7 Coziest Mountain Towns In Alaska

With a total area of more than 665,000 square miles, Alaska is the largest state in the union. Because of its nearly impassable terrain which includes glaciers, lakes, and mountains a large portion of Alaska has not yet been visited. Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 tallest peaks in the United States, including Denali, one of the seven summits and the highest peak in North America. Up to 86% of Alaska’s villages and localities lack access to any significant road network because of the state’s enormous mountainous terrain. As a result, many Alaskan settlements are small and have mountain scenery, giving them a homey, snow globe-like appearance.

Juneau

Juneau is Alaska’s capital city, bounded by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. The Goldbelt Tram travels 1,800 feet through the rain forest, providing panoramic views of downtown Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. Juneau arose following a gold rush in 1880. That heritage can still be enjoyed today at Red Dog Saloon, which has saloon-style swinging doors and sawdust flooring to provide an authentic experience for both visitors and residents. Marine Park, located near the waterfront, is worth visiting all year. Picnic tables and benches are available to sit on while eating food from park vendors, watching float planes in the summer, or viewing lit sculptures in the winter.

Skagway

Skagway has a deep historical tie to the Klondike Gold Rush. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center displays vintage images and videos depicting the 1890s Alaskan gold rush. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway in antique train carriages over mountains, waterfalls, canyons, and glaciers to White Summit in Canada’s Yukon Territory. The route was designed for the gold rush, and visitors can follow along the footsteps of those who came here in search of gold.

Skagway has nearly to one million visitors each year. The town’s historic downtown area contributes to its charm. The Red Onion Saloon is popular with visitors. What was formerly Skagway’s greatest bordello has been transformed into a bar, restaurant, and museum.

Homer

Mountains dominate Homer’s skyline in all directions: volcanic peaks can be seen over the Cook Inlet, while the Kenai Mountains can be viewed across Kachemak Bay. The Pratt Museum, which exhibits natural history, plants, and animals, provides information on the landscape and communities. Homer is recognized for its strong art scene, with a part of Pioneer Avenue dubbed “Gallery Row” due to the amount of galleries there, including Ptarmigan Arts, which sells jewelry, paintings, pottery, and woodworking. AJ’s Old Town Steakhouse and Tavern is one of Homer’s oldest businesses. It has a calm ambiance and serves excellent steak, seafood, and entertainment within its wood-paneled décor.

Sitka

Sitka is located on the western coast of Baranof Island, surrounded by mountains and recognized for its distinct blend of Russian and Alaska Native cultures. St. Michael’s Cathedral, the town’s center point and the first Russian church in America, is open to visitors every day. The Sitka Sound Science Center exhibits local marine life, including a salmon hatchery and touch tanks containing creatures gathered from Sitka seas. Sitka also hosts Alaska’s oldest national park, Sitka National Historical Park. The park, which covers around 110 acres, offers ranger-led hikes, carving demonstrations, and totem poles as its main feature.

Valdez

Valdez is a picturesque beach community bordered by the Chugach Mountains. Book a tour with Stan Stephens Glacier and species Cruises to get closer to the mountains and glaciers on Prince William Sound, where you may see a variety of Alaskan species such as sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles soaring above. Learn more about Prince William Sound at the Valdez Museum, which preserves and presents Valdez’s history and culture, as well as the surrounding scenery. Before leaving, one can visit Kelsey Dock, a 600-foot wooden dock managed by the city of Valdez. It is a popular spot for fishing and picnics.

Cordova

Cordova is well-known as a fantastic starting point for exploring the Copper River Delta, which is located to the east of town. Every year at the beginning of May, the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival commemorates the arrival of nearly five million shorebirds. Their visit brings together bird lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and residents for expert-led talks, classes and workshops, and guided birding outings. The Cordova Saturday Market is hosted in the Masonic Hall. Explore the stalls of local artisans and entrepreneurs, and try complimentary culinary samples. Visit the Cordova Historical Museum to learn about the region’s history, which includes works by local artists, rotating exhibits, and a large collection of antiquities.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is famous for its views of Denali and is much closer to Denali than the National Park entrance. This turns Talkeetna into a base camp for mountaineers seeking to climb it. Visit Talkeetna Riverfront Park to take images of the Denali Mountain Range. Visitors interested in learning more about the area’s history might visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, which features programs and collections related to mining, trapping, and mountaineering. After a day out, relax at Denali Brewpub, which serves house-brewed beers, casual food, tastings and tours, and outdoor seating and firepits.

In Summary

Whether you want to walk around a historic downtown district with mountains looming over it, see animals, or learn about Alaska’s mining heritage, these mountain communities provide something for everyone. Exploring galleries, cultural centers, and gorgeous parks will allow you to immerse yourself in the cozy mountain atmosphere. From glaciers and shorebirds to boardwalk strolls and old saloons, Alaska’s charm radiates through all four seasons, making each town a unique stop on your journey.