Alaska has always felt a little different to us. As Sean’s home state, it holds a special place in our relationship. Part of this trip was about visiting family, but the rest was driven by the same pull that keeps bringing us back to the road: wide-open landscapes, quiet moments in wild places, and the feeling of being very small in something very big. This was our adventure to three of Alaska’s National Parks.
In August 2025, we spent a week exploring some of Alaska’s most unforgettable corners — from hiking across the Root Glacier in Wrangell–St. Elias, to seeing the peaks of Denali, to watching wildlife surface in the cold waters of Resurrection Bay in Kenai Fjords. Along the way, we road tripped between the Alaska National Parks, car camped in unforgettable places, and experienced landscapes that felt untouched and humbling in the best way.
What I didn’t know at the start of the trip was just how meaningful this week would become. Somewhere between glacier ice and Denali’s vast wilderness, this adventure turned into one we’ll carry with us forever.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell–St. Elias was our first true taste of Alaska’s wildness on the trip, and it set the tone for everything that followed. As the largest national park in the United States, it feels less like a park and more like an entire world of its own. It’s vast, quiet, and rugged in a way that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
We spent Sunday through Tuesday based near McCarthy, car camping along the Kennicott River with nothing but mountains, flowing water, and long summer evenings around us. Our days started early and ended late, thanks to Alaska’s endless daylight. This paired with the lack of cell service put us in the best mindset to truly enjoy all that this park has to offer.
Car Camping
Camping along the river was one of our favorite parts of Wrangell–St. Elias. Waking up to rushing water, towering peaks, and mirror-like lake made our mornings feel special. There was a calmness to this area that’s hard to describe. While there were a decent amount of people camped out here, you never felt like you were in a crowded space and were truly free to explore at your own pace.
Our time at camp was spent wandering along the riverbank, watching the light shift across the mountains, and soaking in the feeling of being somewhere truly remote.
Root Glacier
Hiking the Root Glacier was one of the most memorable (and challenging) experiences of the entire trip! Thirteen miles of ice, rock, and constantly changing terrain made the day feel like a true adventure – equal parts humbling and exhilarating. The glacier was alive with texture and movement, from deep blue crevasses to smooth, glassy stretches that reflected the sky above.
We booked a full-day guided hike onto the glacier through St. Elias Alpine Guides and would highly recommend the same to anyone looking to do this trek! This is a well-established company, the oldest continuously operating business in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. They offer several different excursions throughout the park, ranging from the Kennecott Mill Town Tour to multi-day rafting trips.
The full-day guided tour begins at 9:00 AM (seasonally), guarantees 8-11 miles of exploration, finding unique glacial features, the opportunity to do a polar plunge in a glacial blue pool, and learning more from your guide about the local flora, fauna, and glaciology. Also included are crampons and roundtrip transportation! We ended up hiking a whopping 13 miles and saw just about everything you could hope to see on a guided tour like this. It was an absolute blast, but this hike kicked our butts. We were in a lot of pain by the end of the day and, after a very quick dinner in McCarthy, we knocked out early for the night.
Kennecott Mill Town Tour
To end our time in Wrangell, we slowed the pace by touring the Kennecott Mines.The mines offered a fascinating glimpse into Alaska’s industrial past, standing in stark contrast to the wild landscape surrounding them. This mix of history and nature is what made Wrangell–St. Elias feel so special. It’s not just about dramatic views — it’s about the stories layered into the land.
Wrangell-St. Elias: Quick Notes
We will do a more in-depth guide to Wrangell-St. Elias and McCarthy, but some quick points to highlight are:
- Expect limited services, a long drive on a not maintained road, and very seasonal conditions — plan ahead to ensure you make the most of this trip!
- Car camping is plentiful and incredibly scenic at the end of the road
- Glacier hikes require preparation and respect for changing conditions
- This park rewards patience and curiosity – there is a lot to see in a variety of ways. Make sure to do your research and plan accordingly!
Denali National Park
Our day trip to Denali National Park was meant to be a quiet pause between longer stays. We had initially planned to do a flight-seeing tour around the park. When that plan fell through, we decided to hop in the car and make the three hour drive out there. It could not have been a more perfect day; it was 70 degrees with barely a cloud in the sky. We were able to see the full mountain the entire drive there! We made the most of what we could do with our day trip by stopping at every overlook, making a pit stop at the Visitor Center, and walking on one of the few trails you can access in your personal vehicle.
It was on this trail down to the Savage River, surrounded by wide tundra and distant peaks, that Sean asked me to spend forever adventuring together. There was no crowd, just the two of us standing in one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. It felt incredibly fitting that such a life-changing moment happened in a national park, a cornerstone to our relationship. We left Denali that evening with full hearts, a deeper appreciation for Alaska, and a new chapter excitedly beginning.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Where Mountains Meet the Sea
After the vast interior of Alaska, Seward felt like a gentle shift — still wild, but softened by the ocean. Nestled along Resurrection Bay, this coastal town blends rugged landscapes with small-town charm. It is one of our favorite places to visit whenever we are in Alaska. Situated in this area is Kenai Fjords National Park, a beautiful place that comprises the Harding Icefield, its outflowing glaciers, and coastal fjords and islands.
We spent Thursday and Friday here, splitting our time between wildlife watching, coastal wandering, celebratory moments, and catching up with friends.
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise
The wildlife boat tour was such a fun experience. Cruising through Resurrection Bay offered a front-row seat to Alaska’s marine life, with dramatic cliffs rising straight from the water and wildlife appearing when you least expect it. We cruised with Kenai Fjords Tours and did their half day Resurrection Bay Tour. A hot lunch is included, and the staff were extremely knowledgeable and fun. We saw sea otters, eagles, jellyfish, puffins, sea lions, and so many birds! It was one of those experiences where you’re constantly reaching for your camera, not wanting to miss a single moment. I certainly put my telephoto lens to work to capture these pictures.
The only downside to the trip was that we hit eight-foot swells by the gulf; I went through a rough bout of sea sickness but was able to rally after a bit to enjoy the rest of the tour.
Enjoying Seward
That night, we car camped in the misty trees of Miller’s Landing, falling asleep to the sound of the rain on the truck. It felt peaceful, grounding, and incredibly fitting after such an eventful week.
We also took time to celebrate our engagement with a delicious dinner in town at Ray’s. It gave us a moment to pause, reflect, and soak in everything the trip had given us so far.
Our final day in Seward was spent reconnecting with friends and exploring the Alaska Sea Life Center. After so many big landscapes and long drives, it felt good to simply slow down and be present.
A Week In Alaska National Parks: Our Route At A Glance
Before wrapping up, here’s a quick look at how we spent our week in Alaska!
📍 Day 1–3 | Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
- Car camping along the river
- Root Glacier hike (13 miles)
- Exploring McCarthy
- Touring the Kennecott Mines
📍 Day 4 | Denali National Park (Day Trip)
- Enjoying overlooks throughout the drive
- Scenic drive through the park
- Quick hike to the Savage River
- Our engagement!
📍 Day 5–6 | Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park
- Wildlife boat tour in Resurrection Bay
- Coastal exploration
- Beach car camping
- Time with friends in Seward
A Reflection on Our Best Trip Yet
Alaska, and specifically the Alaska National Parks, has a way of putting things into perspective. Between the vast glaciers of Wrangell–St. Elias, the quiet immensity of Denali, and the shifting blues of Kenai Fjords, this trip reminded us why we’re drawn to national parks in the first place. These landscapes ask you to slow down, to be present, and to appreciate how much beauty exists beyond the everyday.
This week held more meaning than we could have anticipated, not just because of the places we explored, but because of the moments we shared within them. Each experience felt grounding in its own way, from hiking across ancient ice to seeing the tallest peak of Denali to watching wildlife surface in cold coastal waters.
Alaska is never just another destination on our map. It is a reminder of how powerful wild places can be, especially when they’re woven into life’s most meaningful chapters. We left with thousands of photos, tired legs, and full hearts, already dreaming about our next adventures when we make the trek back to the Last Frontier.
