Explore North of Anchorage: 5-Day Itinerary of Scenic Adventures and Cultural Treasures

Easily accessible by road, rail, or air, the areas north of Anchorage offer a treasure trove of historical and cultural sites, vast wilderness landscapes, and family-friendly roadside attractions. Spend a few days here to gain a fresh perspective on the city and its surroundings.

Day 1

Know Before You Go Scenic overlooks and cultural sites provide stunning elevated views and unique perspectives. Featuring Mountain Hike Scenic Drive Cultural Site  Average Duration: Half to Full Day Google Street View Learn the lay of the land

Begin with a relaxing stroll or ski at Arctic Valley, where panoramic views of Anchorage await, alongside popular hiking trails, abundant summer berries, and winter ski slopes. Just a short drive north of downtown, the trailheads deliver breathtaking sunrises over the Chugach Mountains or sunsets over Cook Inlet and the Anchorage Bowl. Scenic pullouts along the 7-mile Arctic Valley Road offer prime photo opportunities.

Refuel with lunch in Eagle River, then return toward town. At the city's northeast edge, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for an immersive introduction to Alaska's diverse Indigenous cultures, including the local Dena'ina Athabascan heritage.

Day 2

Credits: Nicole Geils Know Before You Go Eklutna Lake is a beloved recreation spot and the glacier-fed source of Anchorage's drinking water. Featuring Lakeside Hike Kayaking Scenic Drive Cultural Site  Average Duration: Full Day More About Eklutna Lake

Travel north to Eklutna Historical Park to delve into Dena'ina Athabascan history, culture, customs, and Russian Orthodox influences. Highlights include colorful Spirit Houses and the historic split-log Old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Continue along the scenic Eklutna Lake Road for 10 miles of valley vistas and dramatic mountains. At the end, Eklutna Lake awaits: admire the peaks, rent a kayak (guides available), or hike/bike the picturesque Eklutna Lakeside Trail.

Day 3

Credits: State of Alaska | Matt Hage Know Before You Go Chugach State Park covers over 495,000 acres, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Featuring Scenic Drive Nature Center Waterfall Mountain Biking  Average Duration: Full Day Google Street View More About The Area

Start in Chugach State Park at the Eagle River Nature Center, featuring educational exhibits and programs amid trails with epic Eagle River Valley views.

Drive north on the Glenn Highway to Thunderbird Falls: A 1-mile trail leads to a 200-foot waterfall, with a viewing platform (winter ice formations dazzle).

Cool off at Mirror Lake, a perfect picnic spot. Nearby, a 5-mile mountain bike trail winds through forests, suitable for all skill levels.

Day 4

Credits: Frank Flavin Know Before You Go Lake Hood is the world's busiest floatplane base, ideal for aerial views of Denali. Featuring Flightseeing  Average Duration: Half Day More About Flightseeing

Visit Lake Hood for a small-plane flightseeing tour: Reach Denali, North America's tallest peak, in 40 minutes, with options for lake and glacier landings to create lasting Alaska memories.

Day 5

Credits: Juno Kim Know Before You Go Anchorage began as a tent city to support Alaska Railroad construction. Featuring Rail Tour  Average Duration: Full Day+ More About Railroad Tours

Board the Alaska Railroad at the downtown depot and travel north: Enjoy Denali vistas and wildlife on the winter Hurricane Turn (returns same day) or summer Denali Star (stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, en route to Denali National Park and Fairbanks).