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
| Address: | Portage Pass Trail, Whittier, AK 99693 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
| Address: | Mothershead Ln, Palmer, AK 99645 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
| Address: | 1231-1101 Timberline Dr, Girdwood, AK 99587 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
| Address: | 21711 Ken Logan Cir, Eagle River, AK 99577 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Parking pass required |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
https://www.instagram.com/p/CB9Fpn2DFR_/
| Address: | Skaters Cabin Rd, Juneau, AK 99801 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 4-mile out-and-back trail
- Moderately challenging, taking just under 2 hours to complete
- Popular area for birding
7. Lower Dewey Lake Trail
| Address: | Address: Skagway, AK 99840 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
| Address: | Perseverance Trail, Juneau, AK 99801 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckz3wv_Ag9_/
| Address: | Ketchikan, AK 99901 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgYC85rJPWD/
| Address: | 490 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801 |
| Open Times: | Varies depending on the time of year |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvNY4qHpHh0/
| Address: | 18845 Old Glenn Hwy, Chugiak, AK 99567 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
| Address: | Tonsina Creek Rd, Seward, AK 99664 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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
| Address: | Sitka National Historical Park, 103 Monastery St, Sitka, AK 99835 |
| Open Times: | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed?: | No |
- 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.
Related Reads:
- 12 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Alabama You Can Visit
- 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Hawaii You Can Visit
Featured Image Credit to: Zivica Kerkez, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Alaska
- 1. Portage Pass Trail
- 2. Bodenburg Butte via West Butte Trail
- 3. Reed Lakes Trail
- 4. Virgin Creek Falls
- 5. South Fork Falls
- 6. West Glacier Trail
- 7. Lower Dewey Lake Trail
- 8. Mount Roberts Trail
- 9. East Glacier Loop Trail
- 10. Perseverance Trail
- 11. Mount Gordon Lyons Trail
- 12. Iditarod Trail to Rapid’s Yurt
- 13. Deer Mountain Trail
- 14. Hope Point
- 15. Near Point via Stuckagain Heights
- 16. Goldbelt Tram to Gastineau Peak
- 17. Ptarmigan Lake Trail
- 18. Caines Head Trail
- 19. Upper Dewey Lake Trail
- 20. Totem Trail
- Conclusion
