Alaska is covered in hiking trails, both officially maintained and the rustic type that the moose carve through the woods. Taking a walk on a trail is a perfect way to appreciate the wild beauty of Alaska for everyone. 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. There are options all over the state, so no matter what area you are in Alaska, look for a fun hike to try and experience the way Alaskans have summer fun.
- Eagle River Nature Center, Eagle River
Larry Vincent | Flickr The scenic trails that crisscross the area around the Eagle River Nature Center have lots of footbridges to keep you above the wetlands with gorgeous views along the way. There are miles of trails for you to explore, or just take a short stroll over the footbridges near the center. Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
- Perseverance Trail, Juneau
Grant Eaton | Flickr Follow this scenic hike in Alaska over footbridges and boardwalks. It is a 5.7-mile trail best used from April to October that takes you up to Ebner Falls and has moments of scenic beauty throughout. Perseverance Trail, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
- The William Ransom Wood Centennial Bridge, Fairbanks
arctic_council | Flickr A wonderful kid-friendly hike in Alaska, this waterfront trail takes you along the Chena River to relax on the banks in the famous interior sunshine on a beautiful day. The temperatures are warm, the river leisurely and relaxing. Head across the footbridge to watch the water roll by from above for a perfect summer activity. William Ransom Wood Campus Center, 1731South, Chandalar, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- Indian River Trail, Sitka
Greg McMichael | Flickr Head to Sitka in southeast Alaska for a walk in the lush temperate rainforest, one of the most scenic hikes in Alaska. There is a waterfall and several fairytale footbridges to explore on this 8.4-mile out and back trail. Indian River Trail, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
- Chilkoot Trail, Skagway
NPS CulturalLandscapes | Flickr Take just the first few miles of the legendary Chilkoot Trail and cross charming footbridges over the rushing streams of cold mountain runoff. This trail is truly spectacular no matter how far you venture up the mountain. Chilkoot Trail, Skagway, AK, USA
- Triple Lakes Trail, Denali
LalithaKosuri | TripAdvisor This trial in Denali is covered in wildflowers in the summer months and this hike is a favorite of those who frequent Denali. Long and grueling, you can choose just a portion of the 18 miles to explore the stunning scenery and the awesome footbridges that you’ll find along the way. Triple Lakes, Alaska 99743, USA
- Resurrection Creek Foot Bridge
Larry Vincent | Flickr
The scenic trails that crisscross the area around the Eagle River Nature Center have lots of footbridges to keep you above the wetlands with gorgeous views along the way. There are miles of trails for you to explore, or just take a short stroll over the footbridges near the center.
Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
Grant Eaton | Flickr
Follow this scenic hike in Alaska over footbridges and boardwalks. It is a 5.7-mile trail best used from April to October that takes you up to Ebner Falls and has moments of scenic beauty throughout.
Perseverance Trail, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
arctic_council | Flickr
A wonderful kid-friendly hike in Alaska, this waterfront trail takes you along the Chena River to relax on the banks in the famous interior sunshine on a beautiful day. The temperatures are warm, the river leisurely and relaxing. Head across the footbridge to watch the water roll by from above for a perfect summer activity.
William Ransom Wood Campus Center, 1731South, Chandalar, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
Greg McMichael | Flickr
Head to Sitka in southeast Alaska for a walk in the lush temperate rainforest, one of the most scenic hikes in Alaska. There is a waterfall and several fairytale footbridges to explore on this 8.4-mile out and back trail.
Indian River Trail, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
NPS CulturalLandscapes | Flickr
Take just the first few miles of the legendary Chilkoot Trail and cross charming footbridges over the rushing streams of cold mountain runoff. This trail is truly spectacular no matter how far you venture up the mountain.
Chilkoot Trail, Skagway, AK, USA
LalithaKosuri | TripAdvisor
This trial in Denali is covered in wildflowers in the summer months and this hike is a favorite of those who frequent Denali. Long and grueling, you can choose just a portion of the 18 miles to explore the stunning scenery and the awesome footbridges that you’ll find along the way.
Triple Lakes, Alaska 99743, USA
In the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near the Turnagain Arm, you’ll find the Resurrection Creek Footbridge. It’s one of the best kid-friendly trails in Alaska to watch the salmon run upstream in the late summer.
- The Savage River Loop Trail Foot Bridge, Denali National Park
The simple wooden footbridge lies on this easy path along a river valley in Denali National Park, so bring the whole family out for a day of outdoor adventure. You’ll love this quick leg stretcher while on any road trip or a make a day of it with a picnic in Denali.
- McCarthy Foot Bridge over the Kennicott River
You’ll love this enchanting footbridge that takes you from the parking area toward the town of McCarthy. The rushing Kennicott River below, the circle of mountains and glaciers surrounding, and the breeze make for a moment you’ll never forget.
If you love hiking, check out These 7 Hikes in Alaska Are Completely Out Of This World. For some trails that work for everyone, check out 14 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Alaska.
How many of these trails have you hiked? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Alaska June 03, 2022 Jackie Ann What are the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska? Taking the youngest of nature lovers out to experience Alaska’s hiking trails is a wonderful way to introduce the next generation to experience our great outdoors. Formerly a dairy farm, Creamers Field is now a bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve with an easy 2-mile boardwalk hike that’s one of the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska, especially for viewing wildlife and wildflowers. Which hikes in Alaska are short and sweet? There are plenty of lengthy trails in Alaska that seem to go on forever, and while that’s certainly appealing for the weekend warrior looking to cover a lot of ground while backpacking through the state, sometimes you just want a short and sweet trail in Alaska without being too strenuous. The Perseverance Lake Trail in Ketchikan is one of the most scenic hikes in Alaska, and the 2.3-mile trail will lead you through the forest with waterfront views along the way. What are the best waterfall hikes in Alaska? For a quick and easy hike to one of Alaska’s many waterfalls, you can’t go wrong with the Thunder Bird Falls Trail in Chugiak. This easy trail in Alaska is less than a mile long and ends with a beautiful view of the 200-foot waterfall. If you’re near Juneau, be sure to check out Nugget Falls, a 377-foot-tiered waterfall in Alaska that’s fed from runoff from the Nugget Glacier. The trail is about two miles long round trip, with very little elevation change, so it’s a great trail for kids to enjoy, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Alaska
June 03, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska? Taking the youngest of nature lovers out to experience Alaska’s hiking trails is a wonderful way to introduce the next generation to experience our great outdoors. Formerly a dairy farm, Creamers Field is now a bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve with an easy 2-mile boardwalk hike that’s one of the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska, especially for viewing wildlife and wildflowers. Which hikes in Alaska are short and sweet? There are plenty of lengthy trails in Alaska that seem to go on forever, and while that’s certainly appealing for the weekend warrior looking to cover a lot of ground while backpacking through the state, sometimes you just want a short and sweet trail in Alaska without being too strenuous. The Perseverance Lake Trail in Ketchikan is one of the most scenic hikes in Alaska, and the 2.3-mile trail will lead you through the forest with waterfront views along the way. What are the best waterfall hikes in Alaska? For a quick and easy hike to one of Alaska’s many waterfalls, you can’t go wrong with the Thunder Bird Falls Trail in Chugiak. This easy trail in Alaska is less than a mile long and ends with a beautiful view of the 200-foot waterfall. If you’re near Juneau, be sure to check out Nugget Falls, a 377-foot-tiered waterfall in Alaska that’s fed from runoff from the Nugget Glacier. The trail is about two miles long round trip, with very little elevation change, so it’s a great trail for kids to enjoy, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Taking the youngest of nature lovers out to experience Alaska’s hiking trails is a wonderful way to introduce the next generation to experience our great outdoors. Formerly a dairy farm, Creamers Field is now a bird sanctuary and wildlife preserve with an easy 2-mile boardwalk hike that’s one of the best family-friendly hikes in Alaska, especially for viewing wildlife and wildflowers.
Which hikes in Alaska are short and sweet?
There are plenty of lengthy trails in Alaska that seem to go on forever, and while that’s certainly appealing for the weekend warrior looking to cover a lot of ground while backpacking through the state, sometimes you just want a short and sweet trail in Alaska without being too strenuous. The Perseverance Lake Trail in Ketchikan is one of the most scenic hikes in Alaska, and the 2.3-mile trail will lead you through the forest with waterfront views along the way.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Alaska?
For a quick and easy hike to one of Alaska’s many waterfalls, you can’t go wrong with the Thunder Bird Falls Trail in Chugiak. This easy trail in Alaska is less than a mile long and ends with a beautiful view of the 200-foot waterfall. If you’re near Juneau, be sure to check out Nugget Falls, a 377-foot-tiered waterfall in Alaska that’s fed from runoff from the Nugget Glacier. The trail is about two miles long round trip, with very little elevation change, so it’s a great trail for kids to enjoy, too.
