Plan Like a Park Ranger - 10 Tips for Visiting Alaska's National Parks

A Hiker enjoys an alpine lake in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

NPS/Neal Herbert

Plan Like A Park Ranger

A visit to the backcountry in Alaska carries inherent risk. Adventures in this remote and isolated area demand self-sufficiency. Preparation can make the difference between the adventure of a lifetime and tragedy. Visitors should be prepared to take responsibility for their own actions; search and rescue may be delayed or unavailable for a long period of time. To help everyone have a safe, appropriate experience, National Park Service rangers in Alaska share their top 10 insider tips to #PlanLikeAParkRanger.

1. Ask A Ranger - Do your research and contact the park before making any reservations. Rangers can provide you with trip planning information and ask clarifying questions. Alaska parks are different, so it is a good idea to ask appropriate questions and know your options before you finalize a plan.

2. Come Fly With Us - There are risks associated with flying into remote Alaska. Alaska is a large state, roughly twice the size of Texas. Many national parks in Alaska are spread-out, isolated, rugged, and removed from the road system. Small planes are often the best way to get around, but flying has its own risks. Passengers should take an active role to ensure everyone's safety by getting familiar with the details of their trip and asking their pilot questions. Aviation safety requires more than just a pilot’s skill–it takes all of us.

3. Err On The Side Of Caution - Even for the most experienced traveler, crossing any river in Alaska requires skill, condition assessment, and composure. Alaskan waters are extremely cold, even when the air temperature is warm. Most backcountry routes require numerous creek and river crossings. Be prepared to turn around if the river appears too high or too swift to cross safely. If boating, pick rivers appropriate for your skill level. Plan extra time into your trip, so you can wait until water levels are lower or weather improves.

4. Be Flexible - Trips in Alaskan National Parks require research, planning, and flexibility. Be prepared for last minute changes in weather conditions, or routes to be more strenuousness and take longer than expected. Be prepared to stay overnight even if you are a day user. Route finding skills may be required. Carry a map and compass and other backcountry travel essentials.

5. Dress The Part - Research and being prepared with tested and appropriate gear for any trip in Alaska can significantly reduce the probability of having a serious safety event. A trip into the Alaska backcountry is not the place to test new gear, clothing, or equipment. Choose your clothing, gear, and amount of food with great care, as the weather often changes rates of travel, routes, and pickup schedules.

6. Keep Wildlife Wild - Alaska offers abundant opportunities to view animals in their natural setting. Along with these opportunities, visitors have a special obligation to keep themselves and the wildlife safe. Keeping a clean camp and maintaining distance will be a better experience for both you and our wild neighbors.

7. What’s The Weather? Weather conditions can change quickly, so being prepared is key. Expect sun, wind, rain, and clouds, and expect them all on the same day. Snow can fall any month of the year, particularly in the mountains. In different areas of the state, the terrain channels fierce winds and gusts in the 30-50 mph range and are not uncommon.

8. Phone Home - Satellite phones and texting devices are the only way to communicate from the backcountry. We recommend bringing a satellite communication device, as it can help you make and maintain contact with family, friends, and if needed, emergency responders. Don’t let a satellite communication device give you a false sense of security! In an emergency, help will not be immediate and will depend on many factors. You are still responsible for your own safety.

9. Prepare Mentally - A positive attitude is essential in the backcountry. If travelling in a group, go over potential scenarios and talk through expected outcomes. Know and respect your limitations. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable trip. Making sure every member of your group is on the same page is important to having a safe and enjoyable trip in the backcountry.

10. Leave Only Footprints - The protection and preservation of the parks' biological, cultural, and historical resources is a major mission of the National Park Service. Alaska’s national parks are some of the wildest and pristine protected places on the planet. Help us protect our national parks by following each park’s regulations and guidelines and following Leave No Trace Principles.