Hiking in Alaska is a travel dream of a lifetime for many devotees of this ancient activity. Before mechanical, man- or, even, animal powered vehicles, man had only his two feet to get out and explore on. As technology has evolved, man has developed numerous other ways to travel, explore, hunt, and, work, but, ultimately, it is still our two feet that get us around.
Combine this with a love for exploration, new frontiers, trips out of the ordinary, and a love of nature, hiking may be one of the most fulfilling and satisfying recreations that man can participate in. Hiking trips to Alaska are becoming more and more popular each year. It is all about the destination and the quality of the hike that Alaska offers that is keeping hikers from all over the world coming annually.
But don’t worry, much of Alaska, including some of its most wonderful areas, are less traveled by vacationers and explorers than one might think. The size of Alaska is so large that one could put two states of Texas within and there’d still be some room left over. So, there is much to see, and many places that Alaska hiking enthusiasts will want to visit and trek upon and within.
Here are four great hiking locations in Alaska:
1) Arctic National Wildlife Reserve – Otherwise known as ANWR and known for its oil reserves, located at the northern side of Alaska this area is home to some of the most incredible migrating species on earth, such as the caribou and myriad of birds that make it their summer home. But perhaps the most alluring creature here is the polar bear. A hike through ANWR should also include the many villages of the indigenous peoples that make this area their home. You will trek over a variety of land formations as you hike this amazing ground above the Arctic Circle.
2) Lake Clark National Park – Hike along streams filled with red salmon, along ridges and glaciers, around waterfalls, and upon toothed mountains and valleys. Glimpse Turquoise Lake, Twin Lakes, and go rafting or kayaking on your Alaskan hiking adventure.
3) Wrangell-St. Elias National Park – This Park offers great alpine hiking experiences. Hike across rivers thick with trout and salmon as you make your way past unending mountains and along valleys where unique flora and fauna await to fill your sense.
4) Katmai National Park – For those that like grizzlies up close and personal, this is the hiking trip for you. But don’t worry; bears are more afraid of humans than we are of them. Your hiking guide will steer you clear of them while providing you safe encounters with them. The hiking opportunities here are endless as tundra, mountains, as well as sheep, caribou, trout and more.
Hiking trips are offered all over the world, but Alaska has some of the best hiking anywhere. Come see for yourself.