The best walks and hikes in Alaska

Spacious location far away from the hustle and bustle of Homer

This lake is absolutely gorgeous, and very popular in the summer, with non-motorized watercraft for rent, a loop trail all the way around the lake, and a massive campground just steps away. The west end is the nicest for walking (and everything else); the east end of the lake gets quite marshy. And, please be aware that summer brings hordes of mosquitoes, and bear sightings are extremely common here in most seasons.

I think this might be the largest campground in Denali State Park. It's no secret that you can pick lots of berries here in the fall, and it's just a quick walk from the nearby lake. However, it's also no secret that the marshy ground in this area makes the campground and neighboring lake VERY buggy (think hordes of mosquitoes) in the summer. Bear sightings are also extremely common here in almost every season, because they like berries — and Byers Lake — too.

Built in 2005, the Denali Visitor Center and its surrounding campus are definitely worth a stop, either at the beginning or end of your trip. The center itself is the National Park Service's primary welcome and information center. Surrounding facilities include a restaurant, gift shop, bag check, bus stop, and train depot. The visitor center is open only during the summer and is located near the park entrance. During the summer, you can explore the exhibits, watch the park film, pay park admission, and speak with a ranger. During the fall, winter, and spring, the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) serves as the park's winter visitor center. https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/the-denali-visitor-center.htm

The Denali Visitor Center, located right at the entrance to Denali National Park, is the perfect starting point for your adventure in this rugged and fascinating landscape of Alaska. Here you will not only get useful information about the hiking trails and the wildlife, but you can also watch the park film Heartbeats of Denali, which will introduce you to the different facets of this breathtaking place. The exhibition in the center also gives you insights into the unique flora and fauna of the region. The area around the visitor center offers access to several popular hiking trails such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail and the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail. The Mt. Healy Overlook in particular rewards you after a steep climb with an impressive panoramic view of the park's vast landscape. There are also nearby trails for quieter hikes that lead through the dense forests and along the rivers and are ideal for relaxed exploration. A special highlight are the ranger-led tours and presentations that give you insights into the history of the park and its natural wonders. The Denali Visitor Center is not only an information point, but also a place that lets you immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and the pristine nature of the wilderness - perfect for getting in the mood for the great Denali adventure.

Large beaver dam, with a bit of luck you can also see the beaver.

Blueberry Knoll is named for the plentiful berries that populate its slopes in autumn—but this is such a popular area that they get picked out very quickly. Blink, and you'll miss them! You'll hike right past the knoll on your way up Flattop, or you can treat it as its own destination, hiking a complete loop around it to enjoy the views in all directions before you head back down.

Some beaver dams just above the main Horseshoe Lake have created a few separate small ponds. You can go to the end of this tiny spur trail to see the dams up close and get next to the edge of the water.