The Ultimate Guide to Alaska’s National Parks: Explore Denali, Lake Clark, Katmai, Gates of the Arctic, and BEYOND!

Denali National Park is synonymous with grandeur, anchored by Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), North America’s tallest mountain. Spanning six million acres, its landscapes range from lush forests and alpine tundra to glaciers and rugged peaks. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering sightings of grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep.

During summer, most visitors explore Denali via guided bus tours along the iconic Park Road. However, with the road currently closed at mile 43, much of the park’s grandeur remains out of reach for many. For the self-guided traveler, backcountry permits—available in person at the Backcountry Information Center—open the door to a deeper exploration of the park’s wild terrain. Flexibility is key, as permits are issued no earlier than one day before your trip.

For an unforgettable aerial perspective, consider a flightseeing tour from Talkeetna. This historic staging point for Alaska Range mountaineers offers skilled glacier pilots who can land you on the park’s massive glaciers. Talkeetna is also home to a second Denali National Park visitor center rich with Alaska mountaineering history. We recommend K2 Aviation or Talkeetna Air Taxi for an awe-inspiring flight over Denali’s towering peaks. Every step on a glacier? Some flight tours offer ski-plane landings and a few moments on the ice to take in the rugged landscape.

Yet, to truly experience Denali requires more than a glimpse from the air or a drive along the road. Alaska Alpine Adventures offers unparalleled access to Denali’s remote wilderness through exclusive floatplane drop-offs and expertly guided trips. Far from the crowds, you’ll discover the untouched heart of the park on foot, hiking through rugged terrain and experiencing Denali’s magic up close. Whether embarking on a 7 & 10-day, Denali Unexplored Backpacking expedition or enjoying a family-friendly Denali Unexplored Basecamp and hiking adventure, we create connections to Alaska’s wild beauty that last a lifetime

Katmai National Park is a land of extraordinary contrasts, renowned for its volcanic landscapes and thriving wildlife. At its heart lies the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an immense ash-filled plain left behind by the 1912 Novarupta eruption—the largest volcanic event of the 20th century. This otherworldly terrain is paired with a rich ecosystem that draws adventurers and nature lovers from around the world.

Most visitors come to Katmai for its legendary bear viewing. Brooks Falls is world-famous for its iconic images of brown bears snatching salmon mid-leap, and events like Fat Bear Week have brought even more attention to this incredible spectacle. Brooks Lodge, the campground, and viewing platforms concentrate activity on this small but captivating part of the park.

But there’s far more to Katmai than Brooks Falls. Daily bus tours to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes showcase the park’s volcanic wonders, while guided kayak trips along pristine coastlines and hikes up Dumpling Mountain reveal its incredible diversity.

For those seeking solitude and a deeper connection to the wild, the true magic of Katmai begins where the crowds end. Alaska Alpine Adventures takes you beyond the well-trodden paths, offering unrivaled access to Katmai’s remote northern wilderness. On our 7-day Backpacking Katmai trip, you’ll traverse sublime landscapes where high-mountain streams teem with salmon, brown bears roam freely, and geological and biological wonders collide in an unforgettable display of nature. Keep an eye out for caribou and foxes roaming the tundra.

Prefer a more comfortable basecamp experience? Our 5-day Basecamp Bears adventure immerses you in the heart of Katmai’s bear country, offering day hikes, wildlife photography, and intimate encounters with Alaska’s iconic brown bears. From our riverside perch above salmon-filled streams, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to witness bears feeding in their natural habitat—ideal for capturing that once-in-a-lifetime photograph.

Whether you’re backpacking or basecamping, there’s nothing quite like wrapping up your Katmai adventure with a hot shower, superb meals, and a touch of comfort—plus a visit to Lake Clark National Park. Our partners at Lake Clark Resort offer all this and more on your last night’s stay. Hosted by the Alsworth family, whose homesteading legacy helped give Port Alsworth its name, the resort is a warm and welcoming conclusion to your adventure.

Still exploring your options? Consider our 10-day Valley Experience or Parks of the Peninsula Basecamp, which combines Katmai’s volcanic and wildlife wonders for unrivaled experiences—perfect for those who plan ahead. Whether hiking volcanic ash fields or photographing bears in the wild, Katmai’s raw beauty and primal spirit will stay with you forever.

Gates of the Arctic National Park is an unmatched destination for those seeking pure, untamed wilderness. Spanning over 8.4 million acres above the Arctic Circle, it is the crown jewel of the U.S. National Park system for adventure and exploration, completely devoid of roads, trails, or infrastructure. As the headwaters for six Wild and Scenic Rivers and home to iconic wildlife like caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, and golden eagles, the park offers a rare and immersive encounter with nature at its rawest.

The park’s iconic name comes from Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain guarding over the Koyukuk River deep in the parks interior. They welcome adventurers into the Brooks Range, where activities like backpacking, rafting, and wilderness camping promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Most of the park’s visitors arrive via air taxi in the gateway community of Bettles, Alaska before continuing via bush plane, landing on gravel bars or float-plane lakes deep in the wilderness. From there, the experience is entirely self-directed—hiking, camping, and navigating a landscape shaped by glaciers, rivers, and rugged mountain ranges. Gates of the Arctic is not for the faint of heart; it rewards those who are prepared for solitude and the challenges of true wilderness.

Feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities? Alaska Alpine Adventures makes it easy to experience the best of this remarkable park. Trek across the Continental Divide on the Oolah Valley High Route, an extraordinary journey through glacially carved valleys and tundra-clad ridges. Looking for a mix of adventure? Combine the iconic Backpacking Arrigetch Peaks trip with a float down the Wild and Scenic Alatna River on the Arrigetch-Alatna Pack Raft expedition. For true park aficionados, our Noatak River & Kobuk Valley Combo is a must. This two-park powerhouse adventure is so popular that it sells out nearly two years in advance—be sure to book early to secure your spot!

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a hidden gem, offering a stunning blend of rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, active volcanoes, and thriving wildlife. Although closer to Anchorage than any other national park, Lake Clark’s wild and remote landscape feels a world away, with access only by plane or boat, making every journey to its borders an adventure in itself.

At the heart of the park lies Lake Clark, a breathtaking turquoise expanse framed by jagged peaks. Here, visitors can kayak, fish, or simply bask in the serenity of its pristine waters. Beyond the lake, volcanic giants like Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna dominate the horizon, their active status a constant reminder of Alaska’s dynamic geology.

Lake Clark is also rich in human history. The preserved cabin of Richard Proenneke, made famous by the book One Man’s Wilderness and the PBS film Alone in the Wilderness, stands as a testament to his legendary story. Living alone in his hand-built cabin for nearly 30 years, Proenneke’s life of self-reliance and harmony with nature continues to inspire adventurers and conservationists alike. Meanwhile, the enduring presence of the Dena’ina people highlights the cultural richness of the park. For centuries, the Dena’ina have thrived in this resource-rich region, relying on salmon, caribou, and moose while passing down invaluable lessons in subsistence living and environmental stewardship.

Wildlife abounds in Lake Clark’s diverse ecosystems. Coastal brown bears gather along the shores to feast on salmon, while moose, caribou, and bald eagles roam the park’s interior. For those venturing deeper into its remote corners, the opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat is unforgettable—a testament to the park’s thriving and untamed wilderness.

Lake Clark holds a special place in our hearts—and for good reason. The company’s roots trace back to
exploratory backpacking routes and first ascents of unnamed peaks in the Tordrillo, Neacola, and Chigmit sub-ranges, where the volcanic mountains of the Aleutian Range meet the uplifted peaks of the Alaska Range. Alaska Alpine Adventures’ founder, Dan Oberlatz, is more than just a resident of Port Alsworth—he’s a passionate explorer who has channeled his deep connection to Lake Clark into curating trips that showcase the park’s most serene and awe-inspiring corners. Every itinerary is carefully designed to provide an intimate glimpse into this untamed wilderness, ensuring each adventure reflects the unique beauty and spirit of Lake Clark.

Ready to dive into adventure? The 10-day Turquoise Glacier High Route takes you across breathtaking glacial landscapes and rugged wilderness. Not quite ready for such a long journey? The 7-day Turquoise to Twin Traverse is the perfect introduction to Alaska’s off-trail backpacking. Prefer a mix of paddling and hiking? The Turquoise Kayak and Hike and Twin Lake Paddle trips combine kayak-assisted basecamps with access to the region’s most unforgettable day hikes.

Still unsure? Talk to Dan! With his wealth of knowledge about Lake Clark’s climbing history, hidden routes, and unique wilderness, he’s the ultimate resource for crafting your perfect adventure in Alaska’s most serene national park.

Spanning an astonishing 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States—larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined. Bordering Canada’s Kluane National Park, and with Glacier Bay National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Park to the south, this vast wilderness forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest internationally protected area.

Wrangell-St. Elias is a land of extremes, where towering peaks, sprawling glaciers, and boundless wilderness converge to create a landscape that is as humbling as it is awe-inspiring. The park boasts nine of the 16 tallest mountains in the United States, including Mount St. Elias, which soars to 18,008 feet. Vast glaciers like Malaspina and Hubbard carve deep valleys and feed wild rivers that snake through untouched terrain. The sheer scale of Wrangell-St. Elias offers adventurers a rare opportunity to experience Alaska’s rugged frontier on an unmatched level.
The historic wilderness community of McCarthy/Kennecott is a focal point for visitors, drawing climbers, backcountry hikers, mountaineers, and history buffs alike. Once a thriving copper mining town, the historic Kennecott Mines now stand as a testament to human ingenuity in the face of Alaska’s unforgiving landscape. Visitors can explore the restored mill building and uncover the stories of those who lived and worked here a century ago. For the adventurous, glacier hikes, ice climbing, and fly-in rafting trips offer thrilling day experiences. Numerous guide services connect visitors to the surrounding mountains, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

At Alaska Alpine Adventures, we pride ourselves on looking beyond the “normal visit” to uncover the lesser-known regions of the park. Our explorations in the more obscure northern parts of the park revealed phenomenal high alpine tundra trekking, towering glaciers, and breathtaking views of Mount Jarvis. On our Exploring the North Wrangells trip, you’ll immerse yourself in the solitude and majesty of this untamed wilderness—an experience that must be felt to be truly understood.

For those seeking adventure, Wrangell-St. Elias delivers in spades. From glacier hikes and wild river rafting to multi-day treks through remote backcountry, the possibilities are as vast as the park itself. Wildlife abounds, with sightings of moose, bears, Dall sheep, and even elusive wolves offering unforgettable moments in the wild. This is a place where adventure knows no bounds, and every visit leaves an indelible mark.

Kobuk Valley National Park is one of Alaska’s most unique and remote treasures. Situated above the Arctic Circle, this park’s defining feature is the surreal Great Kobuk Sand Dunes—a vast, wind-sculpted desert landscape in the heart of the Arctic. Some dunes tower as high as 100 feet, creating a striking anomaly amid the tundra and boreal forest that surround them.

Flowing gracefully through the park is the Kobuk River, a vital artery for wildlife and a serene route for paddlers seeking solitude and connection with nature. Twice a year, the park plays host to one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles in the natural world: the migration of nearly half a million caribou. Witnessing these majestic herds crossing the Kobuk River and traversing the tundra is a humbling experience—a living reminder of the rhythms of nature that define this pristine wilderness.

As one of the least-visited national parks in the United States, Kobuk Valley offers unmatched solitude and an unspoiled wilderness experience. Accessible only by plane, the park invites adventurers to embrace its remoteness and explore its diverse landscapes. Whether it’s trekking across the dunes, paddling the river, or marveling at the endless tundra, Kobuk Valley rewards those willing to journey to its far-flung corners.

For those seeking the ultimate Arctic adventure, our 12-day Noatak River & Kobuk Valley Combo showcases the very best of this region. This two-park epic includes paddling the Wild and Scenic Noatak River before delving into the stark beauty of Kobuk Valley’s dunes. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed majesty of Alaska’s Arctic frontier.

Kobuk Valley inspires awe with its stark contrasts—sand dunes rising in the midst of the Arctic, caribou sweeping across the tundra, and the ever-present silence of its vast wilderness. It’s a place of quiet wonder, where every moment connects you more deeply to the raw beauty of Alaska.

While Alaska’s national parks showcase the grandeur of the Last Frontier, the state’s vast public lands extend far beyond these boundaries. From dramatic mountain ranges to remote wildlife refuges, these lesser-known gems offer equally breathtaking experiences. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a curious traveler, these destinations promise solitude, discovery, and a deeper connection to Alaska’s untamed beauty.

These public lands, though lesser known, embody the spirit of Alaska’s wild and boundless beauty. Whether you’re trekking the Talkeetnas, paddling in the Arctic Refuge, or exploring the volcanic wonders of Aniakchak, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Alaska Alpine Adventures offers guided trips to many of these regions, ensuring safe and seamless access to their most remarkable corners.

Navigating Alaska’s remote national parks can be daunting, but Alaska Alpine Adventures specializes in making the inaccessible accessible. With over 27 years of experience, our Alaska-based company crafts immersive, small-group adventures that bring Alaska’s most remote treasures within reach.

For those who want to experience these remote wonders without the stress of planning, Alaska Alpine Adventures offers expertly crafted, all-inclusive trips. With their skilled guides, bush plane access to remote areas, and a commitment to sustainability, they make it possible to embrace the wild heart of Alaska while leaving a light footprint on the land.

The Last Frontier is calling, inviting you to step beyond the familiar and into landscapes that will leave you forever changed. Answer the call of the wild—Alaska’s national parks are waiting to be explored, one unforgettable adventure at a time.