23264 Gold Cord Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
Located deep in Hatcher Pass is this fascinating abandoned gold mine where the first of Alaska’s gold was discovered. An easy hike (just one of the trails in the park) allows you to explore well-preserved remnants of the mining town, with a backdrop of the striking Talkeetna Mountains, are easily explored on a paved trail. Check out what to see and things to do in Independence Mine State Historical Park State Park.
10. Chilkat State Park
Chilkat State Park, Haines, AK 99827, USA
One of the state’s less-visited parks, you can enjoy a little bit of everything here. Three awesome hiking trails - from easy to challenging - show off its evergreen and deciduous forests, beaches, and gorgeous views of mountains, Chilkat Inlet, glaciers, and more. And hiking is just one of the exciting things to do in Chilkat State Park.
11. Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site
Worthington Glacier State Recreational Site, 28.7 Richardson Hwy, Valdez, AK 99686, USA
One of the most outstanding things to do in Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is hiking to a 5,774-acre valley glacier. Over four miles long, this extraordinary ice feature is a National Natural Landmark. An easy loop trail leads to a viewing platform and right down to the glacier waters, with interpretive panels along the way. This park is one for the bucket list.
12. Chena River State Recreation Area
Chena River State Recreation Area, Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
The Granite Tors Trail is one of the incredible things to do in Chena River State Park in Fairbanks. The challenging 14-mile loop takes you out to an outcropping of granite rock formations formed by lava thrusts below the surface that were exposed over time, leaving strange pinnacles jutting up from the ground. As you explore the tors, you can enjoy rock climbing and remarkable views, including the stunning Alaska Range and the Chena River Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy dog-sledding, camping, ice fishing, 4-wheeling, kayaking, and more.
Little-Known State Parks In Alaska
Every one of these parks in Alaska has something amazing (or many things) to offer, but if you want to explore some of the least-visited state parks, to see what few others venture out to explore, here are a few sites to put on your list.
13. Point Bridget State Park
Point Bridget State Park, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Small but mighty, there are some wonderful things to do in Point Bridget State Park, a jewel just outside of Juneau. Explore seemingly endless natural beauty from a stunning coastline to snow-capped peaks. Hike through old-growth forest and wide meadows, cross streams, and enjoy the view from scenic cliffs. Spot whales from the shore, have a picnic on the beach, enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and more. Point Bridget is gorgeous all year long, but could be considered one of the best state parks in Alaska to visit in spring, after the rains have faded away, when the vibrant greenery and wildflowers create an enchanting atmosphere.
Advertisement
14. Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park
Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park, Miller Point, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
Created in 1969 on the scenic Kodiak Island, this lovely state park features an original military defense installation from World War II, accessible to explore by means of an easy hike. With numerous trails, thrilling ocean views, tidepools, rocky clifftop vista points, a woodland forest, and meadows filled with wildflowers, there are plenty of fun things to do in Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park State Park, and with few people exploring it, you may just have it all to yourself!
15. Totem Bight State Historical Park
Totem Bight State Historical Park, 9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
This fascinating state park offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Ketchikan’s native culture and history with a lush rainforest as a backdrop. Among the most interesting things to do in Totem Bight State Historical Park is following a house chief inside a large-one room home that would have been shared by up to 50 family members. Afterward, stroll through the forest and view the “silent storytellers,” the numerous totem poles intricately carved by Haida and Tlingit tribal artists. Want to get even more insight into this mesmerizing historic site? Consider a Private Indigenous Tour.
With so much natural beauty and wonder in this state, there is something (or multiple things) for everyone. So, where will your next adventures take you? Which of Alaska’s extraordinary parks have you explored? We would love to hear about your favorite state parks in the comments. Happy travels!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.