Trip Feedback - Hikes

Question

We are taking our second trip to Alaska this September and trying to round out the rest of our itinerary. We are big hikers and I'm having trouble coming up with 1-2 more spectacular hikes to add in that we haven't done on a previous trip. Ideally these hikes would be within a 1-2 hour drive from Anchorage or on the Kenai peninsula, though if there's a hike we're missing along the rest of our route let me know!

On our previous trip we did Mount Healy, Savage Alpine Trail, Reed Lakes, Crow Pass to Raven Glacier, Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, Portage Pass, South Fork Valley, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Flattop, Eklutna Lakeshore.

On this trip we will be driving to Wrangell St. Elias and stopping at Matanuska Glacier for a tour and then doing Lionhead View, Root Glacier, and Bonanza Mine trail. Then we will make our way to Valdez and hike in Thompson Pass before taking a ferry to Whittier. We're redoing Portage Pass trail as it was a fairly foggy day the first time around. This is where we could add a day in our trip for a hike somewhere on the Kenai peninsula. We're ending the trip with a few days in Lake Clark National Park.

Some hikes I'm considering are Lost Lake Trail, Mount Healy Overlook, Little O'Malley Peak, Rabbit Lake, or Slaughter Ridge. I would also consider a kayaking or rafting trip. Thank you!

Answer

It sounds like you’ve already tackled many of the iconic hikes around Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, so finding something new and equally spectacular is a fun challenge. Given your criteria, here are some suggestions that are within 1–2 hours of Anchorage or accessible on the Kenai Peninsula and offer varied scenery, from alpine views to coastal vistas.

Hike Recommendations:

Little O'Malley Peak: A relatively short but steep hike that offers excellent views over Anchorage and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option if you want something closer to the city with rewarding panoramas.
Rabbit Lake Trail: Located on the Kenai Peninsula near Girdwood, this trail offers a mix of forested areas and open views of the surrounding peaks and lakes. It’s moderate and less crowded than some of the better-known Kenai hikes.
Lost Lake Trail: Near Cooper Landing, this is a moderate trail that provides scenic lake views, wildlife opportunities, and a chance to experience the quieter side of the Kenai Peninsula. It’s ideal if you want a less-trafficked area.
Slaughter Ridge: A more challenging option near Anchorage. It’s steep and requires some scrambling, but the ridge offers incredible views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and can be a thrilling addition for experienced hikers.

Additional Options:

Kayaking or Rafting: If you’d like a change from hiking, consider Kenai River rafting near Cooper Landing or Turnagain Arm kayaking. These activities combine beautiful scenery with wildlife spotting opportunities and can be tailored to different skill levels.
Hiking + Glacier Views: If you want a glacier-focused day without repeating Exit Glacier or Portage Pass, the Byron Glacier or Spencer Glacier trails near Seward are excellent choices. Both offer spectacular icefields and are moderately challenging.
Thompson Pass (Valdez) Day Hike: If you have a free day while in Valdez, hiking in Thompson Pass can provide panoramic mountain and valley views and is a fantastic photo opportunity.

Given your itinerary, a Kenai Peninsula day hike such as Lost Lake or Rabbit Lake could be a perfect addition on the day you’re redoing Portage Pass, allowing for variety while staying within a reasonable driving distance. Pairing a moderate hike with a short kayaking trip could also create a full, memorable outdoor day.

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