Platinum AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Platinum, Alaska.
1. Mendenhall Glacier
MAJESTIC ICE FORMATION
Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska's most accessible and spectacular ice formations, located just 13 miles from downtown Juneau. Visitors can witness the massive blue ice formation from multiple viewing platforms or take guided tours onto the glacier itself. The nearby visitor center offers educational exhibits about glacial movement and the surrounding ecosystem.
2. Denali National Park
WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE
Denali National Park encompasses six million acres of wild land centered around North America's tallest peak. The park offers unparalleled wildlife viewing with opportunities to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. Visitors can explore the park through guided bus tours, hiking trails, or flightseeing tours that showcase the magnificent landscape.
3. Tracy Arm Fjord
DRAMATIC GLACIAL LANDSCAPE
Tracy Arm Fjord is a spectacular narrow inlet with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and floating ice bergs from the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The fjord is home to harbor seals, bears, wolves, and a variety of seabirds that can often be spotted during boat tours. The brilliant blue ice of the glaciers creates a striking contrast against the dark stone cliffs, making it a photographer's paradise.
4. Totem Bight State Historical Park
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE
Totem Bight State Historical Park showcases fifteen beautifully crafted totem poles that were restored or recreated as part of a 1938 US Forest Service project to preserve Native Alaskan culture. The park features a recreated clan house from the early 19th century alongside the impressive totems, all set within a lush forest. Visitors can learn about the rich traditions of the Tlingit and Haida peoples while walking along interpretive trails through the rainforest setting.
5. Misty Fjords National Monument
PRISTINE WILDERNESS WATERS
Misty Fjords National Monument is a breathtaking wilderness area characterized by deep fjords, steep granite cliffs, and countless waterfalls often shrouded in mist. This natural wonder can be explored by boat, seaplane tours, or kayaking expeditions that allow visitors to get close to the remarkable scenery. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot bears, whales, sea birds, and bald eagles perched in the cedar and spruce trees that line the waterways.
6. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
SCENIC URBAN PATHWAY
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile multi-use trail that winds along the coast from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. The trail offers stunning views of the Cook Inlet, downtown Anchorage, and on clear days, even Denali and the Alaska Range. Visitors can walk, bike, or ski the trail while possibly spotting moose, bald eagles, and beluga whales offshore.
7. Sitka National Historic Park
TOTEM POLES AND HISTORY
Sitka National Historic Park preserves the site of an 1804 battle between Russian traders and the native Tlingit people, marking a significant moment in Alaska's history. The park features a collection of totem poles along beautifully maintained forest trails that showcase the artistic traditions of Southeast Alaska Native cultures. Visitors can also explore the Russian Bishop's House and the visitor center which houses exhibits on Tlingit and Russian history.
8. Alaska Native Heritage Center
LIVING CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Alaska Native Heritage Center serves as a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates, and shares Alaska Native cultures. The center features traditional village sites representing each of Alaska's major cultural groups, with authentic dwellings situated around a picturesque lake. Visitors can experience Native dance performances, artist demonstrations, and hands-on activities that bring Alaska's indigenous heritage to life.
9. Kenai Fjords National Park
GLACIAL MARINE ECOSYSTEM
Kenai Fjords National Park protects the Harding Icefield and the outflowing glaciers that have carved stunning fjords along Alaska's coastline. Visitors can take boat tours to witness calving glaciers, spot marine wildlife including whales, sea lions, and puffins, or hike to the Edge of the Glacier overlook. The park's dramatic landscape showcases the powerful forces of nature and the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.
10. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
GOLD RUSH HERITAGE
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park commemorates the 1897-98 Gold Rush with beautifully restored buildings in Skagway's historic district. Adventurous visitors can hike the challenging 33-mile Chilkoot Trail, following in the footsteps of prospectors who made the grueling journey in search of fortune. The park's museum and visitor center provide fascinating insights into this pivotal period of Alaska's history through exhibits and interpretive programs.
11. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RAILROAD
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a historic narrow gauge railroad built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, climbing from sea level in Skagway to the 2,865-foot summit of White Pass. The vintage locomotives and passenger cars take travelers on a breathtaking journey past cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and historic sites. The railway departs from one of Alaska's oldest depots, which now houses a visitor center chronicling the remarkable engineering feat of building this railroad through such challenging terrain.
12. Admiralty Island
BEAR VIEWING PARADISE
Admiralty Island is home to one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world, earning it the Tlingit name 'Fortress of the Bears'. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat at the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area during the salmon spawning season. The island also features the Tlingit community of Angoon and vast old-growth rainforest that supports diverse wildlife beyond its famous bears.
13. Harding Icefield
ANCIENT ICE EXPANSE
The Harding Icefield is an impressive remnant of the ice age, spanning over 700 square miles of glacier ice within Kenai Fjords National Park. Ambitious hikers can take the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail for panoramic views of this massive ice plateau that feeds dozens of glaciers. The icefield offers a glimpse into Earth's prehistoric past and serves as a reminder of the ongoing effects of climate change on these ancient ice formations.
14. Annabelle's Restaurant
HISTORIC SEAFOOD DINING
Annabelle's Restaurant is a beloved dining establishment located in Ketchikan's historic district, serving fresh Alaskan seafood in a charming atmosphere. The restaurant occupies a restored building with character and ambiance that reflects the town's rich history. Diners can enjoy locally caught salmon, halibut, and king crab while soaking in views of bustling Creek Street and the waterfront.
15. Creek Street
HISTORIC BOARDWALK DISTRICT
Creek Street is Ketchikan's historic boardwalk district built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek, once the town's red-light district during the gold rush era. Today, the colorful wooden buildings house shops, galleries, and restaurants where visitors can purchase authentic Native art, jewelry, and souvenirs. During salmon spawning season, visitors can watch the fish make their way upstream while learning about the area's fascinating history.