Alaska offers vast wilderness, but even the Last Frontier has its busy spots during the peak of summer. Since our team lives and works right here, we’ve learned exactly how to find those quiet moments and hidden gems.
If you want to experience the “Real Alaska” with a little more elbow room, use these four local strategies to plan your next trip.
Tip #1. Travel During the “Shoulder Seasons”
Local Alaskans know that some of the most peaceful moments happen just as the season starts or ends. We call these “shoulder seasons”—typically mid-to-late May and early-to-mid September.
While most visitors arrive during the warmest months of June through August, those who travel on the edges enjoy a different side of the state:
- Late May: You’ll meet crisp mornings, mountain peaks still capped with heavy snow, and the first blooming wildflowers.
- September: You can catch the vibrant tundra colors as they turn to gold and red, or else take in mountainside swaths of bright yellow birch and aspen. Plus, the darker nights signal the return of the northern lights!
Tip #2. Take the Wheel with a Rental Car
Exploring Alaska by car gives you the ultimate freedom to move at your own pace. While the Alaska Railroad is iconic, a rental car lets you reach areas where the trains and large tour buses simply don’t go.
Driving allows you to visit coastal gems that feel much more relaxed and local:
- Homer: Drive to the “End of the Road” for world-class halibut fishing and a stroll on the famous Homer Spit.
- Valdez: Navigate the stunning Thompson Pass to reach this dramatic seaside town, known for its massive glaciers and incredible hiking.
Tip #3. Escape to Remote Wilderness
To truly leave the crowds behind, head off the road system. Many of Alaska’s best wilderness lodges are only accessible by bush plane or boat. These smaller properties host fewer guests, ensuring a more personal and quiet experience.
If you want to stay on the grid but still feel remote, consider McCarthy and Kennicott:
- Located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, this area sees only a fraction of the visitors that Denali gets, despite being the largest national park in the U.S.
- McCarthy is a tiny town with no paved streets and deep copper-mining history.
- Kennicott sits just five miles away, where you can explore a preserved ghost town or hike directly onto the Root Glacier.
Source: Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Tip #4. Explore on Foot or by Water
Hiking is a way of life here. Even in our busiest cities, you can find trails within the city limits that lead you into the woods in minutes. You don’t need mountaineering gear to find peace; almost every community has paths for all fitness levels.
For a different perspective, grab a paddle. We offer a variety of guided kayaking tours that take you away from the noise and right up to the shoreline:
- Guided Tours: Let an expert lead you to hidden coves and glacier faces.
- Independent Rentals: If you are an experienced kayaker, rent your own gear and set your own course.
Let Us Help You Plan Your “Insider” Alaska Vacation
Want to build an Alaska itinerary that avoids the tourist hubs? We here at Alaska Tours can help you to create the perfect itinerary for you!