7 Ways to Make the Best of Fall in Alaska

Many people when they think of Alaska focus on its incredible summers with long days, the bucket list cruises, and its beautiful winters. Fall in Alaska is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The leaves are starting to turn, fall festivals and events are in full swing and the wildlife is busy preparing for the long cold winter. Fall is the perfect time to plan a trip to Alaska or explore our beautiful backyard.

What can you do in the fall in Alaska?

Here are 7 activities:

Appreciate the Northern Lights
Even if you live in Alaska, the beauty of the aurora borealis never truly gets old! These are very active in the fall and captivate both natives and tourist with their natural wonder. Why not plan a family outing to truly enjoy this rare privilege? We must take time to view these in our Alaskan backyard.

Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in Haines
Bald Eagles are a spiritual symbol for native people and have been the national emblem of the United States since 1782. Each year in Haines Alaska in November we gather to experience the largest gathering of Bald Eagles in the country. Over 3,000 bald eagles gather along the Chilkat river to feed on a late salmon run. This is a rare opportunity to be surrounded by countless bald eagles.

Oktoberfest in Alaska
You don’t have to travel abroad to experience Oktoberfest. Alaska has some impressive celebrations all around the state. Alaska has some of the best brewers and this fall festival brings them together all around the state to share their craft.

Alaska State Fair
We’ve mentioned this one before, but you really can’t go wrong with yummy fair food, rodeos, concerts, and family fun. The Alaska State Fair offers entertainment options for the whole family and with the gorgeous weather you can play outside for hours.

Tour the inside passage
If you want to play tourist for a day or just take time to fully appreciate your marine backyard, the inside passage is the place to be. This Alaskan Marine Highway offers thousands of miles of waterways that carry you through the Inside Passage. If you want to see some beautiful whales this is the place to be. Fall is one of the best times for viewing.

Explore Dalton Highway
Do you want to watch the colors turn and the wildlife come alive on a road trip that you’ll never forget? The stunningly scenic Dalton Highway is the place to be. The terrain starts out as boreal forest, runs over the 4800-foot Atigun Pass in the Brooks Mountain Range, turns into Arctic Foothills, and finally ends with arctic coastal plains tundra. Over half of this highway is paved lending itself to a smooth ride.

Ride the Alaskan Railroad
The Alaskan Railroad is a must see if you want to avoid some major FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). You don’t want to miss the thousands of miles of wildlife and scenery that you won’t be able to see on your average road trip. Fall is the best time to do it, trust us.

Fall is Alaska is a truly beautiful time of year. Fall arrives at the end of August; the leaves start to fall in September and by October are mostly done. If you want to catch a glimpse of the colorful leaves changing and the backdrop of the increasingly active aurora borealis this is the best time of year to do it.