Fall in Alaska really takes the cake. There’s so much to take advantage of this time of year that you really can’t experience during the other seasons. With so many things to do in fall in Alaska, it can be hard choosing what to do! From better wildlife viewing, to chilly morning hikes through the changing fall foliage, this short but special time of year means something different to every person who lives here. It’s time to gear up and buckle down for the winter, or if you’re a snowbird that means it’s time to hop a flight to Cabo Wabo, far away from the impending snow and ice.

1) Alaska State Fair
Alaska State Fair Facebook Page
A lot of people wrap up their summer of long sunny nights with an annual trip to the Alaska State Fair in Palmer in late August through early September. This is one fun tradition that Alaskans look forward to every year! Stay up to date with the latest news about the Alaska State Fair on their website.
2) Fewer crowds for your wildlife viewing experience!
Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith | Flickr
With the tourist crowds nearly evaporated and the critters amping up their food intake for the coming winter, wildlife viewing during the fall is at an all time high! Not to mention, it’s great not having to push through to the front of iPhone wielding tourists just to get a glimpse at what your home state is so well known for. Read more about the best wildlife viewing experiences in autumn.
3) Not too hot, not too cold… It’s hiking season!
Wendy Johnson | Flickr
Fall is a great time of year for Alaskans to hit the trails. Of course, as mentioned before, there's a higher chance of coming face to face with a browsing moose or grizzly bear, but if you’re careful and observant you can safely appreciate Alaska in all of her autumn glory before the winter rolls in and the trails are snowed over! The Anchorage Daily News has a great list of autumn hikes in Southcentral Alaska.
4) Gear up!
Paul Weeks | Flickr
Speaking of things getting snowed over, fall is a popular time for the locals to start readying their winter gear. It’s almost ski season people, and that means we need to check out bags and make sure all our big purchases are planned or already out of the way! Need a new snowboard? Some new backcountry gear? How about updating that worn out down parka skirt? Fall is bustling with people stocking up for their winter recreation supplies. The Hoarding Marmot in Anchorage is a great spot to pick up some gently used gear.

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Hike High Above Alaska's Eklutna Lake On The Twin Peaks Trail Before The Snow Flies

Hike High Above Alaska's Eklutna Lake On The Twin Peaks Trail Before The Snow Flies

 Spot The Humpback Whale On Its Annual Migration Through Alaska This Fall

Spot The Humpback Whale On Its Annual Migration Through Alaska This Fall

 Welcome The Arrival Of Autumn On The Albert Loop Trail In Alaska

Welcome The Arrival Of Autumn On The Albert Loop Trail In Alaska
5) Whale Watching
jdegenhardt | Flickr
It’s hard not to include whale watching because it naturally increases this time of year. So in a way, you can’t really avoid doing more whale watching than you normally do because you’ll see them on nearly every ferry ride you take! But if you want to go out on a dedicated whale watch, make sure to check out Major Marine Tours, who runs whale watching tours out of Seward until mid October each year.
6) Vacation Time!
_T604 | Flickr
With tourist season over prices of almost everything drop dramatically around Alaska. People take advantage of this and can save a lot of money planning family trips and vacations near the end of summer. Check out Airbnb for great fall rates from local Alaskans all over the state.
7) Bye bye, Snowbirds!
Woodys Aeroimages | Flickr
We all know what fall is for the Alaskan Snowbird, it’s time to pack up and head south for the winter. The hardy stick behind and endure the cold winter days and long winter nights, because after all… it’s Alaska and it’s totally worth it. If you’re looking for fantastic deals on fall flights, check out Alaska Airlinesand their annual PFD sale for tickets for Alaskans at rock bottom prices.
8) Late Salmon Run
Amber | Flickr
Come on, people! Fishing and Alaska are synonymous, are they not? Catch the tale end of the late silver salmon run on the Kenai River. Everyone’s doing it! Alaska Fishing Lodge lays out all the salmon runs and their timing so you can plan the best trip.
9) Northern Lights
Wendy Johnson | Flickr
Fall is a great time to catch the infamous and spectacular Alaskan Light Show, aka the Northern Lights. There is even an app that alerts you when the borealis will be out and I guarantee you’ll see headlights heading north out of town late in the evenings hoping to catch a better glimpse at this natural phenomenon. Make sure to check the Aurora Forecast at the Space Weather Prediction Centerbefore you head out on your search!

We love this list of things to do in fall in Alaska. Do you know of any other activities or common sights you tend to see around autumn in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for some more fabulous things to do this season, check out these 9 Short And Sweet Fall Hikes In Alaska With A Spectacular End View.

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Things To Do In Fall In Alaska

Megan McDonald | September 18, 2020

Why is autumn so cheap to visit Alaska?

Many tourist think that the cool weather temperatures are a little intimidating when they plan their trip to Alaska. Our summer days can soar up to 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit in the interior, and usually hover at around 50 degrees on the cooler, rainy days in the Southeast. This makes the summer more attractive to many travelers afraid of Alaska’s cold. But what they don’t know is that even if the air is a bit crisper, there are many gorgeous sights to see in the fall season!

Where’s the best place to go hiking in the fall in Alaska?

The best part about autumn in Alaska is that everywhere has wonderful places to explore. You can follow the leaves changing all the way down the Parks Highway or the Richardson Highway to the coast, and watch our state come alive with golden colors. There’s fantastic hiking just about everywhere!

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