Know Before You Go: Alaska Adventures

What is it like to fly in Alaska? Bush Planes and Regional Flights

Flying is often the fastest—and sometimes the only—way to reach remote regions in Alaska. Small aircraft connect travelers to national parks, wildlife lodges and Native villages that are inaccessible by road. Bush planes are common in places like Katmai, Lake Clark and the Arctic, while chartered helicopters offer access to especially remote areas. 

Many flights use small airstrips, gravel runways or floatplanes that land on lakes and rivers. These low-altitude routes reveal surreal aerial views of mountains, rivers and wildlife. Flights are often weather-dependent, but Alaska’s experienced bush pilots and flight crews are skilled in navigating rugged conditions. 

Bush plane tips: 

• Most small aircraft have strict luggage weight limits—pack light 

• Flights often depart from Anchorage, Fairbanks or regional hubs like Homer 

• Expect unforgettable views of glaciers, tundra and wildlife from the air 

Often, to truly go off-grid, you need to travel to remote places; and that means getting there is half the fun. Accessible via a private bush plane—which leaves from Homer across Cook Inlet, providing views of glaciers and an active volcano before landing on a pristine beach—Natural Habitat Adventures’ Bear Camp in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, offers rustic luxury…and the thrill of observing brown bears in their natural habitat—all without Wi-Fi or cell service. — Condé Nast Traveler

Where can I go by boat in Alaska? Ferries, Cruises & Wildlife Tours

Boat travel is one of the most efficient ways to explore Alaska, especially along its 6,600-mile coastline and remote coastal communities. Whether you're cruising glacier-carved fjords or hopping between seaside towns, boats unlock access to landscapes and wildlife you can’t reach by road. 

Vessel Type at a Glance

Ferries

• Best for: Independent travel, scenic budget option

• Pros: Flexible schedules, bring a car

• Considerations: Slower pace, fewer amenities

Small Cruises

• Best for: All-inclusive glacier & wildlife tours

• Pros: Expert guides, gourmet meals, remote access

• Considerations: Higher cost, fixed itinerary

Day Boats

• Best for: short excursions from towns like Seward

• Pros: great for whale watching, puffins, glaciers

• Considerations: weather dependent, shorter range

Expedition Vessels

• Best for: Remote bear viewing (e.g., Katmai)

• Pros: Exclusive access, floating lodge experience

• Considerations: Limited departures, highly specialized

The Alaska Marine Highway System is a public ferry network connecting Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. It's a popular option for locals and independent travelers. Ferries carry passengers, vehicles and gear—and offer panoramic views of fjords, whales and rugged shorelines. Popular ferry routes link Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines, Whittier and more. 

For a more comfortable, curated experience, small-ship cruises—typically vessels with fewer than 100 passengers—offer intimate access to Alaska’s coastal wilderness. These expedition-style ships explore the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park, navigating narrow channels and anchoring in remote coves. Unlike big commercial cruises, these trips prioritize wildlife viewing, flexible itineraries and naturalist interpretation. 

Day boat tours also operate from Seward and Homer, providing close-up encounters with whales, puffins and tidewater glaciers in just a few hours on the water. These trips are ideal for short stays or as part of land-based wildlife itineraries. 

Though most travelers reach Katmai National Park by floatplane, it can also be accessed by small expedition vessels. On Nat Hab’s exclusive grizzly bear adventures, guests stay aboard the M/V Natural Habitat Ursus, a privately chartered boat that offers rare access to the remote coastal wilderness of the Alaska Peninsula. Anchored near bear-rich meadows, the ship provides a quiet, mobile basecamp for observing brown bears fishing for salmon—often with no other travelers in sight. 

M/V Natural Habitat Ursus

An expedition cruise through Katmai National Park proves one of the wildest rides in Alaska…For the adventurous looking for a wilder, unboxed Alaska experience, it’s the trip of a lifetime, like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my 34 years in this industry. —Virtuoso   

Where can I go by train in Alaska? The Alaska Railroad – Scenic Train Routes

The Alaska Railroad offers one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore the state. With routes connecting Seward, Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, the train winds past coastal fjords, alpine forests, braided rivers and wide-open tundra.  

Passengers can choose between standard and domed cars with glass ceilings for panoramic views. Meals, commentary and wildlife spotting make the ride as memorable as the destination. Trains stop at key national park access points and pair well with self-drive or guided trips. 

Highlights of the Alaska Railroad: 

• Coastal Classic Route (Anchorage to Seward): fjords, glaciers and Turnagain Arm 

• Anchorage to Denali: 8-hour journey through scenic backcountry 

• Travel at a relaxed pace while watching for moose and bald eagles 
   

Can I drive to see wildlife and nature in Alaska?

Yes—driving is an excellent way to explore Alaska’s road-accessible parks, scenic byways and wildlife-rich regions. Major highways connect Anchorage to Denali, Fairbanks, Homer and Seward, offering convenient access to iconic landscapes and small towns. Car rentals are available at Alaska’s major airports and in larger towns. 

While much of Alaska is remote and roadless, several routes provide unforgettable scenery and access to nature. The Dalton Highway runs from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, crossing the Arctic Circle and passing through vast tundra and boreal forest. The Seward Highway and Glenn Highway are National Scenic Byways that wind past glaciers, fjords and mountains. Summer is the ideal time to drive in Alaska, with long daylight hours and fewer weather-related delays. In remote areas, road conditions may shift from paved to gravel, and services can be limited—so plan ahead. 

Driving tips and routes for exploring Alaska: 

• Top 7–10 day road trip loops: 

• Anchorage to Denali to Fairbanks, with wildlife viewing and hiking in Denali National Park 

• Kenai Peninsula circuit, covering Homer, Seward and Kenai Fjords for marine wildlife and coastal scenery 

• Anchorage to Valdez via Glenn and Richardson Highways, with glacier views and fjord access in Prince William Sound 

• Vehicle options: 

• Standard car rentals for main highways and towns 

• RVs or campervans for flexible lodging and off-grid camping 

• 4WD vehicles for gravel or unmaintained routes like the Dalton Highway 

• Scenic byway driving tips: 

• Drive slowly to spot moose, bears and bald eagles 

• Fill up on fuel and supplies before heading into remote areas 

• Bring a paper map—GPS isn’t always reliable in rural zones 

• Check road conditions and construction updates before heading out 

What’s the best way to travel to remote parks and refuges?

Many of Alaska’s wildest places are off the road system. The best way to travel to these remote parks and refuges, like Lake Clark or Katmai, is to charter flights or go with a tour operator. 

What types of aerial charters are available? 
Floatplanes are a staple for accessing lakeside lodges and coastal zones, while chartered helicopters—used by operators like Nat Hab for Denali’s backcountry—offer exclusive access to areas beyond the public road system. 

Tips for Accessing Remote Parks: 

• Choose a guided trip with included flights and permits 

• Fly from regional hubs like Anchorage, Fairbanks or King Salmon 

• Look for fly-in wilderness lodges with built-in logistics, meals and expert guides 

Are guided tours to visit Alaska’s national parks and refuges worth the expense?

Guided tours are worth the expense when you’re traveling in Alaska, especially for remote or wildlife-focused trips. Guided tours remove the logistics guesswork and maximize your chances of seeing wildlife. Experienced naturalist guides handle transportation, lodging and safety in challenging terrain. 

Many guided tours also include specialty access—like bear viewing platforms, private flights or overnight wilderness lodges. For first-time visitors or those exploring beyond the road system, a guided trip ensures a seamless and rewarding experience. 

How do I choose the best nature and wildlife tour operator in Alaska? 

The best nature and wildlife tour operator in Alaska will offer expert naturalist guides, small groups, exclusive access to wild areas, and a strong commitment to conservation—qualities that define Natural Habitat Adventures. When choosing an operator, prioritize companies that focus on authentic wildlife encounters in remote settings. Look for small-group sizes, experienced local and expedition guides, and meaningful connections with Alaska’s land, wildlife and Indigenous cultures. A good tour company should handle complex logistics like bush flights and wilderness permits while offering comfort and safety in rugged terrain. It should also actively support conservation and responsible travel practices. 

What sets Nat Hab apart: 

• Small groups for a more personalized, low-impact experience 

• Expert Expedition Leaders trained in wildlife biology and Arctic ecology 

• Private access to remote locations, like Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp and the M/V Ursus 

• Seamless logistics including charter flights, fly-in lodges and guided transfers 

• Partnership with WWF, supporting science-based conservation in Alaska and beyond 

With more than 35 years of experience in Alaska, Nat Hab offers unparalleled access to nature through thoughtfully designed itineraries and a deep respect for the wild. 

Alaska Transportation FAQs

Do I need a car in Alaska?

You’ll need a car in Alaska if you're visiting road-accessible regions like Denali or the Kenai Peninsula—but not for remote wilderness areas. 

Alaska has just a few major highways, so while a rental car is helpful for independent travel to towns and parks connected by road, many of the state’s most iconic landscapes can only be reached by plane, boat or train. For deeper wilderness experiences—like Katmai, Lake Clark or Arctic refuges—a car won’t get you far. Guided tours often include all necessary transfers for remote access. 

Where a car is helpful: 

• Driving the Parks Highway between Anchorage and Denali 

• Exploring the Kenai Peninsula, including Seward and Homer 

• Visiting scenic stops like Turnagain Arm, Matanuska Glacier or Hatcher Pass 

Where a car isn’t needed: 

• Fly-in bear viewing lodges or remote national parks 

• Boat-based coastal trips or small-ship cruises 

• Train routes served by the Alaska Railroad 

Is it safe to take bush planes?

Yes—bush planes are a safe and essential part of traveling in remote Alaska. 

Bush planes are small aircraft specifically designed for Alaska’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. They’re flown by seasoned pilots with deep experience navigating remote airstrips, glaciers, beaches and backcountry areas. While flights may be delayed due to weather conditions, safety is always the top priority. These flights are the lifeline to Alaska’s roadless wilderness—and a memorable part of the journey. 

Why bush planes are trusted: 

• Experienced pilots with thousands of hours in Alaska airspace 

• Well-maintained aircraft designed for short takeoffs and landings 

• Routes to roadless areas, including Katmai, Brooks Falls and Arctic refuges 

• Scenic views of mountains, glaciers and wildlife from the air 

• Used daily by locals, park rangers and scientists across the state 

Can I combine a cruise with a wildlife lodge stay?

Yes—you can combine a cruise with a wildlife lodge stay for a diverse Alaska experience that includes both coastal and inland adventures. 

Many travelers pair a small-ship expedition along Alaska’s coast with a fly-in stay at a remote wildlife lodge. This combination lets you explore tidewater glaciers and marine life by sea, then shift to bear viewing or backcountry hiking in the interior. Nat Hab’s itineraries often link these two styles seamlessly for a complete immersion in Alaska’s ecosystems. 

Popular pairings include: 

• Small-ship cruise in the Inside Passage + bear lodge in Lake Clark 

• Day cruise from Seward or Homer + overnight in Kenai backcountry 

• Wildlife cruise + fly-in lodge at Brooks Falls or Chinitna Bay 

• Coastal exploration + guided Arctic basecamp for tundra wildlife 

This approach gives you the best of both worlds—marine wildlife and glaciers by water, plus land-based wildlife and wilderness that’s only accessible by plane.