Top 4 Ways To Get to Hard-To-Reach National Parks in Alaska

The state of Alaska is full of natural wonders that attract many visitors worldwide each year. There are eight national parks in total in Alaska, also home to the highest peak in the United States and some of the most remote wilderness you can visit. Every national park is unique, and you can travel to them in several ways to experience everything they offer. From chartering a private plane to jumping on a boat and even kayaking, we will go through various options to explore the breathtaking national parks in Alaska.

Charter a Private Plane

First, if you are looking to explore Denali National Park, you may want to hire a private plane to take you on a tour of this amazing region of Alaska. Denali National Park is home to Mount McKinley, which is the tallest mountain in the world if you measure from its base on land to its highest point, standing around 18,400 ft tall.

There are several different flight tours offered that allow you to see various parts of Denali National Park, so it is worth checking out what is on offer and making a decision based on what sounds like something you want to see and do the most. For example, you can take a trip on a seaplane that lands on Moraine Lake before embarking on a hike of the surrounding area, taking in the fantastic wildlife and scenery. 

Dog Sled Expeditions

If you have ever wanted to know what it is like to travel across frozen lakes pulled by a group of huskies, then perhaps you would be interested in dog sled expeditions that can take you deep into the most remote parts of Alaska’s most famous national parks. Denali National Park is the best place to have this experience as they offer dog sled demonstrations and kennel tours where you can meet all the dogs one-on-one. 

Sled dogs have a long history and role in Alaskan culture. They assist park rangers in getting around national parks in the harsh winter. If you are looking for a multi-day experience where you can stay overnight and go on dog sled expeditions during the day, then you should check out Earthsong Lodge, located in Denali National Park.

Charter a Day Boat

One of the many reasons people travel to Alaska and visit the national parks is the opportunity to spot humpback whales, which are commonly sighted in this part of the United States. 

The best way to spot these magnificent sea creatures is by boat trip to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. You can take a 30-minute bus from Juneau to Gustavus, the park’s entrance. There is also the option of taking a cruise ship or ferry to Gustavus if you prefer to take in the sights on the water from the start of your trip. 

Day boats leave from the Glacier Bay Lodge each day, taking guests on an exciting 8-hour-long expedition to explore glaciers and spot some whales in their natural habitat. This is a unique experience you will remember for a lifetime if you are lucky to see humpback whales during your trip. You can visit Glacier Bay at all times of the year, and in summer, it transforms into a beautiful rainforest with greenery all around you.

Sea Kayak

Lake Clark National Park is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in all of Alaska. Unsurprisingly, many people travel here on vacation to experience and explore this national park. The best way to reach the most challenging places and most isolated parts of this national park is by kayak. Here, you can embark on a kayak trip that spans 50 miles on Twin Lakes and Lake Clark. 

If you want to adventure through Lake Clark, you should check out Alpine Adventures, which offers a 7-day hiking and kayak trip that teaches you survival skills and shows you some of the most remote parts of the region. You can also rent kayaks for a day and coast down Lake Clark before heading back to the Winterlake Lodge for luxurious accommodation and food to top off a fantastic day. 

Explore Alaska

Alaska is unlike any other country in the United States, with some of the most beautiful and remote national parks. There are so many amazing things to see and do in this part of the world, and it is a trip that you won’t regret taking. From kayaking along Lake Clark to whale watching and exploring the region by plane, you can appreciate the wonders of Alaska in any way you like. So what are you waiting for? Book your next trip to Alaska and start planning everything you want to do during your time there.