Alaska is a paddler's paradise with its extensive coastline, abundant marine life, dramatic landscapes, and countless rivers and lakes. From tranquil paddling in protected bays to thrilling whitewater rapids, Alaska offers unmatched scenery and excitement.
Whether you're a beginner looking for calm waters or an expert kayaker seeking challenging rapids, you'll discover an incredible diversity of Alaska kayaking destinations. I'll provide tips on great launch points, must-see sights, kayak adventures, and hidden gems waiting to be explored by kayak. Get ready to plan your Alaska kayak adventure after reading about these breathtaking places to dip your paddle!
Here are some spots for kayaking in Alaska I don't think you should miss if you love to get out on the water!
For stunning scenery and plentiful marine wildlife, Resurrection Bay near Seward is a premier paddling destination and is particularly popular for beginner-friendly sea kayaking. This glacial fjord provides countless coves, beaches, and islands to explore by kayak and is often considered the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Paddling out from Seward, you'll be surrounded by the steep cliffs and forests of the surrounding area. Once you are there, there are chances to spot wildlife such as sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, humpback whales, and other marine mammals. As you kayak past rock islands and small inlets, watch for sea stacks rising from the sea and calving icebergs floating by.
With its abundance of marine life, isolated beaches, and opportunities for viewing alpine glaciers, Resurrection Bay offers an excellent sea kayaking experience for all levels. Secluded camping on beaches accessible only by kayak makes kayaking Resurrection Bay an unforgettable Alaskan kayaking adventure and one of the best things to do in Seward.
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One of the most stunning places to go kayaking in Alaska is Mendenhall Lake, a glacier lake located just outside and one of the best things to do in Juneau. This glacial lake lies at the foot of the impressive Mendenhall Glacier, allowing kayakers to take in breathtaking views of the icy landscape.
Most kayaking tours launch from the Mendenhall Lake Campground, putting you right by the action. As you paddle across the calm turquoise waters, get ready for incredible views of the glacier and the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Listen for chunks of ancient ice crashing into the lake while bald eagles soar overhead.
For a more up-close glacier experience, paddle along the western shoreline of Mendenhall Lake until you reach the icebergs and floating chunks of ice from the Mendenhall Glacier. Kayaking here allows you to weave through the frozen lake at your own pace, taking time to explore and soak in the brilliance of the blue hues. Just be sure to keep your boat a safe distance from the face of the Mendenhall Glacier to avoid falling ice.
BOOK KAYAKING TOUR OF MENDENHALL LAKE HERE
Sitka Sound off Alaska's southeastern coast offers kayakers panoramic mountain views and encounters with majestic marine life. Snow-capped peaks provide a dramatic backdrop as you kayak, while whales breach before you in the sound's waters.
This area provides a dream location to witness gentle giants like humpback whales emerging in choreographed motions. Other wildlife like orcas may also make memorable appearances depending on season and migration patterns and the area is known for its scenic cruise options and excellent wildlife tours.
While the allure of getting close is tempting, safety is paramount. Maintaining a respectful distance ensures the well-being of both kayakers and whales, allowing these creatures to thrive undisturbed. Sitka Sound promises unforgettable kayaking immersed in nature's grandeur, matched only by exercising responsible practices and active stewardship of the area.
BOOK KAYAKING TOUR OF SITKA SOUND HERE
If jaw-dropping glacier scenery and kayaking excitement are calling your name, then I highly recommend checking out Spencer Glacier in Alaska's magnificent Chugach National Forest. One of the coolest parts is paddling right alongside those mystical blue icebergs of all shapes and sizes that have calved off the glacier.
For beginners, I'd suggest booking a guided kayak tour from Glacier Blue Kayak so you can learn all about the glacier from the pros while exploring safely. And the Alaska Railroad makes accessing Spencer Glacier super easy - just take the Glacier Discovery Train right to the Spencer Whistle Stop.
Kayaking Spencer Glacier blends adventure with stunning views of ice, water, and wildlife. This memorable kayaking experience along Spencer Lake and this incredible Alaskan glacier captures the essence of Alaska's wild beauty.
BOOK KAYAKING TOUR OF SPENCER GLACIER HERE
5. Harriet Hunt Lake
Just outside of Ketchikan lies the tranquil waters of Harriet Hunt Lake, an ideal spot for kayaking adventures. Surrounded by dense forests and glacier-capped mountains, the 5-mile circumference of the lake provides a peaceful paddling experience through stunning scenery.
As you kayak across the crystalline waters, keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and other wildlife that call Lake Harriet home. Paddlers often spot moose grazing along the shoreline or swimming across the lake.
The area around Harriet Hunt Lake has a rich history from the mining days, with remnants of old equipment still visible. Be sure to pause your paddling to appreciate the gorgeous views of roaring rapids and thundering waterfalls feeding into the lake.
With its diversity of landscapes - from pebbled shores to rocky bluffs - Harriet Hunt Lake offers endless areas to stop for a riverside picnic. Native wildflowers like fireweed and lupine add vibrant pops of color during the summer months and are worth stopping to appreciate.
6. Lake Bernard
The glacier-carved Lake Bernard lies at the top of the Yukon Pass on the Canada border, accessible via an epic train ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.
This railroad was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush to carry prospectors to the gold fields. A half day train ride on the railroad makes for an incredible experience, as you travel along sheer valleys past tumbling waterfalls and foaming rivers.
Once at Lake Bernard, paddle your boat through the crystal clear waters surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks. Keep watch for brown bears, mountain goats, caribou, eagles, and other abundant wildlife along the lakeshore. Exploring the area by boat makes for a great day trip from the town of Skagway.
7. Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound offers premier Alaska kayaking with over 100 glaciers surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and Chugach National Forest. Paddle amidst breathtaking scenery and serene flatwater conditions.
Main launch points include Whittier, close to Anchorage, and Valdez, offering access to eastern glaciers. Both serve as gateways to glacier viewing, whether on full day tours or smaller kayak adventures. Prince William Sound provides diverse paddling from glacier sightseeing to wildlife viewing for all skill levels.
8. Kachemak Bay
Kachemak Bay, located on the southern coast of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, offers pristine waters perfect for kayaking adventures. Paddle among a variety of marine life like playful otters, harbor seals, humpback whales, and puffin while taking in the bay's breathtaking mountain scenery, geological shorelines dotted with tide pools, and tranquil islands ideal for day trips or camping. Kachemak Bay promises an immersive kayaking experience surrounded by natural wonders.
However, the bay's conditions can be unpredictable. Kayakers should monitor the weather, watch for tides, and have proper safety gear. For beginners or those new to kayaking in the area, local tour operators provide guided kayak tours, ranging from a few hours to multiple days.
These kayak tours also come with the expertise of experienced guides who can point out hidden gems and share the region's rich history and folklore. Whether a seasoned or new kayaker, Kachemak Bay offers adventure and lasting memories. Prepare accordingly, then enjoy immersing yourself in this marine wildlife wonderland.
9. Aialik Bay and Bear Glacier
The city of Seward, located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, is the main access point for Kenai Fjords National Park. Here the ice-capped mountains of the Harding and Sargent Icefields plunge over 2,000 meters below sea up to tidewater, calving massive icebergs. Two top spots for kayaking are Aialik Bay and Bear Glacier.
Aialik Bay provides opportunities to view diverse marine wildlife like bears, orcas, humpback whales, and eagles as well as see the Aialik Glacier, the largest glacier in Ailak Bay. Bear Glacier offers calmer waters and a front-row view of the national park's largest tidewater glacier, with icebergs of epic proportions. To experience the best of both worlds, paddle Aialik Bay for the wildlife and Bear Glacier to witness the natural world and dramatic glacier scenery.
The optimal itinerary for Alaska kayaking out of Seward includes these two iconic and complementary destinations showcasing this region's abundant glacial features and marine life. Consider a kayaking tour that combines these two highlights of Kenai Fjords National Park to have the most memorable experience when kayaking in Alaska.
10. Byers Lake
If you're looking for an incredible Denali National Park kayaking adventure, be sure to add Byers Lake to your Alaska kayak bucket list.
Resting at the base of the tallest peak in North America, the turquoise waters of Byers Lake offer stunning reflections of the mighty Mount Denali and is one of the best things to do in Denali National Park. Paddling across this serene alpine lake, you'll be immersed in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, wolves, and other wildlife roaming the untouched shores.
One of the best parts about Byers Lake is that it's suitable for beginner and expert kayakers alike. Kayak rentals are available right at the marina near the visitor center. You may also want to opt for a kayaking tour to help you spot some of the abundant wildlife in the area.
11. Glacier Bay National Park
Sea kayaking in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park provides an unparalleled wilderness experience surrounded by sweeping landscapes and calm waters. Kayak trips can launch from Bartlett Cove or utilize camper drop-offs for access closer to the park's awe-inspiring tidewater glaciers. Both guided sea kayaking tours and extended overnight trips with seasoned experts are available to cater to different needs.
Backcountry camping in Glacier Bay requires securing permits and completing a mandatory orientation that covers crucial safety and wildlife information. You'll also need to fill out a Wilderness Use Permit application from the National Parks Service. I highly recommend making reservations early for drop-off services and getting kayak rentals through Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks, an NPS concession in Glacier Bay National Park.
With its wealth of scenic diversity, Glacier Bay National Park offers memorable kayaking adventures for experienced Alaska sea kayakers with raw natural beauty - paddling up close to ancient glaciers, camping under the northern lights, or simply absorbing the profound serenity of the bay.
12. Summit Lake
Located near Skagway, aquamarine Summit Lake offers a unique Alaska canoeing experience reminiscent of the prospectors who once navigated these waters. Paddle 31-foot canoes modeled after traditional vessels, now with added motors for windy conditions. Glide along untouched rocky shorelines and narrow channels enveloped in nature's peace and sounds.
To get to this gorgeous aquamarine gem, take the iconic Klondike Highway, which offers amazing historical sights along the way. When you see the shimmering Summit Lake waters, you'll know the fun is about to begin.
Whether paddling tranquil inlets or just floating to soak in the surroundings, Summit Lake promises a rejuvenating escape. For those seeking a blend of history, nature, and adventure, this is a must-experience getaway.
13. Auke Bay
Auke Bay near Juneau provides scenic, beginner-friendly kayaking from serene waters to the vibrant downtown harbor, where you can find the best Juneau restaurants, as well. You can start your paddle in Auke Bay, which offers smooth conditions perfect for kayaking newbies.
You'll then make your way toward the harbor, passing the unique Mendenhall Bar Channel. Be sure to check tide charts since that channel gets shallow at times. This route can also be reversed starting in downtown Juneau for a different vantage point.
Blending the area's natural beauty with Juneau's energetic harbor, this trip captures the region's essence. The journey offers a gateway to Alaska's coast for those who enjoy kayaking at a beginner level.
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If you're planning an Alaskan kayaking getaway and love the remote Alaska wilderness, then I highly recommend checking out Chichagof Island. Located off the Alaskan Inside Passage, it's one of the largest islands in the US and offers truly epic paddling opportunities.
You can kayak through totally secluded bays and inlets surrounded by dense forests, towering cliffs, and gorgeous snowy mountain peaks. Keep your eyes open for bears, wolves, deer, whales, and other awesome wildlife that call this untouched island home. There's also incredible hiking to waterfalls and ancient native villages along the shores to explore.
Be prepared for self-sufficient travel and unpredictable weather since the island is so remote and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. But once you get there, you'll get to camp out on beaches without a soul around for miles. From rainforests to tidewater glaciers, Chichagof Island has super diverse landscapes to explore by kayak.
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A quick 15-minute boat ride from Ketchikan's iconic Creek Street provides access to the remote Tatoosh Islands. This low-lying forested archipelago offers incredible kayaking and the chance to immerse yourself in Alaska's natural beauty.
Once you reach this low-lying forest archipelago, you'll get to kayak between the islands on different trails, taking in different landscapes. Keep your eyes open for awesome marine wildlife sightings like whales, sea stars, and jellyfish.
As you kayak the Tatoosh Islands, you'll feel worlds away in your own wilderness paradise. It's an unreal experience getting transported into untouched vistas and raw natural beauty with every paddle stroke.
Here are some of my recommended tips for when you are planning on hitting the water up north.
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