National Parks of Alaska: How Remote Can You Get?

Alaska, often referred to as "The Last Frontier," is a land of untamed wilderness and breathtaking landscapes. Its national parks stand as testaments to the state's natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to experience the raw, unspoiled majesty of the great outdoors. In this post, we'll explore every one of Alaska's seven iconic national parks, each a treasure trove of unique ecosystems, wildlife, and stunning vistas.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, is a vast wilderness expanse that covers over six million acres. Visitors to Denali are greeted by a diverse range of ecosystems, from taiga forests to alpine tundra. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep. The Park was originally created to protect the Dall sheep, and because of this development has been limited. In fact, the entire Park only has one road winding through it, and this road can normally only be accessed past mile 15 by authorized bus tours or transportation. With that said, there is plenty of opportunity for hiking in Denali National Park, and the Denali Road Lottery, held annually, allows lucky winners to drive the park road, providing unparalleled access to the park's interior.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the largest internationally protected area on the planet, Glacier Bay National Park is a mesmerizing tapestry of fjords, glaciers, and coastal mountains. Visitors can witness the dynamic forces of nature as glaciers calve into the icy waters of the bay. The park is also a prime location for observing marine life, including humpback whales, sea lions, and sea otters. Kayaking through the park's intricate waterways offers an intimate connection with this glacial wonderland.

Kenai Fjords National Park

On the Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park showcases the stunning intersection of ice and ocean. Glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, creating a dramatic backdrop for coastal fjords. Boat tours navigate through these icy waters, offering glimpses of tidewater glaciers and the diverse marine life that inhabits the area. Visitors might witness orcas breaching, puffins nesting on rocky cliffs, and harbor seals basking on floating ice.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

As the largest national park in the United States (clocking in at a truly astronomical 13.2 million acres), Wrangell-St. Elias is a true wilderness frontier. Its vast landscapes include towering mountain ranges, expansive glaciers, and the iconic Kennecott Mines. Adventurous souls can explore the backcountry on extensive hiking trails, while those seeking a more leisurely experience can marvel at the panoramic views from the McCarthy Road. The park's rich history, shaped by both Native Alaskan cultures and the prospecting era, adds a fascinating layer to the overall experience.

Gates of the Arctic national Park

This pristine landscape is the furthest north National Park in America. Its remoteness is more than a gimmick, as the entire park has no sanctioned trails or roads. Gates of the Arctic blows Denali National Park out of the water when it comes to size, coming in at almost 8.5 million acres. Striking granite and limestone ridges climb over 7000 feet towards the sky, shading the thousands of alpine lakes and six Wild and Scenic rivers that populate this unique National Park. Caribou, wolverines, wolves, Dall sheep, moose, and grizzly bears all roam this rugged landscape, showing that life prevails even in the furthest and most remote regions of the world.

Kobuk Valley National Park

Nestled adjacent to Gates of the Arctic National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park borders the Kobuk River, both an ancient and current corridor for people and wildlife. One of Kobuk Valley’s most iconic sights is the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. These staggering dunes are the largest dunes north of the Arctic Circle. These dunes were created by glaciers during the last ice age. These glaciers ground the rocks beneath them into a fine sand, which was then blown into the shapes of the dunes we see today. While the forest has been slowly retaking these dunes since the glaciers receded, there’s still about 16,000 acres of untouched dunes to be seen. These dunes harbor sparse grasses and sedges on their slopes, as well as the Kobuk locoweed, a plant found only on the banks of these massive dunes.