Alaska, with its majestic mountains, sprawling glaciers, and vast wilderness, offers some of the most breathtaking scenic routes in the world. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or exploring the rugged interior, each journey through the Last Frontier is an adventure filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable experiences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top scenic routes that capture the essence of Alaska, providing a journey that is as thrilling as it is beautiful.
1. Inside Passage: A Coastal Wonderland
The Inside Passage is one of Alaska’s most famous and popular routes, particularly for cruise travelers. This protected network of waterways snakes through a maze of islands and fjords, offering travelers stunning views of towering mountains, dense forests, and dramatic coastlines. The route stretches from the Puget Sound in Washington, through British Columbia, and up to the southeastern coast of Alaska.
Travelers on the Inside Passage can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles. The lush rainforests that blanket the islands are home to black bears and Sitka deer, while the waters teem with marine life. The journey is punctuated by stops at charming port towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, each offering a unique glimpse into Alaskan culture and history.
One of the highlights of the Inside Passage is Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its massive tidewater glaciers. Watching a glacier calve—where huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the water below—is an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the raw power and beauty of Alaska.
2. Seward Highway: Gateway to the Kenai Peninsula
For those exploring Alaska by road, the Seward Highway is a must-drive route that showcases the stunning diversity of the state’s landscapes. The highway stretches 127 miles from Anchorage to the coastal town of Seward, winding its way through some of the most scenic areas in Alaska.
The journey begins in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and quickly transitions from urban to wild as the road hugs the Turnagain Arm, a narrow waterway bordered by the Chugach Mountains. On one side, steep cliffs rise from the water, while on the other, the vast mudflats of Turnagain Arm stretch out towards the ocean. The area is known for its dramatic tidal bores and is a prime spot for spotting beluga whales.
As the highway continues south, it passes through the Kenai Peninsula, often referred to as “Alaska’s Playground” for its abundance of outdoor activities. The road winds through mountain passes, alongside glacial lakes, and through dense forests, offering endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The drive culminates in Seward, a picturesque town nestled between the mountains and the sea, and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where visitors can explore glaciers, fjords, and abundant marine life.
3. Denali Park Road: Into the Heart of the Wilderness
Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), and one of the best ways to experience the park’s stunning wilderness is by traveling along the Denali Park Road. This 92-mile road is the only one that cuts through the park, offering unparalleled access to its rugged interior.
The road begins at the park entrance and winds its way through taiga forests, alpine tundra, and mountain passes, offering incredible views of Denali and the surrounding peaks. Wildlife is abundant in the park, and travelers are likely to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep along the way. The road is mostly unpaved and open only to park buses, bicycles, and a limited number of private vehicles, preserving the park’s pristine environment and providing a more intimate experience with the wilderness.
One of the highlights of traveling the Denali Park Road is the opportunity to see the northern lights, particularly in the fall when the nights begin to lengthen. The aurora borealis can cast an ethereal glow over the landscape, adding a magical element to the already stunning scenery. Experiencing the Alaska cruise northern lights from this vantage point is an unforgettable addition to any Alaskan journey.
4. Richardson Highway: A Journey Through Time
The Richardson Highway is Alaska’s oldest highway and one of its most historic routes, offering a journey through both time and breathtaking scenery. The highway stretches 368 miles from Valdez, a coastal town in Prince William Sound, to Fairbanks in the interior, crossing a diverse array of landscapes along the way.
The highway begins in Valdez, a town surrounded by snow-capped peaks and known for its fishing and oil industries. From Valdez, the road climbs up through the Chugach Mountains, passing by the Worthington Glacier and through the Thompson Pass, one of the snowiest places in Alaska. The views from the pass are nothing short of spectacular, with towering mountains, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
As the highway continues north, it parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a reminder of the state’s rich oil history, and crosses the vast expanse of the Copper River Basin. The basin is home to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States, and offers stunning views of the park’s massive mountains and glaciers.
The journey culminates in Fairbanks, a city known for its gold rush history and as a gateway to the Arctic. The Richardson Highway is not only a scenic route but also a journey through Alaska’s past, providing travelers with a deep connection to the state’s history and natural beauty.
5. Haines Highway: From the Fjords to the Interior
The Haines Highway is one of Alaska’s most scenic and lesser-known routes, offering a journey from the coastal fjords to the interior wilderness. The highway stretches 146 miles from the town of Haines, located in the northern part of the Inside Passage, to Haines Junction in Canada’s Yukon Territory.
The road begins in Haines, a charming town surrounded by mountains and known for its rich Native culture and outdoor activities. From Haines, the highway follows the Chilkat River, a prime spot for eagle watching, and then climbs up through the Chilkat Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
As the highway continues into the interior, the landscape shifts from coastal rainforest to alpine tundra, providing a diverse array of scenery along the way. The Haines Highway is particularly beautiful in the fall when the tundra is ablaze with autumn colors, creating a stunning contrast against the snow-capped mountains.
The highway is also a designated National Scenic Byway, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. Whether you’re traveling the Haines Highway for its scenic views or its outdoor adventures, it’s a route that offers a true taste of Alaska’s wild beauty.
Conclusion
Alaska’s scenic routes offer travelers a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or driving through the interior, each route provides a unique perspective on the state’s natural beauty and rich history. From the coastal wonders of the Inside Passage to the rugged wilderness of Denali, these routes are more than just a means to an end—they are an integral part of the Alaskan experience. As you travel these paths, be sure to take in the breathtaking views, the abundant wildlife, and the sense of adventure that makes Alaska a destination like no other.
