20 Photos That Prove Alaska Is an Outdoor Lovers Paradise

Alaska is known for being a destination with dazzling and diverse landscapes. With so much beauty to explore, it's no surprise that the 49th state is hailed as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Nature lovers can bask in pretty much any outdoor activity that exists, all amongst a backdrop of epic scenery. Eye candy in the form of incredible mountain ranges, glaciers, ocean, fjords and so much more create abundant adventure opportunities in expansive spaces. Hiking, snowshoeing, snow-machining (snowmobiling), skiing, cycling, kayaking and climbing are just some of the popular fresh air exploits available. Experiencing the best of Alaska's outdoor playground can also be enjoyed in a more laid-back fashion, with memorable road trips, wildlife watching, hot spring dipping or on a scenic flight high above the amazing landscape.

Although we don't need any convincing, here are 20 incredible photos that prove Alaska is an outdoor lover's paradise.

*Make sure to check the updated travel protocols for safe and responsible travel to Alaska.

A good old-fashioned road trip is one of the ultimate ways to explore "the last frontier." A set of wheels allows for flexibility to check out different areas of the state on your own time, as well as access more remote regions (with an equipped vehicle). With such a massive state to roam, there are seemingly endless options for long drives. Whether setting out on day trips from the city of Anchorage or plotting various stops along a route north to Fairbanks, you're sure to feast your eyes upon Alaska's natural splendor...and some amazing wildlife, too. Just be warned that you'll feel compelled to stop every five minutes to take it all in (give or take).

Discover Alaska's most famed national park. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest mountain in North America and a host of incredible adventures. Summertime draws hiking enthusiasts, while winter offers fewer crowds and the chance for off-season scenery on the limited park road openings, dependent on weather. Photography is fantastic year-round, of course. Wildlife is abundant, with moose, grizzly bears, wolves and caribou just some of the incredible animals that call this park home. If you're lucky, you'll get a glimpse of the elusive resident mountain giant, Denali (Mt. McKinley) which is, more often than not, subject to cloud cover.

Referred to it as "snow-machining" in lieu of "snowmobiling," this winter-fueled activity is widely enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Whatever you choose to call it, these snow machines offer a fantastic way to really explore the Alaskan wilderness with ease. Embark on a thrilling ride into the backcountry and find yourself in remote nooks and crannies unreachable otherwise. Never driven one? No problem. Tour guides are available to show you the ropes for a safe ride on the many trails throughout the state. Learn to shred like a true Alaskan (kind of) at Chena Hot Springs resort, about an hour outside of Fairbanks. They run tours for all skill levels regularly in the winter months, with the season spanning usually from November to April.

Witnessing Mother Nature's northern lights display is a bucket list item that can be checked off from the end of August to the mid-end of April in Alaska. Many flock to Fairbanks for this awe-inspiring experience, as it's one of the top places to view this spectacular show. Due to its location within the Auroral Oval and position just below the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks and the surrounding area are known for the vibrant ribbons of color to appear in the sky when weather conditions cooperate.

On a clear winter night, it's very possible to catch the midnight show - greens, purples and even reds and whites dancing above in a breathtaking scene. It may require staying awake with your eyes glued out the window, unless you're staying at the Taste of Alaska Lodge where you can arrange for a northern lights wake-up call. The lodge also has a newly constructed Aurora Pointe where you can warm up with tea and treats in between the magical light show. Located away from light pollution, the Pointe is an ideal place for creating perfect photo ops. Many tours also offer the chance to experience some of the top spots for viewing the aurora; from hot springs to dog-sledding, you can't get more bucket list-worthy than that!

Alaska is one of the best places for wildlife viewing, particularly moose. Those hoping to see one of these amazing animals first-hand will have a pretty fair chance while visiting the state. Although they frequent ponds, marshy, wetland areas and river valleys, it's very possible to see moose taking a casual stroll downtown as well. You might spot one while hiking or on the side of the road enjoying an early morning breakfast or an evening snack at dusk. The combination of spotting a moose in the wild against the cinematic scenery is unforgettable, making any outdoor lover swoon.

*As always with wildlife encounters, make sure to keep a safe distance.

Riding the train through Alaska's pristine wilderness is a fantastic way to absorb all the amazing natural scenes while relaxing in comfort. Traveling by train also provides a glimpse into areas otherwise unreachable by road. Alaska Railroad offers various routes to take in Alaska's unparalleled beauty throughout the year. Although most of the routes like the Coastal Classic and Denali Star trains run in warmer months from mid-May to mid-September, the Aurora Winter Train is a great option for traversing through a magical winter wonderland without having to worry about self-driving. View the impressive Hurricane Gulch on the way from Anchorage to Fairbanks; count moose from the train window, and marvel at mountains along the route south to the Kenai Peninsula. Along the way, the train's "MC" will share informational tidbits about the locations the train passes through as well as when there's wildlife in view.

Immerse yourself in an authentic Alaskan experience by staying in a cabin surrounded by nature. At Between The Beaches near Homer, an Alaskan oasis awaits. Situated on MacDonald Spit, this is a rare place that you can watch the sun rise and set on opposite sides of your luxury cabin. Ocean waters lapping the shore on each beach sandwiching the cabins provide the soundtrack to this outdoor paradise. Open year-round, Between The Beaches offers a secluded stay in a breathtaking natural setting less than a half-hour water taxi ride from Homer. Abundant outdoor adventures are just a hop and a skip from the spit: halibut fishing, hiking, kayaking, bear-watching and eagle viewing (to name a few). The onsite hot tub and sauna are a giant bonus while unwinding in a place where mountains and ocean meet. Consider visiting in the off-season and you may just have the place to yourself!

What's better than soaking in a hot tub? Soaking in a hot tub outdoors, of course. Nothing quite defines paradise like taking a warm dip in an epic location after a full day of outdoor exploits. (There's a reason that hot springs and wood-fired hot tubs are so popular in Alaska.) Between The Beaches on MacDonald Spit snags the award for "top scenic hot tub experiences" with the rustic beach in view and eagles soaring above. Soak while listening to the ocean soundtrack between Kasitsna and Kachemak Bay and pinch yourself; it's real.

The 82-mile long glacial-fed Kenai River is known for fantastic fishing opportunities. Perhaps most famously known for King Salmon, the river lures many fishermen every summer with the possibility of catching Silver Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Pink Salmon too. Head out on your own with a permit or hire an experienced guide who will take you out for a troll, cast or fly fishing adventure on a stretch of the picturesque river. Then, enjoy your daily-catch bounty!

Outdoor lovers will jump for joy while watching the mind-blowing sunsets cast an evening glow upon Alaska's landscapes. Watch the sun paint watercolor hues and highlight mountain tops with alpenglow to cap off each epic day. Between the mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, forests and oceans, each sundowner hour has the potential to put on a different show than the night before. Oh, and since dusk is a favorite time for moose to appear, Mother Nature might throw in one of those for good measure, too.

Dogsledding in Alaska is an iconic Alaskan activity and the official state sport that blends the outdoors with culture. And, it's really fun to boot. This quintessential activity has strong ties to Alaska with the famous Iditarod sled races and history as a premier form of transportation, including the delivery of mail! With a wide array of dogsledding tours available, you can practically choose your own mushing adventure. Explore the great outdoors from the comfort of a cozy sled while a professional musher drives a team of dogs, or even learn some mushing skills yourself. For a longer, thrilling adventure, mushing to a backcountry cabin or yurt and northern lights viewing is possible. Many tours include meet and greets with the pups as well as educational tours of the kennels.

The small town of Talkeetna is known for serving as a home base to climbers hoping to summit Denali (Mt. McKinley). It's also known for unreal views of the famed mountain from the riverfront. Grab a front-row seat to sunrise and get ready to have your Alaskan socks knocked right off. Slumber at the historic Talkeetna Roadhouse, just a quick walk from the riverfront for that roll-out-of-bed sunrise access. After, fill up on the owner's famous breakfast and get some delicious cookies to go (seriously, do it). Sunrise is the kicking-off point for a full day of outdoor ventures. Go rafting, fish for Rainbow Trout, enjoy a scenic flight and hike to your heart's content; all from the quaint little town of Talkeetna.

To truly experience Alaska's outdoor haven, getting out on the water is a must. A boat ride provides a unique perspective to appreciate the gorgeous landscape. Idyllic bays and dramatic fjords are hosts to rich marine life such as curious otters, sunbathing seals and adorable puffins. Hop aboard a boat tour or water taxi ride with Mako's Water Taxi to explore the beauty surrounding Homer on the western edge of the Kenai Peninsula. Highlights in Kachemak Bay include Halibut Cove, Seldovia and Gull Island, where you'll view abundant seabirds in their natural habitat.

Seeing the great outdoors from above via helicopter is definitely something to write home about. In Alaska, you can raise the bar dramatically by taking a helicopter to remote hot springs. Approximately an hour outside of Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp runs helicopter hot spring tours that will land you in a true natural paradise. Spend a few hours in a remote cabin in between idyllic soaks in the three hot spring pools. Accessed only by an 11-mile trail or 25-minute flight, these hot springs define "secluded."

With the state host to the biggest population of bald eagles in the entire USA, chances are pretty high of seeing one (or ten) while in Alaska. Viewing these regal birds in their natural habitat is an incredible experience. From spotting them in treetops along the road or from the train window to watching their sprawling wing span gracefully glide along the coastal regions, you don't have to be a bird-watching aficionado to appreciate this species. Get an up-close vantage point on the beach at Between The Beaches, where a convocation of eagles makes a regular appearance.

A scenic flight will leave you with a perpetual jaw-drop expression as you experience Alaskan nature artwork from a bird's eye perspective. Smokey Bay Air out of Homer runs flightseeing, volcano and bear viewing (summer) tours, showing off the best of Alaska's stunning landscape: glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife and, of course, mountains and the sea. View the famous Homer Spit and Kachemak Bayas you head out on your scenic adventure, marvel at the enormous Harding Ice Field, count mountain tops and keep an eye out for wildlife. Custom tours can be arranged as well. Want to experience fly-in fishing? No problem. Interested in transportation to a small village accessible only by air or boat? Sure thing.

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Alaska's awe-inspiring wilderness. Whether you're up for a challenging trek or a quick day jaunt, there's a trail for everyone. In the coastal city of Seward, the Exit Glacier and Tonsina Creek Trails are a great way to stretch your legs and get the most bang for your buck in regards to views. Along the Tonsina Creek Trail, you'll get a forest, coast and mountains trifecta that will have you reaching for your camera the whole way. The trail is a favorite of locals, and when you see the expansive vista of Resurrection Bay, you'll understand why.

Pro tip: time your hike with low tide for a walk on the beach and tide-pooling.

Whale watching is an exciting way to experience Alaska's outdoor paradise. One of the premiere destinations for whale watching in the state is the city of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward Ocean Excursions offers boat tours for spotting these majestic creatures. Explore Resurrection Bay and the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park from the water, all while keeping watch for the humpback, gray, minke, fin and orca whales that call this area home during the spring and summer months. As a bonus, playful porpoises, comical sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and even mountain goats trying their luck on the cliffs might make an appearance! All of this wildlife against a scenic backdrop - waterfalls, rugged mountains, glaciers and icebergs galore - that's something out of a dream.

With so many glaciers in Alaska, viewing one is a must-do activity. Hiking is a fantastic way to see these icy formations with electric blue tones up close. About an hour south of Anchorage, near the town of Whittier, it's possible to hike to Byron Glacier, located in the beautiful Chugach National Forest. A mile and a half scenic trail will land you amongst otherworldly landscapes, with a front-row seat to the glacier. Nearby, you can also view the famous Portage Glacier by boat cruise in the summer and by a walk across the frozen lake in the winter months.