Photo of the Kenai Peninsula Wilderness, Home to the Prettiest Alaska Hiking TripsIn 2018, we briefly touched on our guided Alaska hiking trips into jaw-dropping Chugach National Forest, such as Hope Point, Slaughter Gulch, and Crescent Lake. Today, however, we’re going to discuss foraging, birdwatching, guiding services, and the 10 best hikes in Alaska, according to personal experience and guest reviews. During the warmer seasons, Kenai River Drifter’s Lodge is the premier adventure-based hub in Cooper Landing, Alaska, as we offer everything from world-class Kenai River salmon fishing to glacier cruises near Seward. And, as you might expect, hiking is a popular alternative to salmon fishing for many adventurers.

Alaska Hiking Trips in the Chugach Mountains

Yes, Drifter’s Lodge is the region’s premier salmon fishing outfitter, but our growing team of hiking experts is starting to draw a lot of attention from repeat visitors. Julia and Hunter have years of experience in these mountains as well as expertise in survival, navigation, geology, wildlife, and plant life. These spectacular Alaska hiking trips can be fully customized to your group’s liking (our team will assist in the planning process). Groups are typically matched to a location via skill level and secondary interests, such as birdwatching, berry picking, mushroom foraging, or photography.

Photo of the Kenai River, Home to the Best Alaska Hiking TripsTop 10 Alaska Hiking Trails

Below you’ll find a concise list of our favorite Alaska hiking trips as chosen by our staff and past guests. Each journey, which can be swiftly substituted in place of salmon or halibut fishing, includes trail selection assistance, navigation, safety training, survival equipment, shuttles, and mid-trail talks on plants, geology, and wildlife. We highly recommend bringing a top-of-the-line camera, binoculars, and heaps of curiosity and vigor.

  1. Slaughter Gulch: Perhaps the most beautiful lookout on the Kenai Peninsula.
  2. Hope Point: A strenuous yet rewarding escape into the clouds.
  3. Skilak Lookout: Home to splendid berry patches and dense flora.
  4. Ptarmigan Creek: Spawning salmon, turquoise waters, and snow-capped mountains.
  5. Hidden Creek: A backcountry foothills experience unlike any other.
  6. Palmer Creek: Vibrant greenery, cascading waterfalls, and misty mountains.
  7. Fuller Lakes: A true hidden gem with abundant birdlife.
  8. Skyline Trail: A challenging 1,700-foot gain with a jaw-dropping payoff.
  9. Gull Rock: Mushroom picking at its finest.
  10. Crescent Lake: One of the most serene locations on the planet.

The Best Kenai River Fishing Guides

Kenai River Drifter’s Lodge is, of course, so much more than just a world-class fishing lodge—we offer off-site dog sled tours, trips to Seward, scenic floats, and so much more! To learn more about our guiding services (including Alaska hiking trips), please give us a call today at 1-907-595-5555. It may not seem like it at the moment, but the Alaska fishing season is just around the corner! Please don’t hesitate to reach out about a potential escape into the heart of the Kenai Peninsula.