Alaska is one of the world’s finest adventure destinations, a paradise for rugged outdoor explorers of all types and tastes, and probably the last great wilderness left in the United States. For folks who like their vacations wild and exciting, the 49th State is the ultimate place to visit.
But even the most hardcore outdoor explorers need a little luxury, particularly when it comes to their accommodation. Taking on the great outdoors and setting off out across the tundra, up mountains, through forests, and over frozen glaciers is made a far more palatable undertaking when you’ve got a wonderful base camp to come back to at the end of the day.
Luckily, Alaska is blessed with something for every traveler. From thrilling wildlife lodges to luxury resorts, cozy places to relax or rustic cabins, there are amazing places to stay for adventure seekers the length and breadth of the Wild Frontier.
So if you are sailing through Alaska and want to explore the backcountry in style, here are some of the best hotels in the state for outdoor adventurers.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Set atop a picturesque ridge just a short drive from the glorious Denali National Park, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge boasts one of the most breathtaking locations of any hotel in Alaska. With stunning views of the Alaska Range and Mount McKinley, the lodge is the perfect place for adventure seekers, hikers, climbers, and explorers, and is the ultimate base of operations for anyone looking to discover the magnificent Denali National Park. The lodge will organize an array of outdoor activities for guests, from backcountry skiing and glacier trekking to white water rafting. The lodge also offers a restaurant, bar, and hot tub for those wishing to relax and enjoy themselves after a day of exploring.
The Skagway Inn
The historic town of Skagway is inextricably interlinked with Alaska’s Gold Rush, and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Klondike Highway as well as White Pass and the Yukon Route railway. This cozy inn has been around for over a century and offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Skagway harbor. Originally built to cater for the rush of prospectors heading the the Klondike gold fields, the inn has a fascinating history, having been a family residence, a boarding house, a brothel(!), and a hotel. Situated in the center of the Klondike National Park it is an exceptional place to stay for explorers and history buffs alike.
Alyeska Resort
For adventure seekers looking for a little more luxury at the end of the day, the Alyeska Resort is the perfect choice. This luxury hotel and spa set in the majestic Chugach Mountains feels gloriously remote but is an easy ride from Anchorage, offering the best of both worlds. It is an ideal destination for lovers of the great outdoors, with activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling right on the doorstep, while the world-class spa and restaurant let you pamper yourself while gazing out over the mountains and the Anchorage skyline in the distance.
Sheep Mountain Lodge
For those seeking a more rustic experience, the Sheep Mountain Lodge is a brilliant choice. Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, this charming and laid-back hotel offers guests a sense of countryside living with typical log-cabin-style accommodations and a cozy atmosphere. Surrounded by soaring mountains, majestic glaciers, and abundant wildlife, this lodge is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and have an adventure of a lifetime. Guests at the Sheep Mountain Lodge also have access to hiking trails and a variety of outdoor activities.