Alaska is home to hundreds of hiking trails. These trails range from short nature walks to practically climbing mountains. In many cases, your dog is welcome to come with you. While dogs are often required to be leashed, they may be allowed off-leash in some areas.
While it’d be impossible to list all the potential hiking trails in Alaska simply due to the sheer size of the state, we have listed 20 of our favorites below.
The 20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Alaska
1. Portage Pass Trail
4.4-mile trail that takes almost 3 hours to complete on average
Very popular trail for backpacking and camping, so you’ll probably encounter other people
Moderately challenging
Offers stunning views of Portage Glacier and Portage Lake
Rocky and a bit steep on the first mile
2. Bodenburg Butte via West Butte Trail
2.3-mile trail that takes you out and back
Moderately challenging trail
Takes about an hour and a half to complete
Very popular hike, so expect to see others
3. Reed Lakes Trail
Address:
Palmer, AK 99645
Open Times:
Sunrise to sunset
Cost:
Free
Off-leash allowed?:
No
Very long trail at 8.7 miles out-and-back
Considered a challenging trail, so be prepared
Despite being difficult, it is rather popular
First 2 miles are well-maintained, but then turns into a rugged trail
4. Virgin Creek Falls
A fairly short trail at only half a mile
Only takes about 30 minutes to complete, though it is somewhat challenging
Decently popular hiking trail
Serious elevation over a short period
Not an official trailhead
5. South Fork Falls
1.3-mile out-and-back trail
Easy route, taking about 30 minutes to complete
Very popular area for hiking, as it is quite easy
Runs through private property, where staying on the path is essential
6. West Glacier Trail
4-mile out-and-back trail
Moderately challenging, taking just under 2 hours to complete
Popular area for birding
7. Lower Dewey Lake Trail
Popular cross-country skiing trail that can also be hiked
3-mile loop trail
Wonderful views of the nearby town and harbor
Very steep
Many picnic tables on the path
8. Mount Roberts Trail
Address:
Juneau, AK 99801
Open Times:
Sunrise to sunset
Cost:
Free
Off-leash allowed?:
No
Very difficult 7.6-mile trail
Takes practically all day to complete, so be prepared
Suggested for summer hiking only
9. East Glacier Loop Trail
Address:
Alaska 99664
Open Times:
24 hours
Cost:
Free
Off-leash allowed?:
No
3.1-mile loop trail that takes about 2 hours to complete
Quieter trail that is good for some solitude
Provides an excellent view of the Mendenhall Glacier
10. Perseverance Trail
4.6-mile trail that’s considered moderately challenging
Popular for hiking and running
Decent elevation gain, so it’s best for experienced hikers
11. Mount Gordon Lyons Trail
Address:
Anchorage, AK 99505
Open Times:
Sunrise to sunset
Cost:
$5 parking pass required
Off-leash allowed?:
No
Longer trail that takes about 2.5 hours to complete
Extremely popular for hiking and skiing
Quite easy for most people, despite being long
Provides a good view of the valley and spring-fed creek
Next to a military installation; do not trespass
12. Iditarod Trail to Rapid’s Yurt
Address:
Seward, AK 99664
Open Times:
Sunrise to sunset
Cost:
Free
Off-leash allowed?:
No
Easier long trail with only 442 ft of elevation gain
Very popular for those looking for a more laidback hike
Closed seasonally for weather conditions
Utilized for skiing in the winter
13. Deer Mountain Trail
Long, challenging route for experienced hikers only
Contains gravel sections, wooden bridges, and natural rock sections
Starts with a boardwalk and then climbs up to alpine
Loose rocks may pose a safety concern
Stay on the trail, as there are several cliff areas
14. Hope Point
Address:
Hope, AK 99605
Open Times:
Sunrise to sunset
Cost:
Free
Off-leash allowed?:
No
Very difficult 7.5-mile trail
Popular trail, but its length provides some solitude
Very well groomed
Switchbacks prevent the climb from being too bad
15. Near Point via Stuckagain Heights
Address:
Anchorage, AK
Open Times:
Sunrise to sunset
Cost:
Free
Off-leash allowed?:
No
Easier trail at 3.3 miles, though with a nearly 2,000 ft elevation gain
Plan to take 3 hours to complete
Open year-round
No trail sign or parking at the trailhead
16. Goldbelt Tram to Gastineau Peak
Almost 4-mile trail that takes over 3 hours to complete
Not as popular as others on this list
Overgrown path may not be the easiest to travel
Stunning views
17. Ptarmigan Lake Trail
6.8-mile trail with a slight elevation gain
Considered an easier, longer route
Not as popular as some other areas
18. Caines Head Trail
Very long trail at nearly 14.5 miles
Takes over 7 hours to complete
Hard trail with a steep elevation gain; only for experienced hikers
Well-maintained trail
Be sure to time your trip with the tides, as part of the hike is on the beach
19. Upper Dewey Lake Trail
Address:
Skagway, AK 99840
Open Times:
Sunrise to sunset
Cost:
Free
Off-leash allowed?:
No
Almost exactly 5 miles
Requires nearly 5 hours to complete, so plan appropriately
Very steep incline with lots of walks
Well-marked trail the whole way
Follows a creek for much of the way
20. Totem Trail
Very short trail at less than a mile
Very easy route that should take less than 30 minutes to complete
Showcases several totem poles
Part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest
Trail surface is crushed gravel
Conclusion
There are many trails spread throughout Alaska that you can take your dog on. These range from very short walks on paved surfaces to all-day hikes up steep mountains. There is something for just about everyone at any skill level. Be sure to always check for extreme weather, as many of these trails are up steeper elevations and may be particularly impacted by snow and ice .
As always, be safe and take it slow. Be sure your dog is just as prepared as you are, too. If your dog isn’t used to hiking, be sure to take them on shorter hikes before trying one that is several miles long.
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Featured Image Credit to: Zivica Kerkez, Shutterstock