Must Do Alaska Hikes for Scenic Views and Epic Adventures

Alaska is full of so much beauty, hikes near and far, and adventures to be had around every corner and getting to experience it with other locals and share it with travelers makes me endlessly happy. As a life-long Alaskan I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else. My parents were older and retired once I came into the picture and while I did get to see and experience a lot of the state (growing up between Willow and Homer), I never actually fully adventured and experienced all the Alaska hikes that existed until my late teens.

Backpacking trips across the bay from Homer to Grewingk Glacier with friends were a core memory from highschool years, and then when I got married and moved out to Palmer I started exploring so much more and wandering into the mountains whenever I could. Hatcher Pass is one of my all-time favorite destinations and even writing this blog I’ve been up there 6 times in the last 10 days for personal and professional (photo session) adventures.

My Favorite Alaska Hikes

Whether you live here and are looking for more places to explore in day-to-day life or you’re traveling in and want some recommendations, this collection of Alaska hikes is a fun one! There are still SO MANY I want to do, but these are some of my current favorites. this list gives the trail names, AllTrail links, trail stats and personal notes on ones I have and also a my TTBH’ (to be hiked) list, I’ll even be coming back around to update this whenever new ones get added or moved from one list to the other.

After years of avid hiking and exploring this state, my preferences and skill level have drastically changed. I find myself equally competitive about the AllTrails time estimates as well as nature appreciation, yapping with good company and adding whimsy wherever I can. This year I even attempted a personal trail running challenge and surprised myself beyond what I thought I was capable of (more on that below).

That said, this blog is written from an intermediate, adventure-comfy hiker. I don’t shy away from long mileage or 2000 incline in 1.4 miles, but I’m not out here trekking huge passes decked out in all the gear or rock climbing and glacier trekking on a hike, ya know? So I’ll be rating the difficulty level in this blog according to what I would classify it, definitely look at AllTrails for their opinions if you’re skeptical! I’m also going to be sprinkling in some little inspirations and photo ideas as well! So do with that what you will!

These are in no particular order other than organized by area.

**Every Trail is hyperlinked with their AllTrails page and this blog contains affiliate links**

HATCHER PASS ALASKA HIKES

It only seems fair to kick this blog off with my favorite hiking destination. It is located just outside of the towns of Palmer and Wasilla and is approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours + from Anchorage. Hatcher Pass is, as you might have guessed, a pass, and it has a partially paved and then gravel road that connects through from the Palmer/Wasilla side to Willow. It takes about 3-4 hours if you want to drive the full pass. Definitely add more time if you want to stop for a fire or lunch or hikes and exploring. It is also home to many incredible of Alaska hikes, which you don’t have to drive the full pass for!

Marmot Peak

This hike caught me by surprise. In all the time it’s been on my list I assumed it would be closer to a moderate than a hard (because when has AllTrails EVER been right?!). Boy was I wrong. I don’t shy away from elevation gain and steep inclines, but I stopped to ‘admire the scenery’ more times than I could count. It is very much STRAIGHT UP for the first half and then wanders along the ridge at the top and chills out a bit. The views are GORGEOUS. Slightly slick muddy/rolling rock spots up and down so tread carefully. Even with all the breaks we still crushed the time estimate at 2hours 16 mins vs. the 2 hours 50 mins it says.

• Difficulty: Hard (I don’t use this descriptor lightly) | Distance: ~2.7 miles RT, 1,948ft
• Jaw-dropping views over Independence Mine + all of Hatcher Pass
• Highly recommend packing snacks to take breaks and eat at the top and take in the views. Lots of pretty points along the way for photos as well. Good tread is a must!
• Not a very busy hike at all.
• $5 Parking fee

April Bowl Trail

This one starts off with some mountainside switch backs that have drop offs so if you’re nervous about heights or slipping it could get the heart racing, I’m not personally bothered by if but some friends were. It only takes about 10-15 minutes at a decent pace to get up to the lakes and then the whole loop is just under two hours. I consider it fairly easy to moderate with a liiiiittle rock scramble part. You can out and back at any point, stop at the lakes, or do the full loop.

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Distance: ~2 miles RT 866ft (SUCH a breath of fresh air compared to Marmot hah)
• One of the best short hikes with a big payoff (alpine lakes + ridge line)
• The fall colors in early September are BEAUTIFUL
• Seasonally accessible unless you hike from the gate. The pass closes late September to early July for snow.
• Looking for a gorgeous spot for your session or elopement? This is perfect for couples who want epic photos but not a huge time consuming or hard trek.
• Very popular hike, but easy so spread out and be away from everyone if you want.

Skyscraper Mountain Trail

I think AllTrails might be underestimating this trail because at the end I was thinking “I’m going to fall and this is going to be bad” (spoiler, I didn’t haha!). The first part of the hike is a scramble up a washed out mountainside. Just some mud and dirt and rolling rocks and you basically choose your own adventure because there isn’t a set ‘path’ in this area. It’s straight up the side for a good distance and then eventually evens out and is more rolling hill/non-sketchy ridge line type trail. I only say it’s hard because of the VERY beginning of the trail that had me questioning my life choices on multiple occasions.

• Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Distance: ~1.9 miles RT 1,030ft
• Stunning panoramic views of valleys + peaks. Pretty wildflowers in June and July
• Great ridge lines for epic photos(I will be hiking slowly and carefully with my heavy gear hahaha)
• A lot less crowded than April Bowl due to the steepness at the beginning.

Reed Lakes Trail

This was one of my MOST anticipated Alaska hikes this summer and it did not disappoint. I’d heard it hyped up a lot because of how beautiful it is, but also a lot of people would consider this a difficult hike due to length and some technical portions. It is on the longer side and has a couple smaller boulder fields. If you have your wits about you and take it at a comfortable pace it’s not too hard. Good socks and good shoes help. We hiked to Upper Reed Lake and then back down and took a dip in Lower Reed. So chilly but so worth it! Definitely one of the TOP Alaska hikes for sure.

• Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: ~8.6 miles RT 2,283ft
• Seasonally accessible down Archangel Road. The road closes through the winter months and then the trail/lakes don’t fully thaw out till July ish.
• Perfect all day adventure, pack in lunch and hang out, or backpack and camp out there for a night or two. There are designate camping areas with little alpine ‘porta-potties’.
• VERY popular hike, especially on sunny weekends, you will see lots of people but it’s easy to spread out once you’re up there.
• $5 Parking fee

Gold Cord Lake

I did this hike three times this summer/fall and it is such a chill and short hike with a high reward. Beautiful views all around and then you get up to the lake in a bowl of mountains and it’s just so pristine. Next summer I’m hiking my paddle board up FOR SURE. If you want an Alaska hike that’s pretty chill and fast and gets gorgeous views, this hits the nail on the head. Here’s a little trail overview on my personal adventure account!

• Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~1.8 miles RT 528ft
• Super chill hike in my opinion, a couple little trail wash out spots but not bad
• Perfect if you just want a little shorty adventure in your day. The trek up the mountain to get to the trailhead takes longer than the hike up to the lake.
• The fall colors in late August to September are absolutely stunning.
• Seasonal accessibility like other parts of Hatcher closed by a winter gate.
• $5 Parking fee

Lane Basin Loop

The funny part about this trail is that when we stared hiking it we didn’t even realize we were on an official trail. We drove to the end of Archangel and just decided to follow little footpaths through the mountains and eventually it took us up to a couple little lakes, a creek, a waterfall and then we hiked as far back to a dilapidated hut before a weather system rolled in and we basically RAN out in the rain haha. It was the best adventure. We hiked in beer and snacks and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There are a few other trails accessible this way. This one is not very heavily traveled at all but is super pretty and chill.

• Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~3 miles RT 643ft
• This is a very meandering and chill trail, a couple wet spots so be mindful of shoes.
• Would be so pretty for a session or elopement honestly, easy to pack wedding clothes in or do in wedding attire.
• It’s not crowded at all!
• Seasonal down Archangel when the gate closes.
• $5 Parking fee

ANCHORAGE & EAGLE RIVER ALASKA HIKES

Eagle + Symphony Lakes/South Fork Valley Trail – Eagle River

Did this with my 8 month(at the time) pregnant friend and we were just under 5 hours round trip(moving tiem). We stopped and snacked and chatted and even went for a cold plunge (quite comical because of the rocky shore haha). I really want to backpack it again next summer. It was so gorgeous and has sooo much potential for photosessions!

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Distance: ~11 miles RT (but mostly flat) 1,528ft
• Iconic twin lakes (turquoise + milky white) at the end, stunning photo ops
• The hardest part about this is the length of the hike and then the boulder field was fun to navigate haha, but you can see where the rocks are more worn and falling the cairns.
• Would make for an incredible all-day adventure elopement option if you want to have a FULL epic story. Hike in, change and get ready, ceremony, explore, picnic or mountain house meals, then hike out and get more photos, maybe backpack and stay out there? Epic.
• $5 Parking fee

Pepper Peak Overlook via Twin Peaks Trail – Eklutna Lake

This hike his definitely up there on my list of ones I want to COMPLETE. My friends and I only did it up to the saddle/overlook. Perfect on a warm summer day, we cheersed a beer at the top and had sandwiches. I really wish we had continued but we didn’t start early enough for the timing to work with existing plans and also it looks like it gets kinda intense the last few miles. Next time for sure! The views are INCREDIBLE though!

• Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Distance: ~8.5 miles RT 4,524ft (I only did to the overlook, 5.5 miles, 1,900ft)
• Gorgeous views, buggy but not awful, some slick and sketchy parts past the second bench.
• Would be a little intense for a session, buuuut could also be totally worth it haha.
• $5 Parking fee

Mount Baldy Loop – Eagle River

This is a FAVE in the Eagle River/Anchorage areas. I don’t get out there as often as I’d like but the views are great and it’s just a really fun one. You can do out and back or the loop. I’ve been dreaming of photographing a couple up here for YEARS. Soooo please let me know if you’re down 😉

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Distance: ~2.9 miles RT 1,138ft
• Stunning panoramic views of valleys + peaks, Eagle River, JBER a little and the inlet.
• It continues back to Blacktail and that’s hiiiigh on my list of ones I want to do
• Pretty busy trail but easy to spread out and not be right next to people at the top if you want to hang out a bit.

GLACIER VIEW ALASKA HIKES

Matanuska Glacier Trail – Glacier View (Paid Access)

This one isn’t free or $5 parking, it’s a whole tour you have to book but it’s

• Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~1.8 miles RT mostly flat.
• Glacier access without helicopter needed.
• ATV + hike in the summer, and snowmachine sleds + hike in the winter. Total tour is around 2-3 hours depending on pace. They have locals and military discounts. Private and public tours available.
• Experience a glacier by foot and with a guide.
• $65-160 Per person depending on the tour. They have private tours available as well.

Lion’s Head

This hike has a special place in my heart now because I hiked it on September 1st, 2025 for the first time and it was my 30th birthday. I decided to add the fanciful 10% for whimsy purposes and I put my hair into space buns, glitter hairsprayed them, then added glitter to my cheeks AND tied big 30 balloons to my backpack for the hike up along with some flowers and champagne. Was it extra? YES. Worth it?! EXTRA YES!

I was a little bummed because there were some influencers at the top doing a whole photoshoot and I waited a good 20 minutes before we were able to get to the main lookout and get some photos (I’m very non-confrontational and didn’t want to approach and ask for space, so that’s on me!). BUT I loved it and already can’t wait to do it again. Some scrambly parts make this more moderate, but otherwise not crazy. Good tread recommended. Just a little note to be aware of other hikers and give ample opportunity to get photos with the views!

• Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: ~2 miles RT 997ft
• Panoramic views of Matanuska Glacier and all the nearby mountains.
• Gorgeous in the fall (are you sensing a trend? I love fall haha!)
• Would be GORGEOUS for a ceremony and portraits.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK ALASKA HIKES

Horeshoe Lake Trail

Horsehoe Lake is a very chill meandering hike that takes you around the perimeter of a lake surounded by spruce trees and pretty mountains. It’s mostly a wooded/forest hike with some mountain views behind the lake. Very easy to keep a brisk pace and lots of nice places to stop and admire the views.

• Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~2 miles RT
• My friend and I hiked in coffee and dehydrated meals and sat lakeside to enjoy them. It was mid October and a little chilly but not a ton of snow or ice.
• Would be great for portraits or a little photosession if you want something easy and cute.
• Denali Entrance Fee

Savage River Loop

I’ve done the beginning of this trail several times and never got a chance to finish the loop because it’s been for photoshoots, hah! So funny considering it’s SO SHORT. The beginning part of it is GORGEOUS and there is a huge rock right off the trail I love to explore around.

• Difficulty: Easy | Distance ~2.1 miles RT 564ft
• An easy little hike inside the park and you get a gorgeous drive out there. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
• Denali Entrance Fee

OTHER FAVORITE ALASKA HIKES

Bodenburg Butte – Palmer

I spontaneously decided I wanted to try and trail run this hike for quarter 2 and it was super fun. I’ve never done trail running, have never really pushed myself like that going uphill and have never flown down a mountain quite so fast haha! Gave myself a challenge to hike it every Friday from April to end of June and improve my time as I went. When I first hiked this with my challenge in mind to set the time I felt like I held a decent pace and I wast at 51 miles RT, decided to try and get it under 40 then hit 38mins 3 weeks later. Then I hit 33 the following week.

Unfortunately shortly after that my hip started being weird so I took my win and just did leisurely hikes vs. running. LONG STORY SHORT, it’s not a super difficult hike at all, meandering at the beginning, then switch back stairs which hurt the calves, but overall pretty nice and 360 views at the top.

• Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: ~2.3 miles RT 748ft (There are two sides, this is the West Butte side)
• Stunning panoramic views of the Mat-Su valley, Pioneer Peak and Knik Glacier!
• Very popular hike, but not so much so that it isn’t enjoyable to hang out at the top for a bit.
• Looooots of mosquitos in the summer so move fast haha
• $5 Parking fee

Some 0.5 Selfies from a bunch of my treks up there:

Portage Pass Trail – Whittier

Another top fave Alaska Hike right here! This one is hit or miss weather wise but when you catch it on a nice day it’s soooo rewarding. The first bit is steeper switchback ish trail, then you get up to a baby alpine lake and a gorgeous lookout point looking down over Whittier and also back towards Portage Glacier. I know I’ve said 360 views a lot for most of these hikes, but this ALSO has views on all sides. Hiked the first part of this with my camera gear several times for sessions and then hiked all the way back to the lake last fall and it was magical. It’s on my backpacking list as well.

• Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: ~4.5 miles RT 1,463ft
• Gotta pay $13 to go through the tunnel, pay attention to the times too!
• Pay close attention to the weather because Whittier is usually very rainy

Byron Glacier – Portage

This hike is soooo pretty in all seasons and pretty accessible, then there’s a portion that switches to picking your way across rocks that is a little tedius but otherwise pretty easy. Be sooo careful in and around any glacier caves that might be accessible. In the summer and fall especially as they can be very unstable. Winter hiking poses a little difficulty with the snow levels, but is rewarding!

• Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~2.2 miles RT 393ft (the trail gets longer the more the glacier recedes sadly)
• Bear country for suuuree be aware
• Recent photos on the All Trails!

Grewingk Glacier – Kachemak Bay State Park across from Homer

I haven’t hiked this trail recently, but it was my very first backpacking trip when I was like…16? Truly such an amazing experience and I loved every second of it with my youth group in Homer. A recent hike is muuuuch needed because that was 14 years ago now so the exact details are a little fuzzy, but not too fuzzy that I can’t recommend it.

• Difficulty: Easy | Distance: ~9.2 miles RT 1,269ft
• Bear country for suuuree be aware
• Need to charter a water taxi. Check out Mako’s, it’s $100 RT per person
• I don’t have recent photos 🙁

I’ve hiked/walked more than this little collection, but some of them aren’t really much to speak of and are little loops through the woods basically. Annnnd I have some that I’m currently keeping as my little secret because I just love them too dang much and they’re lesser known, but if you book me for a session and want an adventure I’m so down to share with you and get some photos of you on the trail!

I also have a pretty long list of future hikes I want to do and this isn’t even the most extensive:

My ‘To be Hiked’ Alaska Hikes List

• Pepper Peak (Complete it)
• Harding Icefield
• Grewingk Glacier (A recent hike is needed)
• Grace Ridge
• Rendevous Peak
• Rainbow Peak
• Bird Ridge
• Crow Pass
• Gold Mint (Short Version, eventually the hut too)
• Government Peak Traverse
• Lazy Mountain
• Mount Healy Overlook Trail
• Mount Gordon Lyons Trail
• Harp Mountain Trail
• Emerald Cove Trail
• Blacktail Rocks

AND SO MANY MORE!!

Tips for Hiking in Alaska

It’s so important to be prepared no matter the length of your hike. Before you hit the trail, here are a few things I’ve learned from years of hiking in Alaska:

1. Check the Weather
   Alaska weather changes fast and blue skies can turn to fog and low visibility in less than an hour. Always check the forecast before you head out, and pack an extra layer just in case and maybe a beanie and gloves too! I use apps like Windy and also look up local weather cams wherever I’m hiking.
2. Dress in Layers
   The trick is staying warm and dry. My go-to is a moisture-wicking base layer, cozy fleece or similar mid-layer, and puffy along with a rain poncho in my backpack. REI has a great article on the Art of Layering.
3. Wildlife Awareness
   Bears and Moose (and others) abound in this state and we are recreating in their home. Please be so aware of your surroundings and have protection. Mama bears and moose are some of the most dangerous trail-mates to encounter so keep your head on a swivel and look at recent advisories or reviews. Alaska Fish and Game has some helpful information on wildlife safety.
4. Pet Awareness
   Alaska is a very dog friendly state and a lot of people like to recreate outdoors with their dogs. It’s important to pay attention to leash rules and laws on any trail you’re accessing and be courteous of other hikers. Some hikes are sketchier than others to bring pets and especially to hold on a leash if they aren’t well trained.
5. Bring the Essentials
   Water, snacks, map/GPS, headlamp, bear spray, and a basic first-aid kit, layers, etc.
   I have a list of all my faves below!
6. Start Early
   Popular trails can get crowded, especially in summer. Early mornings = fewer people and also dreamy light for photos if that’s a goal 😉
7. Wear Good Footwear + Socks
   Nothing ruins a hike faster than sore feet and blisters. I swear by sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for longer hikes, trail runners would also get the job done on lighter hikes. My favorite combo is my Danner Boots + Fits Socks
8. Hiking Etiquette (Addressed in LNT below as well)
   Chances are you’re not the only one on the trail, so be sure to be aware of your trail mates. Uphill has the right of way so be sure to yield in areas where you can’t two way. If someone is gaining on you it’s a nice courtesy to let them scoot around you. I feel like this goes without saying buuuut: Don’t hog the views/peak!! Let other’s get a chance to take a photo in ‘the’ spot, and heck if you feel like it offer to take a few photos of them/their group!

Leave No Trace on Your Alaska Hikes

Part of what makes these trails so magical is that they feel untouched and we reallllyyy want to keep them that way! Follow the Leave No Trace principles so future hikers get to enjoy them too:

• Plan Ahead & Prepare – Know your route, pack appropriately, and check trail conditions.
• Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stick to the trail and avoid trampling vegetation.
• Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack out everything, including food scraps and TP.
• Leave What You Find – Don’t pick wildflowers or move rocks, let nature do its thing.
• Minimize Campfire Impact – Use a stove when possible and follow fire bans.
• Respect Wildlife – Watch from a distance, give bears plenty of space, and store food safely.
• Be Considerate of Others – Yield to uphill hikers, keep noise low, and share the trail.

What I Take on My Alaska Hikes

• Danner Boots + Fits Socks
• Shimoda Backpack for longer hikes + more gear
• Ruckpack for day hikes
• Owala I tried to be a water bladder girly but can’t get over the taste. This keeps my water cold and I’m okay with the extra weight.
• Patagonia Puffy
• Minus33 Layers (gets you 15% off!)
• Stasher Bags
• A local beer or fun bev depending on the hike
• Kind Bars
• Chomp Sticks
• Photo Gear comes on a lot of my hikes
• AllTrails I use it to map all my hikes
• Apple Watch but I want to upgrade to a Garmin though
• MyMedic First Aid
• NanoFiber Towel
• JetBoil + Dehydrated meals or tea/ coffee (Sometimes, the Mountain House beef Stew is my FAVE)
• Toilet Paper + small Ziplock for Trash. Not gonna lie I haven’t gotten on the kula cloth train yet, but maybe someday. I love my Gnara hiking pants because they let me just unzip and go. I also very much specifically plan to not go Number 2, time will tell if I can hold this up hah!

I also take my Wilderness First Responder skills tucked in the back of my brain in the case things take a turn. I highly recommend taking at least a Wilderness First Aid class if you recreate outdoors frequently. It brings such peace of mind knowing you can take care of your group in the case someone is hurt. I recommend Wilderness Emergency Medical Education if you’re Alaska based.

Taking Photos while Hiking in Alaska

I love hiking (if the blog didn’t give it away) and am never opposed to mixing business and pleasure on a fun adventure! If you’re the type of couple who wants photos that feel true to your adventurous sides and to have a session that feels more like an experience or a date rather than a stuffy photoshoot, then I’m your girl!

I typically have packages starting at 1 hour and usually recommend at least 2-3 hours depending on the length of a hike and I’m never going to be a stickler about going over time a little bit because we wanted to enjoy the hike for longer. Soooo you should definitely reach out if getting photos while hiking in Alaska sounds like a fun plan to you 😉 If you’re an adventure-y couple who wants to get married in a unique way and are intrigued about what Alaska has to offer, then this blog on How to Elope in Alaska has ALL the deets you need!

Happy Trails on your Alaska Hikes!

All in all I’m pretty Alaska obsessed and am always thrilled to see more people experiencing this state in the way of hiking. It definitely takes some grit for some of these hikes, but if you like a challenge and do it for the views and experience, you’ll love every second of it! I invite you to visit some or all of these hikes whenever it strikes your fancy, and if you remember I would LOVE to see your adventures so feel free to tag me @donnamariephotography in your stories and posts so I can cheer you on and connect via socials!

Wishing you happy trails on your adventures and I hope to get to see what you’re up to if you tag me in the fun!