Alaska’s Highways from Best to Worst

Alaska’s highways, including the Alaska Highway, Richardson Highway, Sterling Highway, Glenn Highway, Parks Highway, and Seward Highway, offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration. Each route has its unique charm, with access to some of the most stunning natural beauty and wilderness areas in the world. After spending a month in Alaska, I have driven all major highways in the state. I ranked them below from my favorite to least favorite. 

1. Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, stretches approximately 1,390 miles from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction in Alaska. Only about 200 miles of it are in Alaska. The highway was originally built for military purposes during World War II but has since become a popular route for travelers seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. I drove the entirety of it. It’s my Top 1 without a question. But in my opinion, the most beautiful stops are in Canada, not in Alaska. I have another blog about it in more detail, “Best 15 Stops on Alaska Highway”. Here are the two major stops along the section in Alaska.

Tok

Tok is often referred to as the “Gateway to Alaska”. It’s a small but significant community situated at the junction of the Alaska Highway and Tok Cut-Off. Its strategic location makes it a crucial stopover for travelers entering or exiting the state. The community provides essential services, such as fuel, accommodations, and dining options, catering to the needs of road trippers and adventure seekers. 

Delta Junction

Delta Junction serves as the official point where the Alaska Highway meets the Richardson Highway. It is rich in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Ariel and I visited the dog friendly Rika’s Roadhouse, a testament to Alaska’s rich history and pioneering spirit. This historic roadhouse served as a major stopover for gold miners and freight haulers along the Valdez-to-Fairbanks trail in the early 20th century. Named after Rika Wallen, a Swedish immigrant who operated the roadhouse for many years, the site has since been restored and transformed into a living museum. You can explore the charming log buildings, enjoy the picturesque setting along the Tanana River, and learn about the daily life of those who traversed Alaska’s rugged landscapes.

2. Seward Highway

The Seward Highway, stretching approximately 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward, offers one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. You will experience a visual feast of towering mountains, lush forests, and sparkling waters. Also, wildlife sightings are common, with opportunities to spot eagles, moose, and beluga whales. I drove all 127 miles of it and have a separate blog about it here. It’s my favorite all-American highway in Alaska due to the density of breathtaking views on this short drive.

Key stops include the mesmerizing Turnagain Arm, with its dramatic tides and rugged beauty, and the charming town of Girdwood, home to the Alyeska Resort. Moreover, Portage Valley is only a short detour away and you will get an up-close glacier experience with stunning views of the surrounding waters and mountains. The highway culminates in Seward, a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, showcasing Alaska’s spectacular coastal scenery and diverse marine life.

3. Richardson Highway

The Richardson Highway runs 368 miles from Valdez to Fairbanks, offering access to Prince William Sound and the Alaska Range. Originally a trail for prospectors in the Gold Rush, it became Alaska’s first road. I drove the section from Glennallen to Valdez and was amazed by the spectacular and diverse landscapes on the way. In my opinion, the most scenic part is the last 30-minute drive to Valdez.

Valdez

Valdez is a picturesque town nestled in a deep fjord. It’s surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains all year round. From here, you can also access the famous Prince William Sound which is known for water activities like fishing, boating and kayaking. The rich marine wildlife and stunning ocean view is unparalleled. I attended a popular kayaking tour to the Columbia Glaciers from Valdez.

Keystone Canyon

Just out of Valdez, you will see two breathtaking waterfalls on the Richardson Highway: Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. Both waterfalls are set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and lush greenery. You can enjoy the view from a designated pull-off area along the highway. 

Bridal Veil Falls, with its graceful, cascading waters, resembles a bride’s veil, providing a stunning visual display. The falls drop from a considerable height, creating a misty ambiance around the surrounding rocks and vegetation. Horsetail Falls resembles a horse’s tail. The water gracefully descends over a series of rocky outcrops, creating a picturesque scene. 

Worthington Glacier

You will spot the impressive Worthington Glacier from the distance as you are driving on the Richardson Highway. As you get closer, this impressive ice mass with its rugged surroundings offers a captivating sight. If you want an up-close glacier experience, Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is a roadside attraction. You can embark on a short hike to get up close and admire the glacier’s beauty, observe its blue ice, and perhaps witness calving ice chunks.

Thompson Pass

Thompson Pass was my favorite stop on the Richardson Highway. It’s the highest point on the highway, situated at an elevation of 2,678 feet in the Chugach Mountain Range. In winter, it is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, often receiving more than 500 inches annually, making it a winter sports paradise. In summer, Thompson Pass transforms into a vibrant landscape and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. There’s no marked hiking trail. But you can stop at a pull-off on the highway and just start walking around and explore the untouched wilderness. When we visited, there was no one around. Ariel sniffed around freely and I enjoyed the absolute silence and beauty of nature. 

Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, offers a unique blend of modern amenities and frontier spirit. Known for its extreme weather with vibrant summers and chilly winters, Fairbanks provides unparalleled opportunities to witness the Midnight Sun and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The city played a significant role during the Gold Rush era, and this heritage is preserved in local museums and historic sites. Visitors can explore the Chena River, enjoy local hot springs, and partake in various seasonal festivals. I have another blog about summer adventures in Fairbanks.

4. Glenn Highway

The Glenn Highway runs 179 miles from Anchorage to Glennallen, ranging from coastal areas to mountainous terrains. Travelers on the Glenn Highway are treated to stunning views of the Chugach Mountains, Matanuska Glacier, and vast wilderness areas. I drove the entirety of it. My favorite spots are detailed in this blog about the Anchorage area.

Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. This titan of ice sparkles in brilliant shades of blue, directly visible from the Glenn Highway. You can embark on a dog-friendly, guided tour to explore its icy crevasses and stunning blue ice up close. See my blog here about this tour.

Palmer

Known for its agriculture, Palmer hosts the annual Alaska State Fair and offers a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants. The nearby Hatcher Pass Area is a must-see in summer, both scenic and rich in history. It offers expansive views of the mountain ranges which are adorned with vibrant wildflowers, green grasslands, clear lakes and rivers, and even patches of snow.

Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park encompasses a vast area of over 495,000 acres and is one of the largest state parks in the US. It offers everything you want to see in Alaska during summertime: rugged mountain terrains, serene lakes, and expansive glaciers. The Glenn Highway provides access to many breathtaking spots of this park such as Eklutna Lake, Thunder Bird Falls, and Eagle River Nature Center. All are detailed in my other blog here.

Knik River Access

Knik River originates from the Knik Glacier and empties into the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet. You can access it conveniently from the Glenn Highway at Knik River Access. The wide and rushing river is a great spot for fishing or whitewater experience.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

There’s no better place than the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the rich history and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples. The center sets up outdoor village sites representing different Native groups, including the Inupiaq, Athabascan, and Tlingit. You can attend free guided tours to learn about each community’s living habitat, cultures, tools, etc.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, uniquely combines urban amenities with rugged outdoor adventures. It’s also a popular gateway for exploring the wider state, with many tours and excursions departing from Anchorage. Despite its urban environment, wildlife is never far away, exemplifying the city’s harmonious blend of modern living and untamed nature.

5. Sterling Highway

The Sterling Highway runs 142 miles from the Seward Highway near Tern Lake to Homer. I drove the section from Tern Lake to Soldotna. If you come in summer, be prepared for the fishing crowds and increased camping and fishing fees on the way. 

Cooper Landing

Cooper Landing is nestled at the confluence of Kenai Lake and Kenai River. Famous for its sport fishing and stunning scenery, it’s a paradise for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Russian River, another notable stop in the area, is a hotspot for sockeye salmon fishing and offers a unique sight of salmon jumps in summertime.

Soldotna

Soldotna is home to the world-famous Kenai River. You can partake in fishing, wildlife viewing, or explore the local culture. In addition, the city of Kenai is nearby which provides access to beautiful beaches, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Homer

Homer is known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.” The Homer Spit, a long, narrow strip of land extending into Kachemak Bay, is dotted with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, providing a lively and picturesque finale to the Sterling Highway experience. Homer also provides different types of tours to other parts of Alaska. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit Homer this time.

6. Parks Highway

The Parks Highway runs 323 miles from the Glenn Highway north of Anchorage to Fairbanks, providing access to Denali National Park. I drove the entirety of it. But the view was all about mountains, not as exciting as I expected.

Wasilla

Wasilla is one of the principal cities in the Anchorage Metropolitan Area. It’s a cute little town with a rich history and offers a diverse range of activities for residents and visitors alike. Walking around the city, you will get great views of the Chugach Mountains. Stopping by Newcomb Park, you can access the beautiful Wasilla Lake and enjoy fishing, boating and swimming. Furthermore, Wasilla holds a central role in the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, serving as the restart point of this iconic event.

Talkeetna

Talkeetna is a quaint and charming town and serves as a gateway for climbers attempting to conquer Denali, North America’s highest peak. The town itself, however, offers a treasure trove of experiences for visitors of all interests. Strolling down Main Street, you can enjoy a collection of quirky shops, art galleries, and eateries set in historic cabins and buildings. Adventure seekers find a paradise in Talkeetna with its access to riverboat tours, flightseeing trips to the Alaska Range, fishing expeditions, and hiking trails.

Denali State Park

Denali State Park in Alaska spans over 325,240 acres, providing a vast and stunning wilderness for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. On clear days, you will have incredible views of Denali and the Alaska Range. The park’s landscape is diverse, encompassing pristine rivers, lush forests, and alpine tundra. There’re plenty of excellent hiking opportunities, although they are generally challenging and lengthy, more suitable for backpacking trips. A popular dog-friendly trail is the Kesugi Ridge (Curry Ridge) Trail, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain. 

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali. It is also the first national park dedicated to protecting wildlife. I summarized 3 ways to visit this national park in this blog.

7. Dalton Highway

The Dalton Highway is a 414-mile road in Alaska, running from the Elliott Highway north of Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean and the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields. I didn’t really drive this highway but rather joined a land tour from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle sign. There’s almost no trace of human intrusion along the way. The experience of getting into the Arctic Circle was surreal. But I have to say the view of the drive was mostly about Alaska tundra, lacking diversity. In addition, the road condition is extremely rough, uneven and unpaved. I have a separate blog about my tour into the Arctic Circle and what to see.

8. Edgerton Highway and McCarthy Road

These highways provide access to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest US national park, from the Richardson Highway. It runs a distance of about 93 miles to McCarthy. The majority of these highways is unpaved and uneven. And mosquitoes in the national park are ferocious. So be prepared before you get on the road. I drove about only 20 miles into the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and decided to turn back due to the rough road condition.