The isolation from the city, view from the summit, and the walk with nature… Sounds like a wonderful thing to do doesn’t it? If you’re anything like me, and love spending time hiking up magnificent mountains, then you would like hiking in Alaska. I can tell you from my own experiences it’s not like hiking everywhere else.
The Mountains in Alaska are breathtaking and gorgeous. Depending on the time of the year you could start your hike in the dense woods, but when you arrive at the peak you could be standing in a couple of inches of snow. The weather in the summer is perfect, ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if youāre looking for an adventure for a day or a couple of days, hiking in Alaska is the perfect place. However, you may not know how to plan, pack, or the best places to hike are. Ā
Planning:
- The first thing is to decide what you want to do, either a day hike or a backpacking trip.
- The next thing is to look at brochures and guidebooks to find the locations that are best for you.
- If you donāt think you know what you’re doing then you can always reach out for a guide or outfitter.
- Look at a map to plan your route, then tell a friend about your trip plan. This includes when you will leave, where you will be, and when you will be back.
- The last thing is to avoid river crossing while your hiking. Rivers in Alaska are extremely cold and have strong currents, so itās best to avoid them when hiking.
Packing for a day hike:
- If youāre going for a day hike itās most likely your going up a mountain following a trail, so you won’t need much. Mainly everything you would take on a hike up any mountain.
- Make sure you wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes. Donāt try and hike up the mountain in flip-flops.
- Bring a backpack with a pair of extra clothes and a rain jacket.
- Hat and gloves.
- cell-phone, but do not rely on your cell-phone as a map. Therefore also bring a map.
- A couple of water bottles and some snacks. A water bottle to consider is one that can filter dirty water, so you can drink from the streams.
- Bear spray, in case you encounter a bear.
- Bug spray.
- A hiking stick.
- First aid kit
- And lastly, don’t go alone.
Packing for an backpacking trip:
- Everything from the above list.
- A Tent.
- More than just one extra pair of clothes.
- A backpacking stove.
- First aid kit.
- Emergency flares.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Bring warm clothes for the chilly nights.
Where to hike:
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward. (Day Trip)
- Lost Lake Trail – Chugach National Forest, Seward. (Day Trip)
- Chilkoot Pass Trail – Skagway, Alaska to Canada (1-3 Day Trip)
- Portage Pass Trail – Whittier, Alaska. (1-3 Day Trip)
- Crow Pass Trail – Chugach State Park. (1-2 Days)
- Flattop Mountain – Anchorage. (Day Trip)
- Deer Mountain Trail – Ketchikan. (Day Trip)
- Indian River Trail – Sitka. (Day Trip)
- Resurrection Pass – Chugach State Park, Hope to Cooper Landing (1-3 Days)
- Mount Marathon – Seward, Alaska. (Day Trip)
- Skyline – Cooper Landing. (Day Trip)
- These a couple of the hundreds of hikes to do in Alaska
BacPac Mac 