15 Mountain Towns In Alaska That Are Straight Out Of A Storybook

Anyone who lives in or who has ever visited Alaska knows that once you’ve seen the lustrous peaks of the last frontier, nothing else in the world can compare. Not only is Alaska the largest state in the nation, but it is also home to 14 stunningly beautiful mountain ranges. Alaska is home to the highest peak in North America – Denali, which sits at a staggering 20,310 feet.

At the base of these incredible mountains sit the most beautiful towns in Alaska that have a way of instantly making you feel right at home. These 15 are a great jumping point, but there truly are so many others that are also worthy of writing home about as well.

Facebook - Cordova Alaska

Located near the mouth of the Copper River at the head of Orca Inlet on the east side of Prince William Sound, the small town of Cordova is a great place for soaking in epic mountain views of the Chugach National Forest, no matter what time of year it is. Put this on your places to visit in Alaska list, and check out this list of the best 15 things to do in the town.

Flickr - David Casteel

With a population under 1,000 year-round residents, the charming town of Talkeetna is a great place to relax and enjoy EPIC views of Denali in the Alaska Range. During the spring and summer months, this sweet little mountain town is a jumping point for mountaineers looking to bag the highest peak in North America. If you’re looking for impressive things to see in Alaska, base yourself out of this funky town!

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Flickr - Brian Roberts

The 3,576-foot tall Mount Juneau towers of Alaska's state capital city in epic proportion. With the mountains on one side and the Gastineau Channel on the other, you won't be able to stop snapping photos from sun up to sun down. If you’re going to visit one of the best towns in Alaska, make sure to check out TravelAlaska’s page about our lovely capital city.

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Flickr - Ross Fowler

This charming little town located on The Kenai, Alaska's Playground is home to so many amazing attractions including the world-famous Kenai River, Kenai Lake and the Russian River. As you wind through a narrow road, you'll be blown away by the views of the Kenai Mountains on both sides of you. Cooper Landing is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Alaska, and you’ll see for yourself the next time you hop on your next rafting charter!

Flickr - redisant

Alaska's farm country looks effortlessly beautiful with the ample peaks in the Talkeetna Mountains as a backdrop. Connecting with the Chugach Mountain Range, you'll be spoiled with phenomenal views no matter what direction you go. Head up to Hatcher Pass, cruise through Willow, or just sit back and enjoy the views from a local cafe in town. Vagabond Bluesis our favorite coffee spot in town!

Flickr - pauljoelhancock

Known as the best ski town in the world, the charming and quirky town of Girdwood is home to the popular Alyeska Resort. The stunning Chugach Mountains are also home to the greatest concentration of glacial ice in all of Alaska. Make sure to try one of these great restaurants in this fun ski town!

Flickr - Marc Cappelletti

The breathtakingly beautiful town of Sitka on Baranof Island boasts the most jaw-dropping view of Mt. Edgecumbe, which is a dormant volcano located at the southern end of Kruzof Island. We love this special place because it has the perfect mix of an island escape and a mountain town all in one. If you’re traveling through the area, make sure to brush up on its fascinating history!

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Flickr - Paxson Woelber

The Aleutain Range in Alaska forms a chain of islands over a thousand miles long, and we simply cannot get enough of the views that can be experienced from the small town of Adak. This historic town with a population under 500 residents is a great place to go hunting and enjoy beautiful mountain views in the distance. Anchorage Daily News wrote a hauntingly beautiful piece about this tiny town.

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Flickr - J. Stephen Conn

Home to the snowiest place in Alaska, many people visit Valdez to enjoy the epic beauty at Thompson Pass. Others come for the charming small town atmosphere, great fishing, incredible hiking or to visit the massive Keystone Canyon. Make sure to check out this gorgeous hike through the canyon!

Flickr - Edward Alexander

Located on The Kenai, Alaska's Playground, the charming little coastal town of Seward is a great place to enjoy world-renowned tourism opportunities in and around the Kenai Fjords National Park. The towering views of the Kenai Mountains are impossible to miss as they line city side. Seward is also home to the most popular 4th of July attraction in the entire state, a marathon race up the side of Mt. Marathon. Learn more about this world famous race that attracts all the greats!

Flickr - James McLarnan

As the jumping point for Glacier Bay National Park, the mountain views from this small town with a population under 500 residents charms the socks off of visitors from all around the world each year. Glacier Bay National Park is a true wonder, and Gustavus is the perfect place to make a base camp!

Flickr - Jasperdo

Located on the Inside Passage in a narrow glaciated valley at the head of the Taiya Inlet, the small town of Skagway is filled with immense history dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush Era. Skagway is another one of the beautiful mountain towns in Alaska that you must visit, especially the historic Red Onion Saloon.

Flickr - daihung

Surrounded by a fascinating display of hanging glaciers and the breathtaking beauty of Prince William Sound, the town of Whittier is completely surrounded by mountains on one side and water on the other. It is hard to match this kind of picture-perfect displays of nature. Make sure to time your passage right when you plan on driving through this world famous tunnel that leads you into Whittier.

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Flickr - Daniel Hoherd

This charming 'cosmic hamlet by the sea' is so much more than just the halibut fishing capital of the world. The mountain and glacier views overlooking Kachemak Bay can be seen from the minute that you pull into town. There is truly so much to love about this picturesque town that wins the hearts of visitors each year. Undoubtedly this is one of the most popular of the beautiful mountain towns in Alaska. Even Conde Naste Traveler thinks Homer is the most charming town in Alaska.

Flickr - Terry Feuerborn

Although this small town or "camp" isn't exactly a booming metropolitan area, it is a very popular tourist attraction because of the fascinating Northern Lights displays that regularly dance over-top the mountains during the dark winter months. This is the kind of quintessential mountain town that you'll only find in the arctic Alaska region. And if you need somewhere to spend the night, Coldfoot Camp is the place to go!

Have you visited any of these beautiful mountain towns in Alaska? Which one is your favorite? Is there one we missed that you would love to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

For more great stuff, here are 15 of the coolest small towns in Alaska that you’ve probably never heard of. These 10 places in Alaska have the healthiest people in the entire state while these 8 places have the drunkest people in the entire state.