Alaska Hiking

If you're lucky enough to get to be in Alaska, you aren't far from a great hiking or backpacking trail or area. Alaska has one of the best spots for winter Alaska hiking, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

Here's a list of some of our top picks for Alaska hiking trails:

Anchorage Area – Caines Head Alpine Trail

Caines Head Alpine Trail is probably the most underrated and underused Alaska hiking trail in the whole Anchorage area. The trailhead is marked by a small sign and a kiosk just .25 miles back towards Derby Cove from North Beach. From here, it doesn't look like the trail has much to offer, however, as you start the slow climb up to the alpine area, you'll realize just why this Alaska hiking trail might just be the peninsula's best kept secret.

The trail weaves throughout the gorgeous forest crossing numerous streams and a large waterfall. And if you stand still for just a moment and look around you'll find panoramic views of Resurrection Bay and its gorgeous mountains begin at about mile 1.5.

Caines Head Alpine Trail offers switchbacks, waning forests, hike breaks through the treeline, unlimited views, and jaw-dropping beauty of the scenery below. This Alaska hiking trail also gives you excellent views of Callisto Canyon, Callisto Peak, Thumb Cove (Spruce and Porcupine Glaciers), Caines Head, and the numerous islands that dot the entrance to the bay and the Northern Pacific beyond.

Chugach National Forest – Devil's Pass

Another great Alaska hiking trail worth checking out is Devil's Pass. In 2000, everyone was talking about how overgrown and a real hassle the trail has become. However, in 2004, there was a complete cleanup and overhaul of the trail so there is no longer any excuse for you not to check it out.

Of course, with a name like Devil's Pass, you probably think your bottom's going to end up whupped by the time you to the Pass, but you'll soon find that this Alaska hiking trail is easy, great for beginners or a group of young hikers. Most of the trail is wide and smooth, which is nice because you can really focus on the scenery. But the distance might be a bit daunting.

However, don't let that downside pull you down. Devil's Pass is one of the few Alaska hiking trails in the Chugach National Forest that you don't have to walk under canopy for many miles before getting great views.

Denali State Park – Upper Troublesome Creek Trail

Okay, what is up with all these names? Probably reverse psychology because the creek is not troublesome at all. In fact, it's even pretty with huge boulders strewn about.

The Upper Troublesome Creek Trail follows right along the river bank for the first three miles before you slowly and easily head up with intermittent views of the creek. At one point is a cool rock formation created by the wind. After this feature, the Alaska hiking trail gets a bit overgrown, but nothing unmanageable.