Unforgettable Fall Foliage Tours of Alaska

Oct 18, 2025

You’ve probably seen plenty of Alaskan tourist brochures advertising a sea of colorful spring wildflowers, seasonal winter glacier tours, and plenty of summer camping and hiking, but there’s nothing quite like Alaska in Autumn. As Autumnal enthusiasts, we are very excited that the season starts as early as August, meaning we can extend our cross-country leaf-peeping quest for an extra few weeks!

Though the season is very brief here, it is one of the most remarkable destinations for fall-loving tourists. You’ll get to witness the seasonal foliage change with unmatched fiery hues against the mountains as they get their first snow of the year. It’s also a great time to catch some of the first seasonal sightings of the Northern Lights, and last sightings of migrating Humpback whales. Of course, in true Alaskan fashion, there’s simply no end to the beauty and adventure that awaits you on your journey no matter the season. So, let’s take a look at some of the places you should add to your Alaskan Autumnal Road Trip Itinerary!

Trees, shrubs, and plants you’ll find on your Alaskan Foliage Tour include: Of course, in true Alaskan fashion, there’s simply no end to the beauty and adventure that awaits you on your journey: Quaking Aspen, White Birch, Black Cottonwood, Red Alder, Sitka Alder, Deer Cabbage, Mountain Avens, Tufted bulrush, Ligonberry, Lapland Cornel, Small Cranberry, Willow, Squashberry, Kenai Birch, and more.

Destinations You Can’t Miss on Your Alaskan Fall Foliage Tour (In alphabetical order!)

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, but it’s also got a plethora of hiking trails. Nearly 300 miles of trails make their way in and out of Chugach State Park on the outskirts of the city. In Mid to Late September, this area is positively bursting with rich golden and chartreuse shades of foliage. Fellow travelers recommend your Anchorage travel itinerary should include the Glen Alps Trailhead taking you to Cook Inlet, the Powerline Pass Trail, Flattop Trail, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Once you’ve had your fill of the natural wonders, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the city limits, too.

Denali National Park has already made it onto our road trip travel blogs this year, but it’s always worth mentioning again! In mid-August through early September, this park reaches its peak autumnal magnificence. The higher mountainous elevations will see the most vibrant color first, while the tundra landscapes below begin to glow in stunning scarlet, ochre, and vermillion hues. Fellow travelers to the area recommend taking a bus tour through the park so you won’t miss a thing; these tours run through mid-September.

Fairbanks begins displaying stunning golden foliage in mid to late August with full peak by early September. And while many people want to visit in Summer for the outdoorsy fun, and Winter for the peak Northern Lights, this in-between season is actually one of the most unexpectedly interesting times to visit! The weather in this area is perfect to take advantage of summer season activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and catch an early glimpse of the Northern Lights and aurora simultaneously. You can enjoy the local hot springs as the temperatures start to drop for a cozy early autumn treat, as well as catch the local Fall Migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes making their way South for the colder months. White Mountains National Recreation Area and Chena River State Recreation Area are perfect for autumnal jaunts in the Fairbanks region.

Girdwood is a mountain town just a little ways out from Anchorage. While you’re here, you’ll want to book a ride up the Alyeska Aerial Tram that takes you upwards of 2,000 feet in elevation up Mt. Alyeska, rewarding you with an awe-inspiring overview of the whole valley’s fall scenery. Portage Valley offers some hiking trails suitable for the novice to intermediate enthusiast, or you can opt for a one-hour boat tour which brings you out to the face of the Portage Glacier for an unforgettable experience.

Drive the Glenn Highway for a grand sightseeing tour of some of Alaska’s most beautiful fall scenery in early to mid-September. Make sure you stop off at Mantanuska Glacier which offers magnificent views of autumnal colors with seasonal grasses, wildflowers, and trees all shedding their emerald greens in trade for sunset worthy hues. We can’t think of anything more beautiful than those rolling hills of butter yellow foliage against a backdrop of crisp blue and lavender toned snowcapped mountain peaks.

Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see stop on your autumnal Alaska road trip. This park offers turquoise waters complemented by the stunning butterscotch yellow foliage and lichen green tree tops. In the background, you’ll see slate-blue mountain peaks rising above the treetops! This area offers several tours for hiking, driving and even boating. Take a day cruise through the park itself or head into Resurrection Bay, and you might even catch some humpback whales enjoying their last swim in the region before migration down south for the winter months.