Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Alaska

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in Alaska. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in Alaska that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site

Valdez, AK

Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site Fido can join you at the dog-friendly Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site in Valdez, AK. There are many trails and picnic areas available during the summer months. A paved path from the parking lot leads to a viewing platform just a short distance from the toe of the glacier. Experienced hikers can enjoy the short but steep Glacier Ridge Trail. See Details

Tongass National Forest

Juneau, AK

Tongass National Forest The dog-friendly Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States. Given its immense size, recreational opportunities abound, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, scenic driving, kayaking, canoeing and wildlife viewing. The park covers much of southern Alaska, and there are numerous trails that welcome visitors and their dogs. Dogs should be kept on a leash, and owners should be sure to clean up after their pets to comply with park rules. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau is a popular area to visit. Visitors are required to purchase a pass from May 1st through Sept. 30th to enter the Visitor Center. Passes can be purchased online. See Details

Chugach State Park

Anchorage, AK

Chugach State Park With nearly 500,000 acres, Chugach State Park in Anchorage, AK, is one of the four largest state parks in the country. This dog-friendly state park allows you and your pup to explore plenty of trails. You can also head off the beaten path and explore the backcountry. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times except when in the backcountry, but dogs must be under voice control at all times. See Details

Winner Creek Trail

Girdwood, AK

Winner Creek Trail Winner Creek Trail is an easy 3-mile, dog-friendly hike in Girdwood, AK, split into Upper and Lower sections. The Lower portion includes a boardwalk and dirt trail that will bring you to Winner Creek Gorge. Wander a little further to the hand tram, where dogs can join their owners. The Upper path is accessible at the gorge and gently ascends into the high country, where you will see indescribable views across the alpine valley. See Details

Hatcher Pass East Management Area

Palmer, AK

Hatcher Pass East Management Area Bring Fido with you to the dog-friendly Hatcher Pass East Management Area in Palmer, AK! Leashed pups that are accompanied by owners are welcome at this park. This recreation area offers access to extraordinary mountaineering terrain, beautiful mountain scenery, gold panning, hiking and biking, skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more! See Details

Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park

Homer, AK

Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park is a dog-friendly state park in Homer, AK. This state park has no road access and may only be accessed by boat from Homer or an airplane. Above the timberline, skiers and hikers will find glaciers and snowfields stretching for miles. Pets are always welcome if leashed and accompanied by the owners. Unleashed dogs are only allowed in the backcountry but must be within voice command. Sled dogs and horses should not be tied within 100' of a cabin. See Details

Chena River State Recreation Area

Fairbanks, AK

Chena River State Recreation Area Your leashed dog can join you while exploring the pet-friendly Chena River State Recreation Area in Fairbanks, AK. Also known as Chena Wayside, this area is a 29-acre park on the banks of the Chena River. Trails can lead into the alpine country and offer strikingly different hiking experiences. Feeder trails that lead off the developed paths allow hikers to find the perfect place with unobstructed views and wilderness solitude. See Details

Deer Mountain Trail

Ketchikan, AK

Deer Mountain Trail Deer Mountain Trail near Ketchikan, AK is dog friendly. Located on the edge of the expansive Tongass National Forest, this iconic backdrop is worth exploring with your pooch. This trail is a 6.7 mile out-and-back route that leads to stunning mountain views. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. See Details

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Copper Center, AK

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is pet-friendly. One of only 23 World Heritage Sites in the United States, this incredible natural area can only be accessed by air and offers a chance to see some of the most untouched parts of the United States. Dogs are welcome to join you on trails within the preserve, as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. See Details

Chugach National Forest

Seward, AK

Chugach National Forest Chugach National Forest is an expansive dog-friendly forest situated 45 minutes south of Anchorage, AK. The second largest national forest in the nation, it encompassed 6.9 million miles of rain forests, coastal inlets, boreal woods, immense wetlands, tidewater glaciers, and towering mountain peaks. Bring Fido to Chugach National Forest for miles of breathtaking trails, unlimited backcountry camping, epic salmon fishing, and endless opportunities to view some of Alaska's most captivating wildlife. Portage Pass Trail is one of the most popular hikes and leads to stunning views of Portage Glacier and Portage Lake. Dogs must be leashed or restrained in developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas and on developed trails. The Chugach is full of special places, from the Kenai Peninsula to Prince William Sound, to the eastern shores of the Copper River Delta and is an ideal place to explore with your canine companion. Visitors should note there is no formal entrance station but a main access point is located along the Seward Highway south of Anchorage. See Details

Crow Pass Trail

Eagle River, AK

Crow Pass Trail Crow Pass Trail is a dog-friendly hiking path located in Eagle River, AK. This 23-mile trail follows the Iditarod National Historic Trail and stretches from the Eagle River Nature Center to Crow Creek Trailhead in Girdwood, AK. While it is possible to complete the trail in a single day, most hikers allow two or three days to finish. You and Fido should be prepared for a beautiful yet rigorous hike among glaciers, mining ruins and abundant wildlife. Please note that the Crow Pass Trail requires crossing a river, which can be dangerous during certain times of the year. See Details

Denali State Park

Trapper Creek, AK

Denali State Park Denali State Park is a dog-friendly park in Trapper Creek, AK. Fido can join you in the park's 325,240 acres providing a great variety of recreational opportunities, ranging from roadside camping to wilderness exploration. Leashed pups are welcome as long as they are always with their owners. Unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry but must be within voice command. See Details

Big Delta State Historical Park

Delta Junction, AK

Big Delta State Historical Park Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Big Delta State Historical Park in Delta Junction, AK. Here, you'll find a beautiful little campground tucked beside a crystal clear river that offers great fishing opportunities and a peaceful place to spend the day. If you'd like to take a walk, check out the boardwalk that runs behind the campsite where you'll be able to view plant and animal life up close. Pets are welcome at state parks and campgrounds if leashed and accompanied by their owner at all times. Please clean up after your pet. See Details

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River

Fairbanks, AK

Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Fairbanks, AK's Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, is a stunning dog-friendly destination. You and Fido can hike the mountains or discover one of the trails closer to the creek. To access the river, you need to walk a limestone ridge. Camping spots can be found at one of the many gravel bars next to the river, and if Fido can stomach it, you can join one of the floating groups along the river! See Details

Iditarod National Historic Trail

Seward, AK

Iditarod National Historic Trail The dog-friendly Iditarod National Historic Trail system in Alaska extends from Seward in the south to Nome, a small community on the Bering Sea. Alaska’s sole National Historic Trail, the 2,300-mile network of winter trails evolved to connect Alaskan Native villages and became an established mail and supply route during Alaska’s Gold Rush. Today, the trail links communities and historic sites, and is well-known for the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Begin the trail at Iditarod Historic Trail Statue Mile 0 in Seward, or navigate popular sections such as Johnson Pass Trail, Winner Creek Trail or Crow Pass Trail. Hikers seeking to explore Iditarod National Historic Trail should do so in winter but should be prepared for temperatures plunging as low as -40 degrees. In summer the trail is virtually unusable and many snowy paths turn to waterways. Timing a visit to coincide with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race is a great time to experience the rush of the trail and to learn about the local communities. See Details

Denali National Park & Preserve

Denali National Park, AK

Denali National Park & Preserve Bring Fido with you to experience the beauty of the pet-friendly Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska! Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash 6' or shorter. Dogs may be walked along the park road, in parking lots, and on campground roads. Pups are not permitted on park trails, buses or the backcountry. See Details

White Mountains National Recreation Area

Fairbanks, AK

White Mountains National Recreation Area White Mountains National Recreation Area in Fairbanks, AK, is pet friendly! Leashed dogs can join their owners in this one-million-acre park with stunning scenery, peaceful solitude and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation, including hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, wildlife and scenic viewing. See Details

Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka, AK

Sitka National Historical Park Visit the pet-friendly Sitka National Historical Park in Sitka, AK. This ancestral home of Kiks exists today as a site preserving a historic battle between Russian invaders and indigenous people. Dogs are allowed on all of the trails and the grounds of the park. As with all National Parks, however, your pet must be kept on a leash of six or less feet. See Details

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

Fairbanks, AK

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve Bring your furry friend to the pet-friendly Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Fairbanks, AK. This area includes a national park, a national preserve, wild rivers, natural landmarks and more. Dogs can hike into the park with you but must be on leashes. The park's backcountry welcomes pets, but no manufactured trails exist, so ensure you're both adequately prepared. See Details

Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge

Juneau, AK

Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge The 4,000-acre pet-friendly Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge is a vast wildlife sanctuary located along the shores of the Gastineau Channel near Juneau, Alaska. Visitors are presented with a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, boating and wildlife viewing. The refuge also boasts great fishing and waterfowl hunting. Fido is allowed to tag along on your journey, but be sure to observe the Refuge policies, which include keeping man's best friend on a leash and always cleaning up after your pet. See Details