8 Coziest Mountain Towns In Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the United States, covering over 665,000 square miles. Much of Alaska remains unexplored due to its almost unnavigable terrain, including glaciers, lakes, and mountains. Out of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska, including Denali, the highest peak in North America and one of the seven summits. Due to the vast mountainous landscapes, up to 86% of Alaska’s towns and communities are not connected to any major road network. Consequently, many Alaska towns are limited in size and feature mountain backdrops, creating a cozy, snow globe-like feel.

Homer

Homer’s skyline is dominated by mountains in each direction: volcanic peaks can be seen across the Cook Inlet, and the Kenai Mountains are visible from across the Kachemak Bay. Learn more about the landscape and communities at the Pratt Museum, which displays natural history, flora, and fauna. Homer is known for its vibrant art scene, with a section of Pioneer Avenue dubbed “Gallery Row” due to the number of galleries there, such as Ptarmigan Arts, which displays jewelry, paintings, pottery, and woodwork. AJ’s OldTown Steakhouse and Tavern is one of the oldest businesses in Homer. It boasts a relaxed atmosphere and offers great steak, seafood, and entertainment within its wood-paneled interior.

Juneau

Juneau is Alaska’s capital city and is hemmed in from the outside world by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. Ride the Goldbelt Tram 1,800 feet through the rain forest for panoramic views of downtown Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. Juneau was born from a gold rush in 1880. That history can still be experienced today at Red Dog Saloon, which features saloon-style swinging doors and sawdust floors to create an authentic experience for visitors and locals alike.

Marine Park is located on the waterfront and is worth visiting year-round. Picnic tables and benches are available to sit at while enjoying food from vendors in the park, watching float planes in the summer, and admiring illuminated sculptures in the winter.

Sitka

Sitka is located on the west of Baranof Island, home to dozens of mountains, and is known for its unique blend of Russian and Alaskan Native cultures. St. Michael’s Cathedral is a focal point of the town and the first Russian church in America, open to visitors daily. The Sitka Sound Science Center showcases local marine life with a salmon hatchery and touch tanks holding specimens collected from Sitka waters. Sitka is also home to Alaska’s oldest National Park, Sitka National Historical Park. A modest outdoor area at around 110 acres, the park hosts ranger-led walks, carving demonstrations, and the main attraction - totem poles.

Skagway

Skagway has a strong historical connection to the Klondike Gold Rush. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center showcases old photographs and videos that recount the 1890s Alaskan gold rush. Delve further into history by riding the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, which, in vintage train carriages, takes you through mountains, waterfalls, gorges, and glaciers to White Summit across the border in Canada’s Yukon Territory. The route was developed for the gold rush, and tourists can retrace the steps of people who came here for the golden riches.

Skagway attracts close to one million visitors annually. Part of the town’s appeal is its historic downtown area. The Red Onion Saloon is a favorite among visitors. What was once the finest bordello in Skagway is now a bar, restaurant, and museum combined.

Valdez

Valdez is a quaint seaside community surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range. Get closer to the mountains and glaciers on the Prince William Sound by booking a tour with Stan Stephens Glacier and Wildlife Cruises and catch a glimpse of varied Alaskan wildlife such as sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles soaring above. Learn more about the Prince William Sound at the Valdez Museum, which preserves and presents the history and culture of Valdez and the surrounding landscape. Before leaving, one can spend some time at Kelsey Dock, a 600-foot wooden wharf managed by the city of Valdez. It is a recreational site for fishing and picnicking.

Cordova

Cordova is known for being a great base from which to explore the Copper River Delta, which is located east of the town. Each year at the beginning of May, the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival celebrates the arrival of over five million shorebirds. Their arrival brings bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and locals together to enjoy presentations from expert speakers, classes and workshops, and guided birding trips.

The Cordova Saturday Market is held inside the Masonic Hall. Wander around the stalls of local artisans and vendors and try free food samples. To learn about the region's history, visit the Cordova Historical Museum, which features work from local artists, rotating exhibits, and a vast collection of artifacts.

Seldovia

Seldovia is only accessible by boat or plane, and the streets have more pedestrians than cars, giving it a quiet and cozy atmosphere. There is an abundance of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, kayaking, and berry picking. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, and adventurers can head out on one of the two Rocky Ridge Trails in town, each taking a few hours with sights of creeks, mountains, and bridges. To learn more about the flora and fauna that you spot on the hike, visit the Seldovia Visitor Center and Museum to view both permanent and temporary exhibits.

For a less intense experience, one can walk along the Historic Boardwalk, which, in addition to providing water access, is also a city street lined with private homes, shops, restaurants, and galleries. Such galleries include Asta Galleries and Suites, which showcases work in varying forms, such as woodwork, fibers, clay, and watercolors.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is known for its views of Denali and is actually closer to Denali than the National Park entrance. This makes Talkeetna a base camp for mountaineers attempting to climb it. Visit the Talkeetna Riverfront Park for pictures of the Denali mountain range. Visitors who want to learn more about the history of the area should visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, which hosts events and collections regarding the local history of mining, trapping, and mountaineering. After a day out, unwind at Denali Brewpub, which offers house-brewed ales, casual dining, tastings and tours, and outdoor seating and firepits.

A Cozy Alaskan Trip Among The Mountains

Whether you want to enjoy walking down a historic downtown district with mountains towering over the town, view wildlife, or learn about Alaska’s mining history, these mountain towns have something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the coziness of the mountains while exploring galleries, cultural centers, and scenic parks. From glaciers and shorebirds to boardwalk strolls and historic saloons, the charm of Alaska shines in every season, making each town a memorable stop on your journey.