riverboat cruise in fairbanks alaska

• Riverboat Discovery Cruise Fairbanks

Climb aboard a classic Chena River sternwheeler to experience the living history of Fairbanks, Alaska.

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For decades, riverboats like the Discovery III sternwheeler ran the big rivers of Alaska's interior. They hauled freight and passengers, linked distant communities and helped build new ones. Today the boat takes visitors on a unique tour to explore that history and see firsthand some of Alaska's quintessential pastimes.

Experience some of Alaska's quintessential pastimes.

The stately Discovery III has three decks with comfortable indoor seating, and a fourth top deck with open-air seating. The large red paddlewheel splashing at the stern propels the boat on its journey down the Chena River. It's right on the water shortly after leaving Steamboat Landing that guests see their first Alaskan demo. A bushplane on floats takes off alongside the boat, banking in a long arc until it loops back and lands again. The pilot talks about the wild life of bush flying in Alaska before the boat continues downstream. The next stop is an exuberant sled dog demo at the riverside kennels of late four-time Iditarod musher Susan Butcher.

Upon reaching the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers, guests disembark for a walking tour of a Chena Indian Village. Native Alaskan guides lead groups to see spruce cabins, caches, smokehouses, and crafts created by Athabascans native to interior Alaska. After spending time further exploring the village on their own, guests board the boat for a return ride up the Chena River.

The Riverboat Discovery Cruise includes a bush plane demo, sled dog demo, and Chena Indian Village tour. There is a small giftshop and galley selling snacks, drinks, ice cream, and hearty lunch boxes on the boat. The tour returns to the Steamboat Landing where guests can visit the Discovery Trading Post, the largest Alaskan souvenir shop in Fairbanks .

What to Bring

Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Most of the tour is conducted outside, so bring a light coat or rain jacket if necessary.

Special Instructions

Guests must check in at the Steamboat Landing station at least 30 minutes prior to the tour departure to exchange their voucher for a boarding pass.

Transfers & Meeting Points

The Riverboat Discovery Cruise is just five minutes from the Fairbanks airport and 20 minutes from downtown Fairbanks. Many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. Guests must coordinate their own transportation to the tour.

Riverboat Discovery Cruise 1975 Discovery Drive Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 13. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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With the 2021 summer season still taking shape, some tour providers may not yet have their operating dates set. Availability on AlaskaTravel.com reflects the most current information and is updated daily. Please contact us if you have questions about this tour.

Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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Quick Facts

• Duration 3 Hours
• Options AM, PM
• Operating Dates Daily from 6/1/2024 to 8/31/2024
• Activity Level Less Active

What's Included

• Guided tour through an Athabascan village.
• Passage on a classic sternwheeler riverboat.
• Bush plane and sled dog demonstrations.
• Complimentary coffee and fresh donuts.

Guest Feedback

"We loved this! They made what might look like an ordinary river come alive! This was in our "Top 3 Attractions" list!"

~Ron from Illinois~

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Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Get a taste of the colorful history and cultural traditions in the great interior region of alaska..

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Home » City-Based Day Tours » Fairbanks » Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Day Tour Details

What's included:.

• Narrated tour onboard the Riverboat Discovery III
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included:

Meals and transfers to and from your hotel.

Riverboat Discovery Cruise Experience: Take a Video Tour:

Dates & Rates

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Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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I just want to thank you again for planning an amazing trip for my family and me. We reluctantly returned to Texas yesterday after being in Alaska for 10 days. It was the most amazing trip we have taken! My kids and I enjoyed every minute of them, especially the helicopter ride... Read more  

Karin | Texas

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Don’t miss the Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks (Local Review)

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

The Riverboat Discovery is a wonderful tour you don’t want to miss if you’re traveling to Fairbanks on your trip to Alaska during the summer months.

I’m a former Alaskan and resident of Fairbanks, and I still work in Alaska part of the year as a tour director. Over the past twenty years, I’ve taken hundreds of people to the Riverboat and been on this tour many times. It never gets old, even after many visits! I’ve never had a guest who didn’t love it or a client who booked it independently (including those who are skeptical of tours!) who didn’t thank me for the recommendation.

Why is the Riverboat such an amazing experience? For one thing, it’s a family owned business for three generations, going back to the busy days of riverboats on Alaska’s rivers. Their hospitality and experience really shine through when you join them for a few hours on the river.

In addition, the Riverboat goes up the Chena River and takes you to places you wouldn’t be able to get to any other way, like the impressive confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers. The recreated authenitic Athabascan Chena Village visit is another element that makes this a unique and unforgettable tour.

Listen to my interview with Wade Binkley of the Riverboat Discovery about three generations of life on the river:

Where is the riverboat discovery located.

The Riverboat Discovery is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, along the banks of the Chena River, not far from Fairbanks International Airport.

You can take a taxi or ride share easily to the riverboat landing, or park here if you have a rental car. If a trip on the Riverboat is included in your cruisetour or group tour in Fairbanks, transportation will be provided.

What river is the Riverboat Discovery cruise on?

The Chena River, which flows through Fairbanks to the Tanana River, where the Riverboat cruise turns around.

Who is the Riverboat Discovery experience best for?

Honestly, the Riverboat Discovery is an ideal experience for everyone! I have taken hundreds and maybe thousands of people to the Riverboat and I cannot think of a single person who didn’t like it.

Whether you’re traveling on your own to Fairbanks or part of an organized tour or cruise tour, any age or ability level, this tour is a sure bet for a relaxing and fun morning or afternoon.

What to expect on the Riverboat Discovery

First of all, the Riverboat is big. There is plenty of room to move around on all four decks and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. If you’re sitting indoors there is plenty of room to stand outside as well if you want to go out for photos or fresh air.

There is a galley with snacks and drinks on the first floor and plenty of restrooms.

The tour is about three hours long and takes you downstream on the Chena River to where it meets the Tanana River, with really impressive views of the Tanana at the turnaround point.

In the middle of the tour you will have the opportunity to visit Chena Village. Chena Village is a created village at the site of an Athabascan fish camp. Here you will learn from young local Native Alaskan guides all about the culture and traditions of the Athabascan people , both modern day as well as in the past and how those traditions have adapted since settlers came to Alaska’s interior.

You’ll see how salmon are smoked and preserved as well as other ways of preserving food for Alaska’s harsh winters, and all about traditional dress. It’s a fun and educational experience that also allows for time to explore the village on your own.

You’ll also pass Trailbreaker Kennel, home of the late Susan Butcher, a four time Iditarod winner. Susan’s husband Dave shares about the kennel and the sport of dog mushing and does a cart run with his dog team. Usually you also get to see at least one puppy running around! You’ll also get to learn Susan’s inspiring story and legacy.

If you’re interested in shopping, give yourself a little time before or after the tour since their gift shop has an excellent selection and really good prices.

Accessibility and Mobility

The Riverboat Discovery and the landing are fully wheelchair accessible. The Riverboat has four levels and the upper levels are only accessible by stairs, but there is plenty of space on the first level. Make sure to let them know if you’ll be using a wheelchair, that way they can help you with boarding very efficiently.

When does the Riverboat Discovery operate?

The Riverboat Discovery is a summer experience in Fairbanks. After the ice breaks up and the river has enough water the Riverboat starts operating, generally in mid May. It continues until early fall, usually mid to late September.

How long is the Riverboat Discovery cruise?

The Riverboat Discovery is about three hours. The morning Riverboat is 8:45 am-11:45 am and the afternoon is 2pm-5pm.

Is there food on board the boat?

Yes! They have hot dogs and chili on the boat for purchase and in the morning they have complimentary coffee and blueberry donuts (yum!). They have a few other snacks available for purchase as well.

They also serve lunch at the landing between the morning and afternoon trip, which is super convenient. They have salads, sandwiches and wraps. There is also a sit down lunch from 11:45 am – 1pm offering a set menu of stew, roasted vegetables, salad and dessert.

Is there wifi or cell service?

There is no wifi on board the boat, however there is decent cell service on the river where the riverboat goes. This does depend a bit on your cell provider and if you can roam in Alaska on your plan if you’re a visitor.

Are there restrooms on board the Riverboat Discovery?

Yes, there are lots of restrooms on the Riverboat, with flushing toilets and running water. There are also restrooms at the landing.

What to wear for the Riverboat Discovery

In mid summer, Fairbanks is generally very dry and often quite hot. Most days in mid June through early August are in the 70s and 80s, occasionally hotter. There can be rain showers or cooler weather any day, so I always recommend bringing and extra layer or a rain jacket.

The boat ride is generally not as windy as boat tours on the open ocean, since the boat isn’t moving as fast.

In early and late season it can definitely be raining or chilly. If you start in the morning and it’s cold, it might be warm in the afternoon so make sure you have a couple of layers to stay comfortable.

Costs and Booking

If you are visiting Fairbanks as part of a cruisetour or other organized tour, check to see if the Riverboat Discovery is already included as part of your time in Fairbanks. If not, you can book it on your own (or possibly through your guide, check with them).

If you’re traveling on your own to Fairbanks, you can book directly through their website .

Privacy Policy

Fairbanks: Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour

The Fairbanks Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour offers visitors a captivating blend of Alaskan culture and natural beauty. For just $95.35 per person, this 3-hour excursion immerses travelers in the serene Chena River and the rich heritage of an Athabascan village . From complimentary refreshments to exhilarating dog-sledding demonstrations , this tour promises an unforgettable experience in Alaska’s stunning interior. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a cultural explorer, this tour is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the vibrant spirit of Fairbanks.

• This 3-hour excursion includes a riverboat cruise along the Chena River and a guided tour of an Athabascan village, providing a culture experience.
• The tour is priced at $95.35 per person and offers a flexible booking policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights of the tour include a dog-sledding demonstration, a bush pilot takeoff and landing, and insights into Alaskan frontier living and traditional survival techniques.
• The tour features complimentary refreshments, such as coffee and donuts, as well as the option to purchase additional snacks and beverages.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 151 reviews, praising the beautiful scenery, engaging cultural insights, and exceptional value for money.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure From North Pole
• Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour From Fairbanks
• Fairbanks Ice Fishing Expedition in a Heated Cabin With Fish Cookout
• Northern Lights Viewing at Murphy Dome

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Fairbanks Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Alaskan frontier.

This 3-hour excursion includes a riverboat cruise along the Chena River and a guided walking tour of an Athabascan village. Priced at $95.35 per person, the tour provides excellent value for money.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy , which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, the tour offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing visitors to secure their spot without making an immediate payment.

Experience Highlights

Visitors embark on a captivating 3-hour riverboat cruise along the Chena River, seeing the tranquil beauty of the Alaskan landscape. They then enjoy a guided walking tour of an Athabascan village, where they witness a dog-sledding kennel visit and an exhilarating bush pilot demonstration.

Cultural Immersion

Exploring the Athabascan village allows visitors to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage .

Guides lead guests through traditional cabins adorned with fur pelts, explaining survival techniques and how the indigenous people adapted to Western influences over 10,000 years.

Visitors can engage directly with the knowledgeable guides and explore the village at their own pace, discovering:

• The intricacies of frontier living
• Time-honored Athabascan traditions
• Adaptations to the harsh subarctic climate
• Interactions with the local community
• Insights into the culture’s evolution and resilience

This culture offers a meaningful connection to the history and lifeways of the Alaskan interior.

Refreshments and Amenities

Complimentary coffee and donuts await guests aboard the Discovery III riverboat.

For those seeking a more substantial meal, the Captain’s Corner offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

For those who’d like to pair their experience with a refreshing beverage , the boat is stocked with beer and wine , as well as snacks.

The tour is designed to cater to all tastes and dietary needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

With these amenities, guests can fully enjoy the cultural experience without having to worry about their creature comforts.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews , it’s clear that the Fairbanks Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour is a must-do experience .

The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.9/5 from 151 reviews, with high marks across the board for transportation (4.9/5) and value for money (4.7/5).

Customers consistently praise the tour for its:

• Beautiful scenery
• Informative and engaging cultural insights
• Relaxing and enjoyable experience
• Quality refreshments
• Overall exceptional value

These glowing reviews underscore the tour’s ability to deliver an immersive and memorable adventure , making it a top choice for visitors to Fairbanks.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The booking and cancellation policy for the Fairbanks Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour offers flexibility and convenience for travelers.

Customers can reserve their spot easily and pay later, with no upfront costs. Plus, the tour provider allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund .

This policy ensures travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without financial penalties.

The combination of a pay-later option and free cancellation makes booking the tour a hassle-free experience , allowing visitors to focus on anticipating the exciting culture and scenic riverboat cruise.

Riverboat Cruise Details

The serene Chena River serves as the picturesque backdrop for the Fairbanks Riverboat Cruise.

During the 3-hour journey, guests will:

• Glide along the tranquil waterway and admire the stunning Alaskan scenery .
• Witness a demonstration by a bush pilot, complete with a thrilling takeoff and landing near the boat.
• Visit a dog-sledding kennel and observe the energetic canines in action.
• Explore an Athabascan village, seeing the local culture and frontier living.
• Enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts, with additional refreshments available for purchase.

This comprehensive tour offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Fairbanks.

Athabascan Village Exploration

Exploring the Athabascan village offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Guides lead guests on a walking tour, showcasing traditional cabins and fur pelts that reflect the frontier lifestyle. Visitors learn about survival techniques and the community’s gradual adaptation to Western culture over the past 10,000 years. The interactive experience allows for engaging discussions with the knowledgeable guides and ample time to explore the village at one’s own pace.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Quick and Easy Ice Fishing at Chena Lake
• Chena Hot Springs Tour
• Arctic Circle Day Trip From Fairbanks With Transportation
• Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip From Fairbanks
• Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks
• Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience in North Pole

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the scenic river views, traditional village life, and cultural demonstrations through their cameras and smartphones to preserve their memorable experience.

What Should I Bring for the Village Visit?

Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers for the village visit. Camera, sunscreen, and water bottles are also recommended to capture the cultural experience and stay comfortable during the exploration of the Athabascan community.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. The riverboat cruise and village visit are suitable for all ages, and the tour provider encourages families to participate in this cultural experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks aboard the riverboat cruise. However, the tour provides complimentary coffee and donuts, and additional food and beverage options are available for purchase on board and at the Captain’s Corner.

How Accessible Is the Riverboat for Individuals With Disabilities?

The riverboat is wheelchair accessible, according to the tour details. It provides complimentary coffee and donuts, and additional food and beverage options are available for purchase onboard, making it accessible for those with various needs.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Fairbanks: Guided Ice Fishing Tour
• Chena Lake: Aurora Borealis Viewing & Ice Fishing Adventure
• The Best of Fairbanks: Half-Day City Highlights Tour
• Fairbanks: Arctic Circle Adventure – Full-Day Guided Tour
• Late Night Yurt Dinner and Northern Lights
• From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour
• From Fairbanks: Half-Day River Fishing Excursion
• Alaskan Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis Lodges
• From Fairbanks: Northern Lights Aurora Tour With Photography
• From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Day Tour
• Fairbanks: Mush on the Historic Yukon Quest Trail
• Fairbanks – Denali Shuttle Service
• Full Day Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs Tour
• Fairbanks: Ice Fishing Day Tour
• From Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour

The Riverboat Cruise and Local Village Tour in Fairbanks offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, culture, and thrilling activities. Gliding along the Chena River, exploring an Athabascan village , and witnessing dog-sledding and bush pilot demonstrations make this excursion an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. At just $95.35 per person, this 3-hour tour provides excellent value for a truly memorable experience in Fairbanks’ stunning interior.

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Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge ®

A unique alaska lodge in the golden heart city.

Look for inspiration in the heart of Alaska’s wild interior, filled with the potential for experiences that few people will ever know. Set on the banks of the Chena River, the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge® is your gateway to this land. From savoring reindeer sausage for breakfast to meeting sled dogs in the afternoon, experience local life, with the ease and authenticity only our Alaska lodge can provide.

Alaska Lodge Amenities & Activities

Our Alaska wilderness lodges combine the conveniences of home with the unique experiences found only in Alaska. Discover the unique experiences this lodge offers.

This Alaska lodge provides almost anything you could need to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Taste chef-prepared meals with ingredients sourced from the lodge’s own garden. Or sip on a crisp glass of wine or a hearty beer while relaxing on the large riverview deck that overlooks the Chena River.

Head outside of your lodge in Alaska where nature trails abound. Stroll along paths that take you to historic sites, and walk alongside the river for unforgettable views. Or head to the Alaska Salmon Bake in historic Pioneer Park, Fairbanks’ most unique dining experience.

Our Alaska lodge gives you access to the best excursions in the Golden Heart City. Board a sternwheeler and embark on a Riverboat Discovery cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers. Explore a Chena Indian village and meet a sled dog team – the region’s own local celebrities. Or visit mining camps at Gold Dredge 8 and relive history as you pan for gold alongside experts.

Dining Options at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®

In your Alaska wilderness lodge, find a variety of eateries serving up fresh fare and unrivaled views of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. From wild-caught crab to craft beers, there’s something for everyone.

Edgewater Dining Room

Trackers bar & grill, riverview deck, seasons gifts & coffee house.

For an expansive breakfast buffet, a dinner menu of comfort food and a view of the majestic Chena River, head to the Edgewater Dining Room in our Alaska wilderness lodge. With good food and good company, you can enjoy the best of both worlds amidst the Great Land.

Grab a local brew, classic cocktail or glass of wine in a relaxed setting. Wild-caught seafood, juicy burgers and specialty sandwiches round out the satisfying menu at this Alaska lodge favorite.

Enjoy an unobstructed view of the Chena River on the Riverview Deck of this Alaska lodge while enjoying comforting classics — with a regional twist. Pair them with local craft beers, carefully curated wines and cocktails for an all-around dining experience.

Specialty coffees, snacks and a selection of local arts and crafts make this a must-see spot for anyone visiting this Alaska wilderness lodge.

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7 Day Alaska Itinerary: Epic Road Trip, Beautiful National Parks

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on September 5, 2024

You’re going to love this 7 day Alaska itinerary. I’ve lived in Alaska and visited as a tourist, so taking the best of both viewpoints and my years of experience, I’ve put together an awesome 7 day road trip itinerary to see some of the best sights in Alaska. This week-long Alaska plan is a wonderful taste of adventure and wildlife, perfect for families or just adults ready for a great experience.

If you think you need more time than a week to do and see it all, you’re completely right. This 7 day Alaska itinerary is ideal for getting into the vibe of AK, but if you can add more days, you should! After the week-long travel plan, I’ve included more suggestions for how you can add more days of exploring. If you have any questions about visiting Alaska, perfecting your own itinerary or need some specific recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more!

Need to Know for a Week Alaska Trip

A lot of people visiting Alaska for a road trip are doing so for their first time ever in the state or they’ve only experienced any part of AK on a cruise ship. Having a 7 day Alaska itinerary for exploring on a road trip is a great way to get to see a fair part of the wilderness and wildlife it’s known for. I love road tripping around Alaska and BRAVO to you for considering this wonderful travel plan. But let’s set some trip expectations…

Travel in Alaska, whether on your own or as part of a group is expensive. I equate the costs of a week in Alaska to what you’ll spend for a week on the Big Island of Hawaii , or 5 days on Kauai . It’s fun but it’s costly. There aren’t a lot of ways to do an Alaska trip on a budget unless you’re camping your way around for a week. 

Also, it’s good to keep in mind that as you travel beyond Anchorage, much of the tourism staff in Alaska is either international or there just for the summer. This means that they may not have a well-honed restaurant skill set or maybe they don’t have all the secret tips for where to go or where the locals go. Approaching your tourism interactions with patience and grace will go a long way, so choose kindness instead of frustration.

Also, unless you’re planning a spring or fall trip to AK, spending a week in the Land of the Midnight Sun can mess with you. Even having lived in Alaska, traveling through the state during the months of June and July was very difficult regarding sleeping well. I need a dark room to sleep and even though hotels know that it doesn’t get dark for two months, it’s rare to find accommodations with appropriate blackout curtains or effective shades. Be prepared with your own sleeping mask and USE IT!

Where to Travel in Alaska

Because we are talking about a 7 day Alaska itinerary, it’s best to keep it to the easier to reach parts of the state. While you could do the drive down to Valdez or the epic, awful road up to Prudhoe Bay, keeping to the regions directly around Anchorage will give you both a great experience and afford you more time in the wilderness because you won’t be driving 5-10 hours.

This one week Alaska plan includes Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula (some of it), Portage / Whittier, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. You can easily add more days by including Homer, Palmer or Fairbanks to your trip, but if you want a good 7 day Alaska itinerary stick with what I’ve put together here.

Check out our 2 Week Alaska Itinerary here! (coming soon)

Packing Tips for Alaska Travel

I am a light packer and don’t usually regret it, but when it comes to spending a week in Alaska, including during the summer months, I opt for over-packing. While it’s true that a summertime visit may be exceptionally sunny and warm (even in the 80s F) it’s very likely that you’ll also get some lovely days full of rain or mist, and then temperatures in the 50s (and sometimes even 40s). It really can vary greatly and you need to be ready for all of it. Also, as you visit different parts of Alaska you’ll have very different weather.

For this 7 day Alaska itinerary, our road trip takes you down to the Kenai Peninsula and out into Kenai Fjords National Park. Here you’ll come face to face with icy glaciers in the fjords and the temps will be chilly! But then there’s also a visit to Denali National Park, and if you get lucky it’ll be sunny and clear with temperatures in the 70s. Basically, you need to pack like you’re going on two different trips.

Even in summer, shorts are rarely needed. If you feel like you should put on shorts in the morning, just remember that later the weather could quickly turn or you may be in a mosquito-heavy area and you won’t want your legs exposed.

Here’s my summertime Alaska packing list:

• Walking shoes AND waterproof hiking shoes/boots
• Thick socks and regular socks
• Light, wind/water resistant pants – 2+ pairs
• Sweaters / sweatshirts / fleece
• Pullover windbreaker
• Rainproof warm jacket
• Gloves / mittens
• Baseball cap AND stocking cap / beanie / toque
• Camera gear, appropriate to your skill level (practice active photography before arrival)
• Sleeping mask to get through the eternal lightness of summer

I think packing for Alaska is pretty easy and if you’re good and packing for travel, you can do it in a carryon bag. This 7 day Alaska itinerary doesn’t require lots of outfit changes… unless you really want to.

Advice for Driving in Alaska

The Alaska Highways system stays fairly well maintained given the harsh winters and fluctuating temperatures. Having said that, there are some “highways” that you either shouldn’t or CAN’T drive rental cars on. That’s right, when you pick up a rental car in Anchorage or Fairbanks you’ll see a list of highways that the vehicle isn’t permitted to drive on. These roads include the following:

• Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay
• Dempster Highway in Canada (NT and YT)
• Denali Highway from Cantwell to Paxson (the west end is paved for quite a ways before becoming a dirt highway)
• Edgerton Highway near Valdez towards Wrangell-St Elias NP
• Elliott Highway north of Fairbanks
• Klondike Highway from Skagway to Dawson City (YT)
• Steese Highway north of Fairbanks
• Taylor Highway by Alaska’s eastern border

If you’re planning a trip that includes any of these, you’ll need to find a rental car that DOES allow this sort of driving. Keep in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll end up on the Dempster, Klondike, Elliott, Steese or Taylor highways during your visit, but if you decide to go rogue with your Alaska travel plan, you’ll need to be prepared for that.

For the rest of your week-long Alaska road trip, the roads are fine and the biggest thing to keep in mind is to be alert for wildlife. There is a lot of wildlife in Alaska and many species will use human-cleared pathways for easy travel, and that often will bring them to paved roadways. Just be smart and alert, and just like if you encountered wildlife on a hiking trail, do not approach it and just let it do its thing.

7 Day Alaska Itinerary

As you plan for a week in Alaska, you can either follow this 7 day itinerary exactly, do it in reverse or pick and choose what sounds most interesting. I love exploring the wilderness, and as a wildlife photographer I get very excited about all that can be seen here. Feel free to adjust our travel plan to suit your own needs and interests.

Start: Fly to Anchorage

You can fly into Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) from all over North America, and even Europe! It’s true. For this 7 day Alaska itinerary, you’ll want to book your flight and rental car in ANC, as Fairbanks isn’t a part of this trip, and neither is Juneau . Here are all the destinations with direct flights into Anchorage, so you should be able to get here easily with just one connector:

• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis
• New York (EWR)
• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco
• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Frankfurt, Germany

As you’ll probably have had a long travel day, I recommend getting a hotel in Anchorage for your first night. Get your rest, do some shopping for Alaska road trip snacks, and be ready to hit the road the next morning.

When you’re looking for an Anchorage hotel, anything downtown will be walking distance to restaurants for your first night. If you book a hotel off Spenard, Northern Lights or Tudor Road you’ll need to drive to find food most likely. Consider how easy you want your night after a long travel day to be.

Day 1 – Turnagain Arm to Seward

Begin your day early! I recommend getting sandwiches before leaving Anchorage as services are pretty limited along the Seward Highway until you get to Seward itself. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Portage Glacier visitor center and cruise
• Trail of Blue Ice hiking / fish viewing

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

• Tern Lake Wildlife Watching
• Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward
• Dinner in Seward

As you exit Anchorage and south, you’ll drive along the Turnagain Arm. This inlet is a great place to watch for bald eagles, Dall sheep, moose (at the marsh) and even beluga whales when the time is right. As you drive, make stops at the different pull outs along the highway until you get to Girdwood. Here you can leave the Seward Highway and head east towards Portage, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. This part of the 7 day Alaska itinerary is a wonderful introduction to the scenery and wildlife of the Kenai Peninsula.

Portage Valley and Glacier

At Portage, stop into the Portage Glacier visitor center , a part of the Chugach National Forest to learn about Alaska’s glaciers and get your bearings. From there, head over to the Portage Glacier Cruise to set sail on Portage Lake and get your first up-close taste of the Alaska wilderness. The cruise lasts an hour and is similar to Glacier National Park boat tours , so it’s mellow and great for families.

On the way out of the Portage Valley, stop at the Williwaw fish viewing platform to watch for salmon, and then for fun if the weather is nice, follow the trail north to the beaver ponds (it’s an easy loop trail). You can also stop in a few places to walk or bike on the Trail of Blue Ice. This follows the highway along the stream and is a great place for birding and looking for other wildlife.

Before ending your time at the end of Turnagain Arm, stop into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center . This is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see native Alaskan animals who’ve been cared for after injuries and such, and it’s one way to make sure you see bears, moose, musk oxen and more. 

Stops Along the Seward Highway

As you continue south on the Seward Highway, make stops at the Place River (wildlife watching), the “Welcome to the Kenai” signs, and the different pull outs and rest stops along the way. You can just drive straight through to Seward if you want, but there are some beautiful things to see along the way. While it may seem like a weird stop, the Turnagain Pass Snowmobile Parking Lot ( Google maps link here ) actually has some beautiful trails and it’s great to explore on foot. I love seeing the wildflowers and the Chugach Mountains from here!

Moving right along the Seward Highway, you’ll come to Tern Lake where the road meets the Sterling Highway (the road to Homer). Stop at Tern Lake to watch the swans and arctic terns, and if you’re lucky you may even see a bear or moose. There’s a picnic area here that’s perfect if you need to eat lunch or have snacks.

The last stop before Seward is Bear Lake or Snow River. Depending on the wildlife, both have great potential for seeing swans, bald eagles, bears and moose. When I was a driver guide here on the Kenai Peninsula I would stop here often to watch wildlife. When you get to Seward, if you have time, visit the Alaska Sea Life Center. It’s a fun and unique aquarium with animal rehabilitation areas, touch tanks, and a puffin diving tank.

Where to Stay in Seward

There are a few hotel options downtown Seward, and then some cabins and lodges as you approach the town along the Seward Highway. We had a great stay at the Seward Windsong Lodge and loved its location near Exit Glacier (that’s on tomorrow’s itinerary). You’ll want to book your accommodations for two nights, as Seward and the surrounding area will take up several days of your 7 day Alaska itinerary.

Day 2 – Kenai Fjords National Park

I love Kenai Fjords National Park and have spent countless days both on boats in the fjords, kayaking in Resurrection Bay and hiking at Exit Glacier. I think visiting Kenai Fjords NP is one of the most special National Park experiences anyone can have. I know that it’s not a drive you can do, but exploring this National Park is a must-do part of our Alaska road trip. It’s a nice way to mix up the activities of the 7 day itinerary. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour

Hiking at exit glacier.

• Dinner at Resurrection Roadhouse

Because Kenai Fjords National Park is mostly only accessible by water, the best way to see it is on one of the boat tours. Kenai Fjords Tours (KFT) has a few different options for going out into the park depending on how long you want to be gone for the day. The wildlife of Kenai Fjords is the real highlight, so the longer you can be on the water the better! Here are the options:

• Kenai Fjords National Park Tour  – 6 hours – includes lunch and some snacks, visits Aialik or Holgate Glacier  OR  do the same route and add dinner on Fox Island
• Northwestern Fjord Tour **MY FAVORITE**  – 8 hours – includes light breakfast and lunch w/ some snacks, visits Northwestern, Northeastern, Redstone and Southwest Glacier (one fjord has them all)
• Resurrection Bay Tour w/ Fox Island  – 5 hours – includes dinner on For Island at the day lodge
• Glacier Dinner Cruis e – 5.5 hours – includes dinner onboard (drinks are extra), visits Holgate or Aialik Glacier.
• SPRINGTIME ONLY Resurrection Bay Tour  – 4 hours, March – May – includes lunch, doesn’t visit any glaciers but is for wildlife watching

When you head out on your tour, park in the designated KFT parking lot and jump on their shuttle bus, then check in for your boat tour a half hour beforehand. Continental breakfast is provided onboard, but you can also grab your own full breakfast either at your hotel or at the Porthole food truck nearby. The tour will go through islands, around peninsulas, to waterfalls and all while watching for whales, porpoises, dolphins, puffins, seals and more.

The highlight for many when they’re doing the Kenai Fjords Tour is getting up close to a tidewater glacier. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll either go to Northwestern, Aialik or Holgate Glacier. Each is beautiful and really cool to see up close, especially if it’s calving or having an ice fall. It’s an amazing tour and you’ll fall in love with Kenai Fjords National Park! This may be the highlight of your 7 day Alaska itinerary.

After a day on the water an easy hike at Exit Glacier is just what you need to round out your Kenai Fjords National Park experience. The trails here are pretty easy, including a wheelchair accessible trail. You’ll be able to hike through the woods and look out over the Resurrection Valley, see the face of Exit Glacier and walk the path of how the glacier has quickly receded in recent years. I was stunned since I’ve been coming here for 20+ years.

Finish your day with dinner at the Resurrection Roadhouse (we love it!) and then go for a wildlife drive after dinner. Dusk is one of the best times to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, and the Exit Glacier road is a great spot to just hang out and see what you can see!

Day 3 – Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage

There’s a lot of hiking you can do on the Kenai Peninsula, but there’s also just a lot to see. In an effort to keep our 7 day Alaska itinerary on task, we’re just scraping the surface of what you’ll find on the rest of the Kenai. For day 3 of our Alaska road trip, we’re heading to the Sterling Highway to look for bears and enjoy two of the prettiest rivers in mainland Alaska: the Russian and Kenai Rivers. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Hiking at Russian River and falls, wildlife viewing
• Cooper Landing Brewing Co
• Scenic float on the Kenai River
• Drive north, departing the Kenai Peninsula

You’ll see that we don’t have any fishing planned on the itinerary. This is because we don’t do sport fishing and it’s a very expensive activity if you want to catch, keep and cook your fish… or ship it home. It’s a lot. When I lived on the Kenai River fishing was awesome and I ate a lot of salmon, but not now as a tourist.

Russian River Falls for Salmon and Bears

As you head through Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway, you’ll cross the milky turquoise Kenai River. Continuing on you’ll come to the Russian River recreational sites . This is where you’ll pay a fee to access the area, which is a part of the National Forest Service (get a discount with military ID or National Park pass), and then continue to one of the parking areas. A lot of people come to the Russian River for salmon fishing, but that’s not our plan. This activity is a gentle hike along the Russian River.

Remember the name of the lot you parked in (Pink Salm, King Salmon…) and then head down the pathway to the river. Go right to head towards the confluence of the Russian and Kenai Rivers, or go left to head towards Russian River Falls. Because so many salmon return to the Russian River to spawn there are often bears here fishing in the river. BEAR SAFETY is a must!

If you encounter a bear along the river, give it as much space as you can, paying attention all around you in case there are others. Because there are usually a lot of fishermen on the river, the bears do tend to stay on the far side, but they can cross whenever and wherever they want. Enjoy the wildlife and hike, and then head back to your vehicle (because you’ll remember where you parked!).

Cooper Landing Brewing Co and Kenai Lake

Grab lunch at one of the small restaurants in the Cooper Landing area (I love Gwin’s Lodge) or head to Cooper Landing Brewing Co for one of the best burgers I’ve ever had anywhere, not just in Alaska. There’s a beer counter to get pints from their local brewery and a food counter for burgers, pretzels and more. There’s both indoor and outside seating, and it’s got a great vibe. Cooper Landing Brewing Co wasn’t open when I lived in the town, but it’s for sure a welcome addition. 

Afterwards, if you have time, head down Quartz Creek Road to the shore of Kenai Lake. The mountain and lake views are beautiful, and if you’re lucky you might even see a moose during your visit.

Kenai River Scenic Float Raft Trip

I’ve rafted the Kenai River many times. I love it because there are moments with some rapids, but for the most part it’s a pretty gentle experience. Doing a scenic float on the Kenai with either Alaska Rivers Co or Alaska River Adventures is a great afternoon activity. I’ve seen many moose and bears from a raft here, and once I even had a school of sockeye salmon rush under the raft and it was wild!

If you’re looking for a bigger rafting adventure, in the Hope area of the Kenai Peninsula is 6 Mile Creek. It is not for the faint of heart. I’ve rafted it and it’s one of the only rivers that genuinely scared me. It’s beautiful and is for sure an experience, but it’s intense. Due to the class IV and V rapids, it’s for very advanced rafting. And that’s why I like the Kenai River float trip!

When you’re done on the Kenai, head back north to Anchorage or Eagle River, or continue up to Talkeetna. You’ve got flexibility with the 7 day Alaska itinerary to mix up where you’re staying for this last half of the travel plan.

Day 4 – Willow and Talkeetna

People who’ve done an Alaska road trip or done the land portion of a cruise tour often talk about Talkeetna and how cute it is. And it is that. I’ve been to Talkeetna many times and it’s definitely got the “old Alaska” vibe. This part of our 7 day itinerary is a sort of relaxing reset before heading to the tundra. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Drive north on Parks Highway
• Float or fishing on Willow Creek
• Explore and dine in Talkeetna
• Jet boat up the Susitna River

Willow Creek for Photography and Calm

Making our way north towards Denali National Park there are lots of pretty spots and a few small towns to stop into. One of these places is Willow. There’s not much to the town, but it’s a great place for fishing and floating through the wilderness. If you didn’t do a scenic float on the Kenai River or if you want to do another, doing a scenic float here with Willow Creek Tours , it is a nice morning or afternoon activity. Bald eagles, deer and wildflowers are the main attraction here. I love that it’s a very different sort of wilderness experience than other places thus far on this Alaska road trip.

Talkeetna – Famous for Being Itself

Just like Key West is famous for being a free-flowing vintage Florida town or Port Townsend is famous for its slogan “we’re all here because we’re not all there,” Talkeetna has that same feel. The area around the town on the Talkeetna Spur Road is pretty and there are lots of things to do, but the town itself is the main attraction. Walk from one end to the other popping into shops, mercantiles and restaurants. Get spinach bread from the airstream trailer and sit by the river enjoying a snack.

Also in Talkeetna is a satellite visitor center for Denali National Park. This is a good stop to make for confirming your plans as you approach the park the next day. Get hiking suggestions and find out about conditions in both Denali National Park and State Park. Once you’ve got your bearings, head over to the XY Lakes for some easy hiking around, or rent a kayak at the parking area. Talkeetna is mellow and fun. It can be busy with tourists, but I do love it.

Jet Boat on the Susitna River

Not many people have done a jet boat adventure, but they’re really cool! It’s a very different boat experience, so even though there are lots of water activities in our Alaska road trip plan, the jet boat on the Susitna River is very different. I’ve done this type of excursion here, on the Rogue River in Oregon ( another amazing road trip ), and in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area . I love it!

A jet boat ride is both fast and loud, with quiet breaks and lots of information. The Susitna River is a really unique waterway, so getting to blast upstream and check out the Alaska wilderness from the river is pretty cool. Also, when you do the jet boat on the Susitna River, there’s a stop on the tour where you get to pop onto shore upriver to see a trapper’s cabin, indigenous camp, and have a little nature walk between them. I think it’s a great activity!

Where to Stay in Talkeetna

There are some surprisingly nice options around Talkeetna when it comes to where to stay. You don’t have to stay directly in town (because that’s not an easy thing to do) but you can be very close, walking distance or a ten minute drive away. For our 7 day Alaska itinerary we’ve only got one night planned in Talkeetna, so where you choose to stay doesn’t have a huge impact on your daily plan.

We had a great stay (four days actually!) at the Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge on the Talkeetna Spur Road. We had a fantastic little cabin, access to Montana Creek for fly fishing and it was wonderfully quiet in the woods. The Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge was actually also one of the most affordable places we’ve stayed on any Alaska trip.

Day 5 – Denali State Park to Denali Village

Today’s the day on our Alaska itinerary that we finally get to Denali National Park! But before that, we need to stop at Denali State Park and do a little hiking. As you head north, there are some (potentially) great views and easy hikes to enjoy before getting to the village around the National Park entrance. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Stop into Denali State Park for a few easy hikes
• Have Lunch in Cantwell
• Arrive at Denali Village and explore
• Evening hike at Denali National Park

Hiking at Denali State Park

As you head north to the National Park, you’ll go by Denali State Park. While it may not be famous like the other, there are some nice hikes, great views of the Chulitna River and Denali (formerly Mt McKinley), and awesome wildlife opportunities. Make sure you bring snacks and water just in case you decide to do one of the longer hikes.

Both the Moose Flats Loop and Denali Viewpoint South are easy trails that won’t add a ton of time to your drive. The Byers Lake Loop trail is a longer one that is still fairly easy, and then the Curry Ridge trail has a lot more elevation and takes a bit longer. Because these two both go further from the road and campground areas, there is better potential for wildlife. Remember, seeing wildlife is awesome, but you need to be SAFE. I cannot stress enough the importance of giving wild animals plenty of distance and observing them from afar.

Enjoying Denali Village

Denali Village and the townsite around the National Park entrance is kind of fun to explore. It’s not like Cherokee at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but more like West Glacier at Glacier National Park. There are lots of restaurants and lodges, so in the middle of those you’ll find shops and convenience stores. There are a few attractions within the village, like the Sourdough Photo Studio, and such, but it’s not chalk full of museums and galleries like some National Park towns.

You can do some cool stuff here though, including some small hikes. If you have time and the budget, the Husky Homestead does really fun tours that are great to add to your Alaska road trip if you haven’t done anything dogsled related yet. If you’re into flightseeing, Denali Air is an incredible way to see the park, including doing a landing on an icefield if that’s what you’re looking for.

Where to Stay at Denali National Park

Unfortunately there’s not an epic National Park lodge like in Yellowstone or Yosemite, but there are lots of nice places to stay all around the park entrance. You can also choose to stay down in Cantwell or up in Healy, depending on availability and your budget. The key thing is actually finding availability and booking it. We have two nights of the 7 day Alaska itinerary here at Denali, so as soon as you know your travel dates, get your hotel reservations!

I worked at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and have stayed at the McKinley Chalet Resort , so can recommend both properties. If you’re doing your Alaska road trip during peak summer months, the nightly rate is going to be $300+ USD, but if you’re visiting at the start or end of the season, you may get a great deal!

Day 6 – Safari into Denali National Park

I can remember the first time I ever got to go into Denali National Park. I fell in love with the tundra immediately. There are a few ways to experience the tundra and the reaches of Denali, but for our Alaska road trip itinerary we’re keeping it simple and going with the guided version. Don’t worry, you still have your own freedom to explore. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Denali National Park Wilderness Safari
• Visitor Center
• Hiking at Denali National Park

Music of Denali Dinner Show

Denali National Park Bust Tour

The main way to explore Denali National Park is via one of the bus tours. During normal years / summer season there are three options for doing this:

• Denali Natural History Tour – 5 hours
• Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour – 8 hours
• Denali Transit Buses – as long as you want

Due to a landslide/sinkhole issue in the park, only 43 of the 92 mile Park Road is open in 2024 and 2025. The road is supposed to reopen all the way to Wonder Lake in 2026. In the meantime, you can still see a ton of Denali National Park, its wildlife and the incredible tundra landscapes.

The difference in tours is how far into the park they go. The Denali Natural History Tour goes beyond Savage River (as far as you can drive into the Park) while the Tundra Wilderness Tour can go all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center potentially. If you’re doing the Transit Bus, this tour ISN’T narrated but actually makes stops along the way to Wonder Lake (when fully operational) to let people off for hiking in the tundra. The Transit Bus also will stop for wildlife like the tour buses do, but it’s much more so a transportation service than a tour.

BOOK YOUR TOUR ASAP . I can’t stress this enough, you need to book your bus tour into Denali National Park as soon as you know you’ll be there. The longer tour, the Tundra Wilderness, books up VERY FAR in advance, and the Natural History tour does too, but there’s often more availability. Don’t let your Alaska road trip get foiled by not being able to visit this amazing place!

Easy Denali Things to DO

A great bonus to having a 7 day Alaska itinerary is that you have the flexibility to move things around and spend more time in places where you’re having a wonderful experience. There are quite a few hiking trails at Denali National Park that you can access from the visitor center and town. And you can also drive into the Park as far as the Savage River, so enjoy hiking there as well. The Taiga, Horseshoe Lake and the Savage River Loop trails are all great options that aren’t too difficult and get you into nature easily.

Something wonderfully unique about exploring Denali National Park, and the park rangers will confirm this, is that the best parts of the park aren’t on the trails. Due to the nature of the tundra and landscape, visitors are encouraged to explore where they want. The key to doing this successfully is to keep safety in mind at all times, leave no trace, and to bring the supplies you’ll need for however long you want to be tundra hiking. Be sure to ask a ranger about off-trail hiking if you’re interested!

I had to add the Music of Denali dinner theater to our 7 day Alaska itinerary because it’s iconic… and so cheesy. I love this show and have seen it many times. The buffet of salmon, ribs and more is delicious and the experience is very family friendly. For being both dinner and a show, it’s also one of the most affordable unique experiences in Alaska. The Music of Denali show happens at the McKinley Chalets, so if you’re staying there you really can’t miss it.

Day 7 – More Hiking and Return to ANC

I can’t believe it’s already the last day of fun. After spending a week doing a road trip in Alaska, you have seen a lot! There are just a few more things to do before you call it the end though. As you drive south back to Anchorage, go rogue! When you’re on the Parks Highway heading south, make a left onto the Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Drive through Hatcher Pass (partial dirt road)
• Visit Independence Mine State Park
• Hike in the Archangel Valley
• Return to Anchorage

Visiting Hatcher Pass

It’s rare that I voluntarily drive on lone dirt roads, but Hatcher Pass is an exception. Once upon a time we got stuck in a rental car on a sketchy dirt road in Nova Scotia and since then I’ve been wary, but Hatcher Pass is well maintained and actually quite popular. Heading east on the Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive you’ll go through a beautiful valley with mossy green hills, small waterfalls and streams, placer washouts, old and current gold mines and off-trail hiking spots.

Keep an eye out for wildlife here in Hatcher Pass because there are lots of wild blueberries and rooty areas that bears LOVE. From the stream bed up the hills, watch for Alaskan brown bears and black bears. If you’re hiking, be sure to keep your bear spray available and make yourself known as you traverse the hills.

Independence Mine State Park and Gold Cord Lake

For all the historic places I’ve been and time I’ve spent visiting and living in Alaska, I actually learned a ton here at Independence Mine State Park . I never understood why mining died out or why huge industrial sites were just abandoned. I learned all about it here at Independence Mine where there are mine and camp ruins, machinery, cool buildings and great hiking trails.

The highlight of visiting (besides the education) was actually the Gold Cord Lake Trail . Wow! This trail is short but intense. Streams and fairy-like mossy mounds set the mood for one of the prettiest hikes I’ve done in the area. If you’re hiking up to Gold Cord Lake in early summer, you may just get to see it still frozen. It’s beautiful.

After hiking, pop into the Hatcher Pass Lodge for lunch and then walk around the property a bit. With each visit I try to scope out which cabin I want to stay in next time. The cabins are really cool and in a beautiful spot.

Hiking in the Archangel Valley – Lane Basin Trail

It’s not too far to our next stop, which is our last hike for our 7 day Alaska itinerary. The Lane Basin Loop is located at the end of the beautiful Archangel Valley. This area is popular with rock climbers, but it’s also got some really cool hikes for the rest of us to enjoy. Fair warning, the road up to Lane Basin is ROUGH. We actually chose to park at one of the climbing areas and walk the additional 1.5 miles up the road because the wheel wells were too big for our rental car.

Once on the Lane Basin Loop trail it was gorgeous. Our 12 year old son even commented that it’s the prettiest hike we’ve ever done AND it was his favorite hike ever. Really, the scenery is amazing, with streams, waterfalls, areas similar to the tundra and rocky cliffs all around. It’s amazing. You couldn’t pick a better hike to end your Alaska road trip with.

Ending the 7 Day Alaska Itinerary

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Alaska road trip. When we first did this itinerary it was solely to relive my glory days of living in Alaska. Little did I think at the time that it was the perfect introduction for the rest of my family to what the Last Frontier is really like and that they’d fall in love with the state the way I did. When you complete this trip I hope you’ll feel the same.

Once you’re on your way home, I encourage you to think about some of the things you saw and didn’t get to do or would like to explore further. You can visit Alaska over and over and never have the same trip twice, even if you do the same itinerary.

If you have any questions about planning an Alaska road trip, need to tweak the itinerary to fit your group’s interests, or if you need some more specific recommendation please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more and help other plan amazing adventures!

Looking for more Alaska fun? Check out our Alaska Adventures page , including our UnCruise experience in Southeast Alaska !

7 Day Alaska Itinerary: Epic Road Trip, Beautiful National Parks

Y ou’re going to love this 7 day Alaska itinerary. I’ve lived in Alaska and visited as a tourist, so taking the best of both viewpoints and my years of experience, I’ve put together an awesome 7 day road trip itinerary to see some of the best sights in Alaska. This week-long Alaska plan is a wonderful taste of adventure and wildlife, perfect for families or just adults ready for a great experience.

If you think you need more time than a week to do and see it all, you’re completely right. This 7 day Alaska itinerary is ideal for getting into the vibe of AK, but if you can add more days, you should! After the week-long travel plan, I’ve included more suggestions for how you can add more days of exploring. If you have any questions about visiting Alaska, perfecting your own itinerary or need some specific recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more!

Need to Know for a Week Alaska Trip

A lot of people visiting Alaska for a road trip are doing so for their first time ever in the state or they’ve only experienced any part of AK on a cruise ship. Having a 7 day Alaska itinerary for exploring on a road trip is a great way to get to see a fair part of the wilderness and wildlife it’s known for. I love road tripping around Alaska and BRAVO to you for considering this wonderful travel plan. But let’s set some trip expectations…

Travel in Alaska, whether on your own or as part of a group is expensive. I equate the costs of a week in Alaska to what you’ll spend for a week on the Big Island of Hawaii , or 5 days on Kauai . It’s fun but it’s costly. There aren’t a lot of ways to do an Alaska trip on a budget unless you’re camping your way around for a week. 

Also, it’s good to keep in mind that as you travel beyond Anchorage, much of the tourism staff in Alaska is either international or there just for the summer. This means that they may not have a well-honed restaurant skill set or maybe they don’t have all the secret tips for where to go or where the locals go. Approaching your tourism interactions with patience and grace will go a long way, so choose kindness instead of frustration.

Also, unless you’re planning a spring or fall trip to AK, spending a week in the Land of the Midnight Sun can mess with you. Even having lived in Alaska, traveling through the state during the months of June and July was very difficult regarding sleeping well. I need a dark room to sleep and even though hotels know that it doesn’t get dark for two months, it’s rare to find accommodations with appropriate blackout curtains or effective shades. Be prepared with your own sleeping mask and USE IT!

Where to Travel in Alaska

Because we are talking about a 7 day Alaska itinerary, it’s best to keep it to the easier to reach parts of the state. While you could do the drive down to Valdez or the epic, awful road up to Prudhoe Bay, keeping to the regions directly around Anchorage will give you both a great experience and afford you more time in the wilderness because you won’t be driving 5-10 hours.

This one week Alaska plan includes Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula (some of it), Portage / Whittier, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. You can easily add more days by including Homer, Palmer or Fairbanks to your trip, but if you want a good 7 day Alaska itinerary stick with what I’ve put together here.

Check out our 2 Week Alaska Itinerary here! (coming soon)

Packing Tips for Alaska Travel

I am a light packer and don’t usually regret it, but when it comes to spending a week in Alaska, including during the summer months, I opt for over-packing. While it’s true that a summertime visit may be exceptionally sunny and warm (even in the 80s F) it’s very likely that you’ll also get some lovely days full of rain or mist, and then temperatures in the 50s (and sometimes even 40s). It really can vary greatly and you need to be ready for all of it. Also, as you visit different parts of Alaska you’ll have very different weather.

For this 7 day Alaska itinerary, our road trip takes you down to the Kenai Peninsula and out into Kenai Fjords National Park. Here you’ll come face to face with icy glaciers in the fjords and the temps will be chilly! But then there’s also a visit to Denali National Park, and if you get lucky it’ll be sunny and clear with temperatures in the 70s. Basically, you need to pack like you’re going on two different trips.

Even in summer, shorts are rarely needed. If you feel like you should put on shorts in the morning, just remember that later the weather could quickly turn or you may be in a mosquito-heavy area and you won’t want your legs exposed.

Here’s my summertime Alaska packing list:

• Walking shoes AND waterproof hiking shoes/boots
• Thick socks and regular socks
• Light, wind/water resistant pants – 2+ pairs
• Sweaters / sweatshirts / fleece
• Pullover windbreaker
• Rainproof warm jacket
• Gloves / mittens
• Baseball cap AND stocking cap / beanie / toque
• Camera gear, appropriate to your skill level (practice active photography before arrival)
• Sleeping mask to get through the eternal lightness of summer

I think packing for Alaska is pretty easy and if you’re good and packing for travel, you can do it in a carryon bag. This 7 day Alaska itinerary doesn’t require lots of outfit changes… unless you really want to.

Advice for Driving in Alaska

The Alaska Highways system stays fairly well maintained given the harsh winters and fluctuating temperatures. Having said that, there are some “highways” that you either shouldn’t or CAN’T drive rental cars on. That’s right, when you pick up a rental car in Anchorage or Fairbanks you’ll see a list of highways that the vehicle isn’t permitted to drive on. These roads include the following:

• Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay
• Dempster Highway in Canada (NT and YT)
• Denali Highway from Cantwell to Paxson (the west end is paved for quite a ways before becoming a dirt highway)
• Edgerton Highway near Valdez towards Wrangell-St Elias NP
• Elliott Highway north of Fairbanks
• Klondike Highway from Skagway to Dawson City (YT)
• Steese Highway north of Fairbanks
• Taylor Highway by Alaska’s eastern border

If you’re planning a trip that includes any of these, you’ll need to find a rental car that DOES allow this sort of driving. Keep in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll end up on the Dempster, Klondike, Elliott, Steese or Taylor highways during your visit, but if you decide to go rogue with your Alaska travel plan, you’ll need to be prepared for that.

For the rest of your week-long Alaska road trip, the roads are fine and the biggest thing to keep in mind is to be alert for wildlife. There is a lot of wildlife in Alaska and many species will use human-cleared pathways for easy travel, and that often will bring them to paved roadways. Just be smart and alert, and just like if you encountered wildlife on a hiking trail, do not approach it and just let it do its thing.

7 Day Alaska Itinerary

As you plan for a week in Alaska, you can either follow this 7 day itinerary exactly, do it in reverse or pick and choose what sounds most interesting. I love exploring the wilderness, and as a wildlife photographer I get very excited about all that can be seen here. Feel free to adjust our travel plan to suit your own needs and interests.

Start: Fly to Anchorage

You can fly into Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) from all over North America, and even Europe! It’s true. For this 7 day Alaska itinerary, you’ll want to book your flight and rental car in ANC, as Fairbanks isn’t a part of this trip, and neither is Juneau . Here are all the destinations with direct flights into Anchorage, so you should be able to get here easily with just one connector:

• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis
• New York (EWR)
• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco
• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Frankfurt, Germany

As you’ll probably have had a long travel day, I recommend getting a hotel in Anchorage for your first night. Get your rest, do some shopping for Alaska road trip snacks, and be ready to hit the road the next morning.

When you’re looking for an Anchorage hotel, anything downtown will be walking distance to restaurants for your first night. If you book a hotel off Spenard, Northern Lights or Tudor Road you’ll need to drive to find food most likely. Consider how easy you want your night after a long travel day to be.

Day 1 – Turnagain Arm to Seward

Begin your day early! I recommend getting sandwiches before leaving Anchorage as services are pretty limited along the Seward Highway until you get to Seward itself. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Portage Glacier visitor center and cruise
• Trail of Blue Ice hiking / fish viewing

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

• Tern Lake Wildlife Watching
• Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward
• Dinner in Seward

As you exit Anchorage and south, you’ll drive along the Turnagain Arm. This inlet is a great place to watch for bald eagles, Dall sheep, moose (at the marsh) and even beluga whales when the time is right. As you drive, make stops at the different pull outs along the highway until you get to Girdwood. Here you can leave the Seward Highway and head east towards Portage, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. This part of the 7 day Alaska itinerary is a wonderful introduction to the scenery and wildlife of the Kenai Peninsula.

Portage Valley and Glacier

At Portage, stop into the Portage Glacier visitor center , a part of the Chugach National Forest to learn about Alaska’s glaciers and get your bearings. From there, head over to the Portage Glacier Cruise to set sail on Portage Lake and get your first up-close taste of the Alaska wilderness. The cruise lasts an hour and is similar to Glacier National Park boat tours , so it’s mellow and great for families.

On the way out of the Portage Valley, stop at the Williwaw fish viewing platform to watch for salmon, and then for fun if the weather is nice, follow the trail north to the beaver ponds (it’s an easy loop trail). You can also stop in a few places to walk or bike on the Trail of Blue Ice. This follows the highway along the stream and is a great place for birding and looking for other wildlife.

Before ending your time at the end of Turnagain Arm, stop into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center . This is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see native Alaskan animals who’ve been cared for after injuries and such, and it’s one way to make sure you see bears, moose, musk oxen and more. 

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Stops Along the Seward Highway

As you continue south on the Seward Highway, make stops at the Place River (wildlife watching), the “Welcome to the Kenai” signs, and the different pull outs and rest stops along the way. You can just drive straight through to Seward if you want, but there are some beautiful things to see along the way. While it may seem like a weird stop, the Turnagain Pass Snowmobile Parking Lot ( Google maps link here ) actually has some beautiful trails and it’s great to explore on foot. I love seeing the wildflowers and the Chugach Mountains from here!

Moving right along the Seward Highway, you’ll come to Tern Lake where the road meets the Sterling Highway (the road to Homer). Stop at Tern Lake to watch the swans and arctic terns, and if you’re lucky you may even see a bear or moose. There’s a picnic area here that’s perfect if you need to eat lunch or have snacks.

The last stop before Seward is Bear Lake or Snow River. Depending on the wildlife, both have great potential for seeing swans, bald eagles, bears and moose. When I was a driver guide here on the Kenai Peninsula I would stop here often to watch wildlife. When you get to Seward, if you have time, visit the Alaska Sea Life Center. It’s a fun and unique aquarium with animal rehabilitation areas, touch tanks, and a puffin diving tank.

Where to Stay in Seward

There are a few hotel options downtown Seward, and then some cabins and lodges as you approach the town along the Seward Highway. We had a great stay at the Seward Windsong Lodge and loved its location near Exit Glacier (that’s on tomorrow’s itinerary). You’ll want to book your accommodations for two nights, as Seward and the surrounding area will take up several days of your 7 day Alaska itinerary.

Day 2 – Kenai Fjords National Park

I love Kenai Fjords National Park and have spent countless days both on boats in the fjords, kayaking in Resurrection Bay and hiking at Exit Glacier. I think visiting Kenai Fjords NP is one of the most special National Park experiences anyone can have. I know that it’s not a drive you can do, but exploring this National Park is a must-do part of our Alaska road trip. It’s a nice way to mix up the activities of the 7 day itinerary. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour

Hiking at exit glacier.

• Dinner at Resurrection Roadhouse

Because Kenai Fjords National Park is mostly only accessible by water, the best way to see it is on one of the boat tours. Kenai Fjords Tours (KFT) has a few different options for going out into the park depending on how long you want to be gone for the day. The wildlife of Kenai Fjords is the real highlight, so the longer you can be on the water the better! Here are the options:

• Kenai Fjords National Park Tour  – 6 hours – includes lunch and some snacks, visits Aialik or Holgate Glacier  OR  do the same route and add dinner on Fox Island
• Northwestern Fjord Tour **MY FAVORITE**  – 8 hours – includes light breakfast and lunch w/ some snacks, visits Northwestern, Northeastern, Redstone and Southwest Glacier (one fjord has them all)
• Resurrection Bay Tour w/ Fox Island  – 5 hours – includes dinner on For Island at the day lodge
• Glacier Dinner Cruis e – 5.5 hours – includes dinner onboard (drinks are extra), visits Holgate or Aialik Glacier.
• SPRINGTIME ONLY Resurrection Bay Tour  – 4 hours, March – May – includes lunch, doesn’t visit any glaciers but is for wildlife watching

When you head out on your tour, park in the designated KFT parking lot and jump on their shuttle bus, then check in for your boat tour a half hour beforehand. Continental breakfast is provided onboard, but you can also grab your own full breakfast either at your hotel or at the Porthole food truck nearby. The tour will go through islands, around peninsulas, to waterfalls and all while watching for whales, porpoises, dolphins, puffins, seals and more.

The highlight for many when they’re doing the Kenai Fjords Tour is getting up close to a tidewater glacier. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll either go to Northwestern, Aialik or Holgate Glacier. Each is beautiful and really cool to see up close, especially if it’s calving or having an ice fall. It’s an amazing tour and you’ll fall in love with Kenai Fjords National Park! This may be the highlight of your 7 day Alaska itinerary.

After a day on the water an easy hike at Exit Glacier is just what you need to round out your Kenai Fjords National Park experience. The trails here are pretty easy, including a wheelchair accessible trail. You’ll be able to hike through the woods and look out over the Resurrection Valley, see the face of Exit Glacier and walk the path of how the glacier has quickly receded in recent years. I was stunned since I’ve been coming here for 20+ years.

Finish your day with dinner at the Resurrection Roadhouse (we love it!) and then go for a wildlife drive after dinner. Dusk is one of the best times to see wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula, and the Exit Glacier road is a great spot to just hang out and see what you can see!

Day 3 – Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage

There’s a lot of hiking you can do on the Kenai Peninsula, but there’s also just a lot to see. In an effort to keep our 7 day Alaska itinerary on task, we’re just scraping the surface of what you’ll find on the rest of the Kenai. For day 3 of our Alaska road trip, we’re heading to the Sterling Highway to look for bears and enjoy two of the prettiest rivers in mainland Alaska: the Russian and Kenai Rivers. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Hiking at Russian River and falls, wildlife viewing
• Cooper Landing Brewing Co
• Scenic float on the Kenai River
• Drive north, departing the Kenai Peninsula

You’ll see that we don’t have any fishing planned on the itinerary. This is because we don’t do sport fishing and it’s a very expensive activity if you want to catch, keep and cook your fish… or ship it home. It’s a lot. When I lived on the Kenai River fishing was awesome and I ate a lot of salmon, but not now as a tourist.

Russian River Falls for Salmon and Bears

As you head through Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway, you’ll cross the milky turquoise Kenai River. Continuing on you’ll come to the Russian River recreational sites . This is where you’ll pay a fee to access the area, which is a part of the National Forest Service (get a discount with military ID or National Park pass), and then continue to one of the parking areas. A lot of people come to the Russian River for salmon fishing, but that’s not our plan. This activity is a gentle hike along the Russian River.

Remember the name of the lot you parked in (Pink Salm, King Salmon…) and then head down the pathway to the river. Go right to head towards the confluence of the Russian and Kenai Rivers, or go left to head towards Russian River Falls. Because so many salmon return to the Russian River to spawn there are often bears here fishing in the river. BEAR SAFETY is a must!

If you encounter a bear along the river, give it as much space as you can, paying attention all around you in case there are others. Because there are usually a lot of fishermen on the river, the bears do tend to stay on the far side, but they can cross whenever and wherever they want. Enjoy the wildlife and hike, and then head back to your vehicle (because you’ll remember where you parked!).

Cooper Landing Brewing Co and Kenai Lake

Grab lunch at one of the small restaurants in the Cooper Landing area (I love Gwin’s Lodge) or head to Cooper Landing Brewing Co for one of the best burgers I’ve ever had anywhere, not just in Alaska. There’s a beer counter to get pints from their local brewery and a food counter for burgers, pretzels and more. There’s both indoor and outside seating, and it’s got a great vibe. Cooper Landing Brewing Co wasn’t open when I lived in the town, but it’s for sure a welcome addition. 

Afterwards, if you have time, head down Quartz Creek Road to the shore of Kenai Lake. The mountain and lake views are beautiful, and if you’re lucky you might even see a moose during your visit.

Kenai River Scenic Float Raft Trip

I’ve rafted the Kenai River many times. I love it because there are moments with some rapids, but for the most part it’s a pretty gentle experience. Doing a scenic float on the Kenai with either Alaska Rivers Co or Alaska River Adventures is a great afternoon activity. I’ve seen many moose and bears from a raft here, and once I even had a school of sockeye salmon rush under the raft and it was wild!

If you’re looking for a bigger rafting adventure, in the Hope area of the Kenai Peninsula is 6 Mile Creek. It is not for the faint of heart. I’ve rafted it and it’s one of the only rivers that genuinely scared me. It’s beautiful and is for sure an experience, but it’s intense. Due to the class IV and V rapids, it’s for very advanced rafting. And that’s why I like the Kenai River float trip!

When you’re done on the Kenai, head back north to Anchorage or Eagle River, or continue up to Talkeetna. You’ve got flexibility with the 7 day Alaska itinerary to mix up where you’re staying for this last half of the travel plan.

Day 4 – Willow and Talkeetna

People who’ve done an Alaska road trip or done the land portion of a cruise tour often talk about Talkeetna and how cute it is. And it is that. I’ve been to Talkeetna many times and it’s definitely got the “old Alaska” vibe. This part of our 7 day itinerary is a sort of relaxing reset before heading to the tundra. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Drive north on Parks Highway
• Float or fishing on Willow Creek
• Explore and dine in Talkeetna
• Jet boat up the Susitna River

Willow Creek for Photography and Calm

Making our way north towards Denali National Park there are lots of pretty spots and a few small towns to stop into. One of these places is Willow. There’s not much to the town, but it’s a great place for fishing and floating through the wilderness. If you didn’t do a scenic float on the Kenai River or if you want to do another, doing a scenic float here with Willow Creek Tours , it is a nice morning or afternoon activity. Bald eagles, deer and wildflowers are the main attraction here. I love that it’s a very different sort of wilderness experience than other places thus far on this Alaska road trip.

Talkeetna – Famous for Being Itself

Just like Key West is famous for being a free-flowing vintage Florida town or Port Townsend is famous for its slogan “we’re all here because we’re not all there,” Talkeetna has that same feel. The area around the town on the Talkeetna Spur Road is pretty and there are lots of things to do, but the town itself is the main attraction. Walk from one end to the other popping into shops, mercantiles and restaurants. Get spinach bread from the airstream trailer and sit by the river enjoying a snack.

Also in Talkeetna is a satellite visitor center for Denali National Park. This is a good stop to make for confirming your plans as you approach the park the next day. Get hiking suggestions and find out about conditions in both Denali National Park and State Park. Once you’ve got your bearings, head over to the XY Lakes for some easy hiking around, or rent a kayak at the parking area. Talkeetna is mellow and fun. It can be busy with tourists, but I do love it.

Jet Boat on the Susitna River

Not many people have done a jet boat adventure, but they’re really cool! It’s a very different boat experience, so even though there are lots of water activities in our Alaska road trip plan, the jet boat on the Susitna River is very different. I’ve done this type of excursion here, on the Rogue River in Oregon ( another amazing road trip ), and in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area . I love it!

A jet boat ride is both fast and loud, with quiet breaks and lots of information. The Susitna River is a really unique waterway, so getting to blast upstream and check out the Alaska wilderness from the river is pretty cool. Also, when you do the jet boat on the Susitna River, there’s a stop on the tour where you get to pop onto shore upriver to see a trapper’s cabin, indigenous camp, and have a little nature walk between them. I think it’s a great activity!

Where to Stay in Talkeetna

There are some surprisingly nice options around Talkeetna when it comes to where to stay. You don’t have to stay directly in town (because that’s not an easy thing to do) but you can be very close, walking distance or a ten minute drive away. For our 7 day Alaska itinerary we’ve only got one night planned in Talkeetna, so where you choose to stay doesn’t have a huge impact on your daily plan.

We had a great stay (four days actually!) at the Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge on the Talkeetna Spur Road. We had a fantastic little cabin, access to Montana Creek for fly fishing and it was wonderfully quiet in the woods. The Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge was actually also one of the most affordable places we’ve stayed on any Alaska trip.

Day 5 – Denali State Park to Denali Village

Today’s the day on our Alaska itinerary that we finally get to Denali National Park! But before that, we need to stop at Denali State Park and do a little hiking. As you head north, there are some (potentially) great views and easy hikes to enjoy before getting to the village around the National Park entrance. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Stop into Denali State Park for a few easy hikes
• Have Lunch in Cantwell
• Arrive at Denali Village and explore
• Evening hike at Denali National Park

Hiking at Denali State Park

As you head north to the National Park, you’ll go by Denali State Park. While it may not be famous like the other, there are some nice hikes, great views of the Chulitna River and Denali (formerly Mt McKinley), and awesome wildlife opportunities. Make sure you bring snacks and water just in case you decide to do one of the longer hikes.

Both the Moose Flats Loop and Denali Viewpoint South are easy trails that won’t add a ton of time to your drive. The Byers Lake Loop trail is a longer one that is still fairly easy, and then the Curry Ridge trail has a lot more elevation and takes a bit longer. Because these two both go further from the road and campground areas, there is better potential for wildlife. Remember, seeing wildlife is awesome, but you need to be SAFE. I cannot stress enough the importance of giving wild animals plenty of distance and observing them from afar.

Enjoying Denali Village

Denali Village and the townsite around the National Park entrance is kind of fun to explore. It’s not like Cherokee at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but more like West Glacier at Glacier National Park. There are lots of restaurants and lodges, so in the middle of those you’ll find shops and convenience stores. There are a few attractions within the village, like the Sourdough Photo Studio, and such, but it’s not chalk full of museums and galleries like some National Park towns.

You can do some cool stuff here though, including some small hikes. If you have time and the budget, the Husky Homestead does really fun tours that are great to add to your Alaska road trip if you haven’t done anything dogsled related yet. If you’re into flightseeing, Denali Air is an incredible way to see the park, including doing a landing on an icefield if that’s what you’re looking for.

Where to Stay at Denali National Park

Unfortunately there’s not an epic National Park lodge like in Yellowstone or Yosemite, but there are lots of nice places to stay all around the park entrance. You can also choose to stay down in Cantwell or up in Healy, depending on availability and your budget. The key thing is actually finding availability and booking it. We have two nights of the 7 day Alaska itinerary here at Denali, so as soon as you know your travel dates, get your hotel reservations!

I worked at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and have stayed at the McKinley Chalet Resort , so can recommend both properties. If you’re doing your Alaska road trip during peak summer months, the nightly rate is going to be $300+ USD, but if you’re visiting at the start or end of the season, you may get a great deal!

Day 6 – Safari into Denali National Park

I can remember the first time I ever got to go into Denali National Park. I fell in love with the tundra immediately. There are a few ways to experience the tundra and the reaches of Denali, but for our Alaska road trip itinerary we’re keeping it simple and going with the guided version. Don’t worry, you still have your own freedom to explore. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Denali National Park Wilderness Safari
• Visitor Center
• Hiking at Denali National Park

Music of Denali Dinner Show

Denali national park bust tour.

The main way to explore Denali National Park is via one of the bus tours. During normal years / summer season there are three options for doing this:

• Denali Natural History Tour – 5 hours
• Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour – 8 hours
• Denali Transit Buses – as long as you want

Due to a landslide/sinkhole issue in the park, only 43 of the 92 mile Park Road is open in 2024 and 2025. The road is supposed to reopen all the way to Wonder Lake in 2026. In the meantime, you can still see a ton of Denali National Park, its wildlife and the incredible tundra landscapes.

The difference in tours is how far into the park they go. The Denali Natural History Tour goes beyond Savage River (as far as you can drive into the Park) while the Tundra Wilderness Tour can go all the way to the Eielson Visitor Center potentially. If you’re doing the Transit Bus, this tour ISN’T narrated but actually makes stops along the way to Wonder Lake (when fully operational) to let people off for hiking in the tundra. The Transit Bus also will stop for wildlife like the tour buses do, but it’s much more so a transportation service than a tour.

BOOK YOUR TOUR ASAP . I can’t stress this enough, you need to book your bus tour into Denali National Park as soon as you know you’ll be there. The longer tour, the Tundra Wilderness, books up VERY FAR in advance, and the Natural History tour does too, but there’s often more availability. Don’t let your Alaska road trip get foiled by not being able to visit this amazing place!

Easy Denali Things to DO

A great bonus to having a 7 day Alaska itinerary is that you have the flexibility to move things around and spend more time in places where you’re having a wonderful experience. There are quite a few hiking trails at Denali National Park that you can access from the visitor center and town. And you can also drive into the Park as far as the Savage River, so enjoy hiking there as well. The Taiga, Horseshoe Lake and the Savage River Loop trails are all great options that aren’t too difficult and get you into nature easily.

Something wonderfully unique about exploring Denali National Park, and the park rangers will confirm this, is that the best parts of the park aren’t on the trails. Due to the nature of the tundra and landscape, visitors are encouraged to explore where they want. The key to doing this successfully is to keep safety in mind at all times, leave no trace, and to bring the supplies you’ll need for however long you want to be tundra hiking. Be sure to ask a ranger about off-trail hiking if you’re interested!

I had to add the Music of Denali dinner theater to our 7 day Alaska itinerary because it’s iconic… and so cheesy. I love this show and have seen it many times. The buffet of salmon, ribs and more is delicious and the experience is very family friendly. For being both dinner and a show, it’s also one of the most affordable unique experiences in Alaska. The Music of Denali show happens at the McKinley Chalets, so if you’re staying there you really can’t miss it.

Day 7 – More Hiking and Return to ANC

I can’t believe it’s already the last day of fun. After spending a week doing a road trip in Alaska, you have seen a lot! There are just a few more things to do before you call it the end though. As you drive south back to Anchorage, go rogue! When you’re on the Parks Highway heading south, make a left onto the Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive. Here are the recommended activities for the day:

• Drive through Hatcher Pass (partial dirt road)
• Visit Independence Mine State Park
• Hike in the Archangel Valley
• Return to Anchorage

Visiting Hatcher Pass

It’s rare that I voluntarily drive on lone dirt roads, but Hatcher Pass is an exception. Once upon a time we got stuck in a rental car on a sketchy dirt road in Nova Scotia and since then I’ve been wary, but Hatcher Pass is well maintained and actually quite popular. Heading east on the Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive you’ll go through a beautiful valley with mossy green hills, small waterfalls and streams, placer washouts, old and current gold mines and off-trail hiking spots.

Keep an eye out for wildlife here in Hatcher Pass because there are lots of wild blueberries and rooty areas that bears LOVE. From the stream bed up the hills, watch for Alaskan brown bears and black bears. If you’re hiking, be sure to keep your bear spray available and make yourself known as you traverse the hills.

Independence Mine State Park and Gold Cord Lake

For all the historic places I’ve been and time I’ve spent visiting and living in Alaska, I actually learned a ton here at Independence Mine State Park . I never understood why mining died out or why huge industrial sites were just abandoned. I learned all about it here at Independence Mine where there are mine and camp ruins, machinery, cool buildings and great hiking trails.

The highlight of visiting (besides the education) was actually the Gold Cord Lake Trail . Wow! This trail is short but intense. Streams and fairy-like mossy mounds set the mood for one of the prettiest hikes I’ve done in the area. If you’re hiking up to Gold Cord Lake in early summer, you may just get to see it still frozen. It’s beautiful.

After hiking, pop into the Hatcher Pass Lodge for lunch and then walk around the property a bit. With each visit I try to scope out which cabin I want to stay in next time. The cabins are really cool and in a beautiful spot.

Hiking in the Archangel Valley – Lane Basin Trail

It’s not too far to our next stop, which is our last hike for our 7 day Alaska itinerary. The Lane Basin Loop is located at the end of the beautiful Archangel Valley. This area is popular with rock climbers, but it’s also got some really cool hikes for the rest of us to enjoy. Fair warning, the road up to Lane Basin is ROUGH. We actually chose to park at one of the climbing areas and walk the additional 1.5 miles up the road because the wheel wells were too big for our rental car.

Once on the Lane Basin Loop trail it was gorgeous. Our 12 year old son even commented that it’s the prettiest hike we’ve ever done AND it was his favorite hike ever. Really, the scenery is amazing, with streams, waterfalls, areas similar to the tundra and rocky cliffs all around. It’s amazing. You couldn’t pick a better hike to end your Alaska road trip with.

Ending the 7 Day Alaska Itinerary

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Alaska road trip. When we first did this itinerary it was solely to relive my glory days of living in Alaska. Little did I think at the time that it was the perfect introduction for the rest of my family to what the Last Frontier is really like and that they’d fall in love with the state the way I did. When you complete this trip I hope you’ll feel the same.

Once you’re on your way home, I encourage you to think about some of the things you saw and didn’t get to do or would like to explore further. You can visit Alaska over and over and never have the same trip twice, even if you do the same itinerary.

If you have any questions about planning an Alaska road trip, need to tweak the itinerary to fit your group’s interests, or if you need some more specific recommendation please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more and help other plan amazing adventures!

Looking for more Alaska fun? Check out our Alaska Adventures page , including our UnCruise experience in Southeast Alaska !

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