Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/, Low Key Outdoor Adventure for Everyone in North America's Top Left. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Taking safety measures. Looking for a more strenuous hike? THE BEST Sitka Hiking Trails Hiking Trails in Sitka Enter dates Filters 1 Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Boat Tours Nature & Wildlife Tours Fishing Charters & Tours Dolphin & Whale Watching Hiking Trails Budget-friendly Free Entry Good for Couples Adventurous 4 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Learn more: The best things to do in Haines Alaska. Top Picks Water Tours Cultural & Theme Tours Private & Custom Tours Likely to Sell Out Food, Wine & Nightlife Luxury & Special Occasions Walking Tours Kid-Friendly Multi-day Tours Shopping Passes & Offers Art Classes Theater Shows Ways to tour Sitka Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sitka. 4. No matter what time of the year you visit, however, you're sure to be captivated by the scenic Alaskan backcountry. Locals swear the sweeping view of sparkling fjords, glaciers, and the lovely town of Haines is one of the best trek payoffs ever. A relatively easy hike along most of its length, the trail gets a bit more challenging along the upper sections, which require some climbing to reach the top of the Kenai River Canyon. Sitka experiences cold temperatures and above average rainfall. A second option is via the Curry Ridge Trail accessed from the Kesugi Ken Campground a quarter mile north of the South Denali Overlook. I highly recommend taking the tram (you can buy a ticket on board your ship or at the ticket booth) and then hiking from there because youll have views the entire way and get to see more! Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Sitka. As with any wilderness hike, it is good to be safe and cautious along the way. Camping up here is a great idea, but the free, tiny public-use cabin at the top is for emergencies only. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Sitka National Historical Park. Looking for the best hiking in Sitka? The prime attraction in this recreation area, less than two miles outside Talkeetna, is the 3.5-mile hiking trail around X Lake, which sits next to an old-growth forest, and offers the chance to see beavers, foxes, raptors and loons. 7-10 days is the most common. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Looking for the best hiking in Sitka? Estimated average Wrangell - St Elias National Park and Preserve, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Pack an extra pair of dry socks for walking through wet forests to avoid damp socks and creating blisters. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! The moon will pass in front of Mars on 18 February causing what is called a lunar occultation. Beware of bears; theyre common here. Ridges are also good routes to use if the weather isnt foul. Chilkoot Trail gives hikers several reasons to get excited. Visit the spawning deck at the Eagle River Nature Center. These hikes are guided so you dont get lost or miss the train on the way back. Sitka is a fantastic Alaska cruise port for hiking and exploring on your own! The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions - The Points Guy By My Holidays Online - Alaska. Resurrection River Cabinis 7 miles from the trailhead and cannot be reserved. Hiking Must-Haves in Sitka, Alaska | Sitka Hotel Plentiful mountain goats and Dall sheep are harbingers that this is going to be a steep climb, but a variety of trail options make it doable for all ages. Shuttles leave at 8am. 9 Of The Best Hikes In Alaska Lead To Foot Bridges Out Of A Fairytale Pitch a tent at Rapids Camp or Echo Bend (Mile 3), or rent one of two yurts ($65 per night) close by. Stretching for 13.8 miles out and back, the route distinguishes itself thanks to the wide variety of terrains that it passes through. Youll have great views of the Lynn Canal and surrounding mountains as you walk along the water. I worked in the cruise industry in Alaska for seven years and lived in two of these ports and these hikes are all ones you can get to easily from the cruise ship dock. #alaska #alaskalife #nature #anchorage #travel #travelalaska #alaskaphotography #alaska2022 #usa #wildlife #mountains #glacier #adventure #gloomyknob #sharingalaska #fishing #alaskalife #whittier #photography #explorealaska #ak #naturephotography #thealaskalife #glacierbaynationalpark #seaotter #alaskaadventure #southmarbleisland #glacierbay #hiking #princesscruises, The sun is out, snow is melting, waterfalls are gushing and the start of our season is just around the corner (April 15th)! Youll find two viewing platforms and plenty of benches along the way, so you can stop to sit and enjoy the scenery. But we've combed through all of the options and made our selection. #katmai #katmainps #katmainationalpark #katmainationalparkandpreserve #nationalparks #findyourpark #nps #nationalparkphotography #goparks #nationalparklife #nationalparkservice #usparkpass #usnationalparks #visitusaparks #hike #nationalparkframes If you're visiting Anchorage and are looking for a great hike that isn't far from town, head to Chugach State Park and take a walk to the summit of Flattop Mountain. In the summer months, some sections can get a bit thick with overgrown brush, so wear your long pants. For instance, not only is it an excellent option for day hikers looking to access some of Alaska's best backcountry, but its 33-mile length makes it an excellent choice for backpackers too. This is my pick for the best hike in Alaska. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 4 to 43 meters in elevation gain. Well enough with my life, for this photo wewerethetide and I hiked to a spot north of Fairbanks and saw this clear patch in the forest and just started shooting. Accessibility: Information for wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller users can be found on the park website: https://www.nps.gov/sitk/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. Remember to bring multiple layers and proper rain gear. TRAVEL ALASKA. Add Your Listing! Highlights. With leafy forests, icy glaciers and dry deserts, its a delight, Summer is here and we all want to get out and explore, but time and money can put a damper on all those holiday dream plans. Another great option is the hike and float, where you go out to Dyea, hike up a bit of the Chilkoot Trail and then raft down the Taiya River. A special "hikers train" using the historicWhite Pass & Yukon Route Railroadleaves Lake Bennett for Skagway four times a week (3:15pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 2:15pm on Saturday). No matter where you hike, you should always take the proper precautions and be bear aware. Most plan on a few days to complete this Last Frontier odyssey, but if youre short on time, a day hike on the open tundra still provides sweeping views of the unparalleled Talkeetna and Alaska (Denali) ranges, and theres one more check off your bucket list. Youll need to take a taxi to get the few miles out to the trailhead, but if its a clear day and you like big view hikes, then youll love it. Alaska earned its nickname The Last Frontier for a reason. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Sitka National Historical Park? Keep your ears open for the hilarious sound they make while chilling in the sun! A heavily forested start gradually gives way to wider views of the tundra, Resurrection Bay, and the surrounding mountain range as lovely Lost Lake beckons. A relatively easy hike from start to finish, the trail is easy to follow and requires about 3-4 hours to complete. From the Perseverance Trail, you can pick up Granite Creek Trail and follow it to the creeks headwaters basin, a beautiful spot to spend the night. National Park Service (NPS) rangers lead moderate to strenuous three- to five-hour hikes deep into the heart of the park on a daily basis during summer. #alaskalife #alaskan #travelalaska #alaskaliving #alaskaphotographer #thealaskalife #alaskaadventure #visitalaska #explorealaska #ilovealaska #alaskaadventures, Snowy views #alaska #hikes #angelrocks #fairbanks #wanderlust #travel, Kodiak, Alaska ~ enchantment on the Emerald Isle X100. I recommend getting a map or downloading one on your phone before going. Our Alaska Vacations are designed for families and small adult groups on a quest for outdoor adventure with the convenience of an all-inclusive vacation. I was so so thankful. Things To Do In Sitka | Our Guide To The City's Best | ALASKA.ORG The entire hike cleared up for the way back. Plan on seven to 10 hours for the round-trip to Lost Lake, and bring a camp stove, as wood is hard to come by. Hi! Do you guys see the cute shoes they wear?! If you want to make your walk longer, you can use the trail to connect with the East Glacier Loop, a 3.5-mile trail that follows the glacier trim line (which is the highest point reached by glacial ice). Despite its length, the trail is of moderate difficulty at most and is considered one of the best and most accessible ways to explore Alaska's backcountry. Bears have been sighted on the trail in spring when moose are calving. Note that because hiking is off-trail, you must have sturdy footwear and pack rain gear, food and water. And, theyre frequently traveled, which is great if you were to have a bear encounter, where there's safety in numbers. An easy to moderate hike, take West Glacier to the West Glacier Spur Trail, watching for the pink ribbons to keep on track, and marvel at the gorgeous rainforest, waterfall, and lake views up to the lookout point over Mendenhall. Things To Do Hiking in Sitka Hiking in Sitka The Totem Trail is lined with 18 of the park's collection of totem poles. Moderate to challenging in difficulty, there are many steep climbs throughout. There were a handful of tiny scarlet cabins and we met a furry friend while walking around the couple of small shacks that comprise the lodge. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 53 min to complete. Even in summer, it can be chilly on the upper elevations and rain is frequent pretty much everywhere, so keep a raincoat and waterproof shoes handy. Some of the best hikes in Alaska will lead you to somewhere special, and these trails take you to fairytale footbridges, dripping with charm and scenic views. A half-mile down this trail are wonderful views of the Kenai River Canyon. Here are some of the best things to do in Sitka, Alaska: Visit Sitka National Historical Park: This park is home to the Tlingit people's ancestral homeland, and visitors can explore the totem poles and the cultural center. Trail Details: The trail reaches 1,750 feet at its highest point and offers unobstructed views of the sprawling landscape. The Lower Trail (Kenai Fjords National Park), Lost Lake Trail (Chugach National Forest). as-good-as-it-gets tundra hiking Today you can rediscover it via a steep, roughly cut and sometimes slippery ascent to 3500ft. You can hike on your own, or a join a guided nature walkthere are two daily from June through Labor Day. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. Digital Visitors' Guide Sitka is a beautiful destination with so much for a visitor to see and do. If possible, hike in a group, and practice bear safety. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. There will almost always be someone on the trail with you; in fact, if you drive, you may have to wait a while to find a parking spot. As a reward for a trek well done, a soak in the nearby world-famous Chena Hot Springs beautifully concludes this angelic experience. The four-mile West Glacier Trail skips the first, hopes for the second, and guarantees splendid vistas of the third. If youre a hiker and planning an Alaska cruise, or you just want to find a way to stretch your legs and get away from crowds, this article is for you! Where will you go next? Bear spray is recommended in many areas. 7 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Lucky Chance Guide Service 87 Boat Tours Climbing Tours By SPeaGib Here are the most popular glaciers and the best ways to see them. Bears are not frequently found on the trail, but the river itself is known for having a lot of fish. Beautiful Sitka, Alaska in the Inside Passage is known for its Tlingit culture and picturesque remnants of its Russian heritage. While it can be exciting to encounter those creatures in the wild, it is best to avoid them when you can. Still, it's a nice walk and there is a great view from the beach near the memorial. #travel #hatcherpass #lifestyle #alaska #cabinsinthemountains #hiking #explore #worktrip #vacation #adventure #anchorage #mountains #winterishere #wintervacation #thelastfrontier, What a glorious week in the Talkeetna Mountains! The bridge crossing over Ward Creek is perhaps the most awe-inspiring stop, providing endless Instagram stunners for envious admirers back home. It is easily the most visited peak in the entire state, but it is easy to see why. Maps & Guides - Visit Sitka The key to successful backcountry travel is being able to use a compass and read a topographic map. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The trailhead is in Lost Lake subdivision, at Mile 5.3 of the Seward Hwy. Stick it out to the top, however, and the payoff is more than worth it. Learn more about this 3000 foot climb to a great view in my Ketchikan article below. Sony a7riii If you are craving a hike in Alaska and aren't sure where to start, here are our fourteen favorites Getty Images/Mint Images RF, Find your footing in the Last Frontier with these top hikes in Alaska. An Alaskan beach is a fascinating new experience for many visitors, and this easy nine-mile in-and-out walk is ideal for all ages and skill levels.
