10 Incredible Hidden Gems In Alaska You’ll Want To Discover This Year
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Megan McDonald
Author
Alaska, a land of wild beauty and untamed wilderness, is renowned for iconic sights such as the majestic Denali and the ethereal Northern Lights. Yet, it holds many more secrets for the intrepid explorer. Venture with us as we uncover ten unique hidden gems in Alaska that promise an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
1. Kennecott Mines, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska, USA
Discover the remnants of Kennecott Mines, an abandoned copper mining camp in the heart of America's largest national park. As you wander through this ghost town, the old mining structures and machinery are silent witnesses to a once-boisterous past. Hike along the trails that snake around the towering glaciers and enjoy breathtaking views of the Kennicott Glacier, making it a haven for history buffs and nature lovers. This hidden beautiful place in Alaska is a must-see!
2. Chitina, The Quirky Outpost
Chitina, AK 99566, USA
Chitina serves as the charming gateway to the vast wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This small yet vibrant town offers a unique mix of history and adventure. Its old buildings and quiet streets tell stories of the past, while its location provides easy access to the sprawling national park, making it the perfect base for your wilderness explorations. It’s a great place to escape off the beaten path in Alaska.
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3. Anan Wildlife Observatory, Wrangell
Anan Wildlife Observatory Site, Wrangell, AK 99929, USA
Nestled in the heart of Wrangell, the Anan Wildlife Observatory offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe black and brown bears in their natural habitat. During the salmon run, the area becomes a bustling hub of wildlife activity. The observatory's safe viewing platforms allow you to watch these majestic creatures up close, making for an unforgettable experience in the Alaskan wilderness. It’s one of the best kept secrets in Alaska.
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4. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Shishmaref, AK 99772, USA
The Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is a unique landscape where history, culture, and geology intersect. Once a land bridge connecting Asia and North America, this area offers diverse landscapes and unique opportunities to understand the migrations of ancient peoples and animals. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of the Earth and witness the remnants of a bridge that once connected continents. It is easily one of the most hidden beautiful places in Alaska.
5. Hidden Creek Trail to Skilak Lake, Cooper Landing
Hidden Creek Trail, Hidden Crk Trl, Alaska 99572, USA
Hike down the Hidden Creek Trail in Cooper Landing and head to the serene shores of Skilak Lake. This trail winds through forests and over gentle streams, offering hikers a peaceful escape into the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. The trail ends at the expansive Skilak Lake, a stunning body of water known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish. This is a great non touristy spot in Alaska.
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6. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a pristine jewel of Alaska, featuring turquoise lakes, active volcanoes, and diverse wildlife. Whether kayaking across mirror-like waters, hiking through scenic trails, or simply soaking in the views of the local wildlife, Lake Clark offers an unparalleled connection to nature's undisturbed beauty. This is one of my favorite secret getaways in Alaska
7. The Hammer Museum, Haines
108 Main St, Haines, AK 99827, USA
Located in Haines, the Hammer Museum presents a unique and quirky perspective on everyday tools. With a collection of over 2,000 hammers, the museum celebrates this common tool's cultural and historical significance. The museum's displays and the stories behind each hammer provide a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of human innovation and industry. This is a unique place to visit in Alaska.
8. Utqiaġvik, The Top of the World:
Utqiagvik, AK 99723, USA
Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow) is the northernmost city in the United States, offering a unique glimpse into life above the Arctic Circle. With months of continuous daylight or darkness, depending on the season, it's a place of extreme conditions and cultural richness. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of the Iñupiat people and experience the stark, beautiful landscape of the Arctic. This is one of the cool places to visit in Alaska. It is an experience unable to be replicated anywhere else!
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9. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Katmai National Park
Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Alaska, USA
The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Katmai National Park is an awe-inspiring testament to the earth's volcanic power. Formed by the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta Volcano, the valley is filled with ash flow and unique geological formations. Hiking through this dramatic landscape is like walking on another planet, offering an unforgettable experience of nature's raw force and beauty. This is one of the best kept secrets in Alaska.
10. Hubbard Glacier, Yakutat Bay
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, USA
Experience the awe-inspiring sight of Hubbard Glacier, a towering wall of ice that is one of Alaska's most active and spectacular tidewater glaciers. Located off the beaten path in Alaska in Yakutat Bay, this glacier is a dynamic natural wonder known for its frequent calving events where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the waters below. Visitors can witness this dramatic natural phenomenon from the safety of a boat or nearby viewing point, feeling the thunderous roar and seeing the splash as icebergs are born.
Alaska’s hidden gems offer more than just sights; they offer stories, solitude, and the thrill of discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious traveler, these hidden gems in Alaska are waiting to transform your year into an epic tale of adventure.
Looking for more great places to explore? We love this waterfall road trip in Alaska. And if you need to pack, we have the perfect road trip packing list.
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