The Largest Go-Kart Track In Alaska Will Take You On An Unforgettable Ride

From fall festivals to pumpkin patches, here are the best things to do in Alaska this fall.

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Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it’s tied with winter, actually). Watching Alaska transform from summer to winter is a magical time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the nights are getting longer. Yes, please!

If you’re a fan of fall like me, then you’ll want to bookmark this ultimate guide to fall attractions in Alaska. We’ve scoured the state for the best hiking trails, best pumpkin patches, and best fall festivals to put you in the autumnal spirit.

Grab your coat and let’s hit the road.

Since Alaska is much further north than the lower 48, it’s one of the first states to see the leaves change. Typically, the leaves change color in Alaska beginning in late August and it continues until early October. Mid-September tends to be peak fall foliage. Here are some of the best places to go in Alaska for fall foliage:

Viewing Denali is a bucket list item for many, and fall is one of the best times to view it! The captivating fall colors coat the tundra with an impressive display of reds, oranges, and yellows. Sightseeing tours are very popular, though you may be inspired to go on a more adventurous tour like ziplining or white water rafting.

Boasting an extensive ocean shoreline complete with glaciers, ice fields, and mountains, there’s truly something for everyone at Chugach State Park. The Hillside Trail System is the park’s most popular area with plenty of trails to explore, including the Flattop Mountain Trail which is one of the most popular hikes in Alaska.

When the leaves start to change color in Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula transforms into a kaleidoscope of color. The Kenai Canyon, in particular, puts on a fabulous show. Kenai Fjords National Park offers almost 700,000 acres to explore, including fjords, canyons, mountains, glaciers, and more. Make a weekend out of it and spend a few nights in a cabin in Seward to really immerse yourself.

Willow Creek is a popular spot for salmon and rainbow trout fishing, but you don’t need to be an angler to enjoy this slice of paradise. The 3,500-acre recreational area has 140 campsites and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy.

Would you rather see the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the world or hike through a lush temperate rainforest? Well, Glacier Bay won’t make you choose—you can do both! Glacier Bay has more than 50 named glaciers, and there are plenty of glacier tours to get the best views. You might even see one calving! Of course, there’s plenty to do on land, too. The park is home to countless wildlife including brown and black bears, mountain goats, moose, eagles, and more.

Nothing says fall more than frolicking through a pumpkin patch. Find your perfect pumpkin to celebrate the season at one of these incredible pumpkin patches in Alaska:

Williams Reindeer Farm has one of the largest pumpkin patches in Alaska, but it’s so much more! This working reindeer farm is home to about 100 reindeer, Rocky Mountain elk, bison, Tibetan yaks, alpacas, and one Moose (Lucy). The fall festival takes place every weekend in October and is always a local favorite. Get your tickets now and start planning your epic day of fall fun.

Pyrah’s Fall Harvest Festival is always a good time. For select days in the fall, the farm transforms into an all-day fall festival with all of your favorite autumnal activities. Face painting, hay rides, mazes, and more await! Purchase your tickets before you go to ensure your spot.

The two pumpkin patches mentioned earlier can both double as fall festivals, but there are so many wonderful fall festivals in Alaska to enjoy! Whether you’re in Juneau, Anchorage, or all the way up in Fairbanks, make sure you attend one of these fall festivals in Alaska this year:

From zombie 5k runs to pumpkin carving contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this fall festival. This is one festival you’ll want to pull out all the fine touches on your costume, as prizes will be awarded! There’s even a special award for the best pet costume.

Every year, Sitka WhaleFest brings world-renowned scientists and marine lovers together to raise awareness and appreciation for these fascinating animals. Experts will lead three days of lectures and whale-watching excursions with live music, food and art vendors, and so much more to enjoy.

After you’ve enjoyed a weekend of whales, make your way over to Haines for a weekend of eagles! Similar to WhaleFest, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival hosts plenty of avian experts for presentations, exhibits, photography workshops, and more.

I’m a firm believer that you can have a good time without spending a fortune. These days, every penny counts! Here are some free and cheap fall activities in Alaska that won’t break the bank:

If you haven't visited your local farmers market this season, what are you waiting for? They are perfect places to support local businesses. There are dozens and dozens of farmers markets all across Alaska, and each one of them is worthy of a visit.

The Thunderbird Fall Trail is a quick and easy way to tackle Alaska’s impressive landscape without having to detour too far into the wilderness. The 1.8-mile trail is accessible for all ages and skill levels and is especially dreamy during the fall.

Scenic road trips are the best way to experience the fall foliage. The Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Glennallen will take you on a 3.5-hour scenic drive that’ll really showcase Alaska’s fall foliage. Be sure to pull over near Chickaloon where you can catch a beautiful view of Kind Mountain! It’s extra awesome when draped in fall colors.

Turnagain Arm is one of my favorite scenic drives in Alaska. This drive is stunning year-round, but boy oh boy does she light up in the fall. Those golden birch leaves just sparkle! If you want to experience the views on foot, check out the Turnagain Arm Trail.

There’s a lot packed into this 2.2-mile trail. It’s got about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so you’re going to work for it to reach the top. The views of the glacier lakes and the Mat-Su Valley are one in a million. Even if you miss the peak fall foliage, the views will not disappoint.

What's your favorite part of fall in Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.

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