The 6 Best Day Hikes in Southcentral Alaska
The hiking is phenomenal throughout Alaska, but the deeper you go into the wilderness, the higher the level of skill and preparation you’ll need. Here are the best hikes that combine scenery, interesting terrain, and reasonable access all in one. These treks will truly immerse you in the wild grandeur that defines Southcentral Alaska.
Lost Lake Trail
The Lost Lake Trail near Seward is a 15-mi (24-km) thru-hike with some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see. Lost Lake itself (at about the midway point) is the highlight, and if you’re into backpacking you can easily spend one or two nights simply exploring the rolling tundra and other lakes nearby.
Mineral Creek Trail
The Mineral Creek Trail in Valdez offers a 12.2-mi (19.6-km) round-trip stroll to an old stamp mill, but it’s the spectacular scenery—lush, Jurassic Park-worthy greenery dotted with frothy waterfalls—that really makes it stand out. You can shorten the hike by a few miles if you’re comfortable driving on the rough unmaintained road, which also doubles as the hiking trail, or if you hitch a ride on a passing ATV.
Portage Pass Trail
Perhaps the best short hike in the state, the 5-mi (8-km) round-trip Portage Pass Trail out of Whittier offers stunning views almost from the word “go,” with Portage Glacier on one side and the shimmering waters of Passage Canal on the other. Although there are a few challenging spots with uneven footing, most reasonably active individuals can make it up to the shore of the glacier’s lake without too much trouble.
Grewingk Glacier and Saddle Trail
If you want to feel like you’re on a grand adventure without going too far from civilization, take a water taxi across Kachemak Bay from Homer and hike the 3.2-mi (5.1-km, one-way) Grewingk Glacier Trail, where you can picnic at the edge of a glacial lake while hardly breaking a sweat on the way in. For a little more of a challenge, hike out via the moderate to challenging Saddle Trail, which is only another mile (1.6 km) of distance. You’ll need to arrange in advance for the water taxi to pick you up at the Saddle trailhead.
April Bowl and Reed Lakes
Hatcher Pass, north of Wasilla and Palmer, offers some of the best “drive-up tundra” hiking you’ll find anywhere in the state. Because you can get up above the tree line—or very close to it—before you even leave your car, you’re treated to sweeping vistas that extend for miles. April Bowl (2.5 mi/4 km round-trip) and the 11-mi (17.7-km) round-trip hike to the beautiful blue-green Reed Lakes are two of the best hikes here.
Root Glacier
For visitors willing to brave the rough, unpaved 60-mi (96.5-km) road to McCarthy, the 4-mi (6.4-km) round-trip hike out to the Root Glacier is absolutely splendid. Although you can go by yourself, it’s great fun to hire one of the local guide services, which can take you hiking on the glacier itself or even ice climbing.
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