6 Most Breathtaking Towns In Alaska
Alaska doesn't do scenery halfway. In Sitka, mist rolls over forested mountains as whales surface offshore. Ketchikan's colorful Creek Street sits above a salmon-filled waterway, while Valdez is framed by snowcapped peaks and towering waterfalls. In Girdwood, glaciers and thick spruce forests create a setting straight out of a storybook. But Alaska's beauty isn't just something to admire from a distance. Waterfront boardwalks, wildlife cruises, and mountain trails bring visitors right into the heart of these extraordinary landscapes. These seven beautiful small towns prove that Alaska's fairy-tale scenery is very much real.
Sitka
Sitka sits on Baranof Island inside the Tongass National Forest, flanked by mountains and Sitka Sound. The setting alone is gorgeous, even before mentioning the mist blanketing the forest or the views of the glacial inlets. The water teems with whales and sea otters, and the skies are taken over by bald eagles and peregrine falcons. One of the best ways to explore Sitka is to hike up Mount Verstovia, a 2.5-mile trek, to see the town laid out below, the mountains behind it, the sea, and a deep blue lake. Those who prefer a level hike can take a stroll in Tongass, past waterfalls, creeks, old-growth spruce trees, and rivers. The forest is home to various wildlife, including black-tailed deer. In March and April, whales and orcas feed on the herring runs in the sound, creating spectacular sightings. Visitors can see them from whale watching boats or from the shore. Visitors can also head to Sitka National Historical Park to see the totem poles and learn more about the local Tlingit tribe.
Ketchikan
In Ketchikan, Creek Street is a main attraction. The boardwalk path takes people along pink, red, and green buildings, with Ketchikan Creek on the other side. In season, harbor seals and salmon frequent the creek. While strolling Creek Street, visitors can pop into Dolly's House Museum, one of the quirkiest stops in town. Ketchikan is one of Alaska's most beautiful towns and the place where visitors can see the Misty Fjords National Monument, also known as the 'Yosemite of the North'. Floatplane tours take passengers right over this wilderness area to see the valleys, fjords, and granite cliffs. Those who want to hike can head into Tongass for a guided trek with a naturalist. People also kayak out to Orcas Cove to see the bald eagles and more seals.
Girdwood
Flightseeing tours are also on offer in breathtaking Girdwood to see the trees and glaciers from a different angle. Visitors can even book a helicopter glacier trekking tour to hike on the ice with a guide. Hiking is a big deal in Girdwood, especially along the Virgin Creek Falls trail that passes several waterfalls. The Crow Pass Trail offers 21 miles of scenic hiking to the Eagle River Nature Center. In town, the Alyeska Nordic Spa, next to the Alyeska Resort, offers hot and cold pools, steam rooms, and saunas within the forest. After a couple of hours of relaxation, visitors can take the Alyeska Tram to the upper terminal on Mount Alyeska, enjoying incredible views along the way. From the top, there are more views of the mountain glaciers and Turnagain Arm. In winter, skiers take the tram to get to the ski terrain surrounding the town. Back on the ground during the summer, the Girdwood Forest Fair draws the creative with crafts, artwork, food, and music.
Valdez
Looking like a scene straight out of Frozen, Valdez comes to the party with coastal fjord surroundings and the Chugach Mountains rising out of Prince William Sound. It is one of the snowiest towns in America, receiving an average of 300 inches of snow every year. When it is not snowing, the 600-foot-tall Bridal Veil Falls in Keystone Canyon is one of the best attractions to see before even reaching downtown. The stunning Horsetail Falls is located next to it. In Valdez, visitors often take a boat tour before exploring the streets and surroundings. Cruise ships and whale-watching boats offer tours of the sound, and the chance to see whales, orcas, sea lions, and sea otters. Those who want to see the glaciers can drive up to Glacier Lake and walk to the icebergs near the shore. Valdez Glacier is located at the back of the lake. Other glaciers to see include the Columbia Glacier in the sound and the Meares Glacier. In the summer, the 3.8-mile John Hunter Memorial Trail beckons, taking hikers to Solomon Gulch as they pass bridges and waterfalls. In winter, heli-skiing at Thompson Pass draws thousands of visitors.
Juneau
Juneau is the largest town on this list and one of the greatest whale-watching destinations in Alaska. The whales arrive in April and stay until November, with the most sightings between June and August. Whale-watching tours get visitors as close to the whales as safely possible while offering 360-degree views. Juneau is also a gorgeous town where a seven-hour boat ride takes passengers to the Tracy Arm Fjord and offers the chance to see even more whales. The town sits along the Inside Passage within Tongass, which means it gets around 230 rainy days every year. Against the lush green and the snowcapped mountains, the Mendenhall Glacier looks incredibly blue. You can see the glacier from the main road or hike up to it. Helicopter tours also land on it, allowing for ice treks. Other things to do include hiking the paved trail to Nugget Falls, a 377-foot waterfall that cascades into Mendenhall Lake, before heading to the Alaskan Brewing Company for an Alaskan beer.
Seward
The Kenai Mountains overlook the small town of Seward, while the town overlooks the dramatic waters of Resurrection Bay. The mountain and water views stay incredible whether you hike to Resurrection River or explore the tiny neighborhood of Lowell Point beneath the trees. From Lowell Point, it is possible to see some of Seward's wildlife, including orcas and puffins. Those who want to see the land animals, like bears, can book a wildlife cruise. Wildlife cruises can be combined with glacier cruises for the best of both experiences. After trying some of the delicious local food at Woody's Thai Kitchen and grabbing a coffee at Resurrect Art Coffee House, visitors can head to Kenai Fjords National Park, which sits just outside Seward. Here, the Glacier Overlook Trail leads to a viewpoint over the ice, while the challenging 8.2-mile round-trip Harding Icefield Trail takes around a day to complete and offers stunning views of the icefield.
Alaska's Beautiful Towns Leave A Lasting Impression
Alaska is a fantastic destination for taking photos that capture the memories of a family holiday or solo trip. But the state's beauty also captures the soul, laying bare a landscape where the weather is unpredictable, the mountains present a challenge, and ancient marine creatures roam the deep. If you are drawn by hiking trails in the wilderness or the call of the whales, Alaska's small towns offer you an adventurous escape in an unmatched setting.
