5 Easy Hikes with Stunning Views near Anchorage, Alaska
Crave adventure and breathtaking scenery? Look no further than Alaska. With its rugged terrain, pristine glaciers, dense forests and epic mountains, the state is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
But with so many options, where do you even begin? I've got you covered. In this guide, I’ve rounded up 5 of the best easy hikes near Anchorage Alaska. All of these trails are also within roughly a one hour drive of Anchorage. I’ve done all of these hikes - some even multiple times - and can’t wait for you to experience them on your own Alaskan adventure.
So, whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, these trails truly offer something for everyone. Grab your hiking boots and let's go!
Remember to Leave No Trace
Whether enjoying views from the side of a scenic road or hiking up to a mountain summit, always remember to follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace when enjoying these beautiful natural spaces.
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts.
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
5 of the Best Easy to Moderate Hikes Near Anchorage, Alaska
1. Portage Pass Trail
Length: 4.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,437 ft
Parking: Free road parking
Dog-friendly: Yes
Trailhead location: Whittier
Out of all of the hikes near Anchorage Alaska, this trail remains one of my favorites! This epic hike is considered easy-moderate in difficulty and takes you through some of Alaska's most breathtaking landscapes. The trailhead is located just past the tunnel after arriving in Whittier from Portage Valley.
Be aware that you must pay to drive through the Whittier Tunnel - more information on fees and the tunnel schedule can be found here: Whittier Tunnel fees & schedule
The hike begins with a steady ascent, until it opens up to reveal stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding landscapes, including Portage Glacier. Once you’ve fully soaked in the epic views at the top of this hike, carry on down the trail until you reach Portage Lake - which spits you out on a beach directly across from the glacier.
This is an incredible spot for a picnic and relaxing with the glacier views, before heading back up and over the pass to return to the trailhead.
2. Byron Glacier
Length: Roughly 2.8 miles round trip
Parking: Free parking lot
Dog-friendly: Yes, must be on a leash
Trailhead location: Portage
Byron Glacier is one of the highlights of the Portage Pass area, offering a breathtaking view of the glacier and surrounding mountains. As you continue down the fairly flat and easy trail, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Upon reaching the valley with epic glacier views, you’ll likely be greeted with unmelted snow hills and vibrant blue ice tunnels! Spend some time simply walking around and exploring, while getting a few different vantage points of Byron Glacier perched up on the mountain. Also, be sure to mark this down on your summertime Alaska itinerary, as the hike is too dangerous to tackle in winter months due to avalanche risk.
3. Virgin Creek Falls
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 180 ft
Parking: Free street parking, very limited
Dog-friendly: Yes
Trailhead location: Girdwood
This is definitely the easiest trail on the list of hikes near Anchorage. This super short hike is not only accessible to all hikers, but also offers a different type of natural beauty than the rest of the hikes listed. At just 0.5 miles round trip, exploring Virgin Creek Falls can easily be done in an afternoon between other scenic stops, and is perfect for anyone looking for a little bit of adventure without a lot of effort.
The trail takes you through a lush forest with super green, mossy “PNW” vibes. Once you arrive at the base of the waterfall, you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the cascading water. This is one of my favorite stops during any trip to Girdwood, as the trailhead is barely 5 minutes from the center of town.
4. Twin Peaks Trail
Length: 3.0 miles round trip for the first lookout
Elevation gain: 1,130 ft to first lookout
Parking: Paid parking lots
Dog-friendly: Yes, must be on a leash
Trailhead location: Eklutna Lake
Not the full trail! For an easy-moderate version of this trek, you’ll only be climbing up to the first main viewpoint. This bench overlook is at 1.5 miles in, making the entire journey 3.0 miles round-trip.
This portion of the trail is perfect for those who want just a little bit of a challenge and stunning views. The entire trail is almost 8 miles round-trip, if you’re looking for a much more difficult hike.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy hiking shoes! As you ascend the steep terrain, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and Eklutna Lake down below.
For those who want to continue their adventure, pop down to the lakeside trail at Eklutna Lake. This super blue glacier-fed lake is a peaceful spot to relax and unwind after a day of hiking.
5. April Bowl Trail
Length: 2.2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Roughly 860 feet
Parking: Free parking lots, limited space
Dog-friendly: Yes, must be on a leash
Trailhead location: Hatcher Pass
This trail is a moderate hike with a well-worn path, making it super easy to navigate. Switchbacks for the first big part of the climb and no trees anywhere in sight make it a scenic trek the entire way up.
Once you arrive at the ‘top’ of the trail, you'll be greeted with an absolutely jaw-dropping view looking down over multiple small glacial lakes. The waters of these little alpine lakes are nestled perfectly within surrounding rugged peaks, creating a view that’s honestly impossibly to forget! Pack a picnic lunch and spend some time relaxing and taking in the scenery.
Alaska is a hiker's dream, with a seemingly endless assortment of trails and natural beauty to explore. From Portage Pass Trail to the April Bowl Trail, each hike offers super unique and breathtaking views that can be experienced by anyone and everyone.
No matter your experience level, these five hikes are perfect for anyone looking to embark on their next Alaskan hiking adventure. So what are you waiting for?! Lace up your hiking boots, pack your bags, and hit the trails. And don’t forget to pack properly for the journey…
What to pack for hiking in Alaska
Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to pack layers and waterproof gear for your hike in Alaska. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, as are (non-cotton) socks and a lightweight rain jacket.
Additionally, be sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray in the summertime, as the sun can be strong even on cloudy days and mosquitoes are very prevalent in certain areas. Most importantly, pack that bear spray! You never know what type of wildlife you’ll encounter out on the trails.
For a full checklist of the “Ten Hiking Essentials” (what to pack on every hike) visit this guide on LNT’s site.
Read next: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Hatcher Pass
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5 of the Best Easy to Moderate Hikes Near Anchorage Alaska
