Is the urge to see the northern lights in Alaska on your bucket list for your next vacation? If so, where are the best places to witness this northern phenomenon? Continue reading to find out.
Overview
Alaska is home to stunning wilderness that comes to life throughout the year. There are, however, even more, fascinating natural phenomena that make this a fantastic place to visit. The stunning northern lights of Alaska are at the top of the list.
In Alaska, there are numerous spectacular locations to view the northern lights. These natural phenomena are best described as dancing lights that occur throughout the year but are most visible in the winter due to a lack of darkness in the summer. This visibility is even better on dark nights when there is no light pollution.
Alaska is close to the North Pole, making it an ideal location for viewing the northern lights during the winter season. Hiking, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing are also popular winter activities. For the best aurora viewing, visitors should visit the locations listed below, along with trip ideas.
Here are our top recommendations for viewing the northern lights in Alaska.
When Are the Northern Lights Visible in Alaska?
Because the northern lights are caused by solar activity, there is a lower chance of experiencing a full-fledged auroral storm when the sun is near solar minimum than when it is near solar maximum. The solar maximum will not return until 2025, but nightly displays of the northern lights will continue until then. The real challenge is finding clear skies.
Northern light displays tend to be more intense around the equinox months of September and March because Earth’s tilt in relation to the sun means that the magnetic field and the solar wind are in sync. Combine that with the increased likelihood of clear skies in Alaska during the spring, and March in an inland location is likely to be the best time and place to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights.
If you can find dark and clear skies, keep an eye out from dusk to dawn for an aurora. The best time to see the aurora, according to the Geophysical Institute, is around midnight, give or take an hour. They can, however, occur at any time.
When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska?
The northern lights season in Alaska runs from late August to late April, peaking in March, though it is defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity. Forecasting the northern lights requires predicting solar activity, which is nearly impossible to do with today’s technology.
However, we do know that the northern lights can be seen best in Alaska between 65° N and 70° N latitude. Fairbanks is about 198 miles south of the Arctic Circle and has sporadic northern lights displays, though it’s best to skip Anchorage and Juneau, which have far fewer displays.
Those who want to maximize their chances should travel to the more remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory or Prudhoe Bay and Utqiavik in the far north. The northern lights are more likely to be seen as you travel further north in Alaska.
Forecasts for the Northern Lights
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Space Weather Prediction Center, which is a great resource for predicting northern lights activity in the short term. Fairbanks is also the home of the University of Alaska’s Geophysical Institute, which publishes a nightly forecast on Aurora viewing as well as a 27-day forecast.
SolarHam provides a reliable three-day geomagnetic forecast, which is frequently used by aurora hunters, whereas the Aurora Forecast does not. The app displays the location of the auroral oval around the Arctic Circle. It also indicates the likelihood of seeing them where you are (green, not so much; red, the northern lights are most likely occurring directly above you).
Northern Lights Tours in Alaska
You’ll most likely arrive in Coldfoot on an organized tour, and if you fly to Utqiavik, your accommodation will also serve as a local tour guide. If you’re going to be in Fairbanks, you have a few options for excursions. Northern Alaska Tour Company offers round-trip van tours to Joy, 60 miles north of Fairbanks, for a better chance of seeing the northern lights. 1st Alaska Tours, on the other, offers nightly trips to Chena Hot Springs, 60 miles north, and Murphy Dome, one of the Fairbanks area’s highest peaks with a 360-degree view of the horizon.
Here are a couple of other companies that offer northern lights tours in Alaska.
#1. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a tour company that operates in a number of countries worldwide. They also provide some of the best aurora borealis tours in Alaska. For example, from Fairbanks, you can book the Moonlight Dog Sled, Dinner, and Northern Lights Tour or the Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs Tour. Any of these will provide you with some unforgettable moments.
#2. Viator
Another reputable tour company that offers great aurora borealis tours in Alaska is Viator. Top-rated tours from Fairbanks include the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour and the Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour. These guided tours offer the best opportunities to witness these Alaskan phenomena.
Best Places in Alaska to See the Northern Lights
Here are the best places in Alaska to see Aurora activity and the northern lights.
#1. Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska’s old gold rush boomtown, is the undisputed capital of the northern lights hunt. It’s not the best place to see the Northern Lights — it’s just below the Arctic Circle — but they happen frequently here.
Its popularity among those looking for the Northern Lights is largely due to its ease of access. There are frequent flights and numerous lodging options. Cleary Summit, about 20 miles from Fairbanks, is a good place to visit because it is easy to get to, has plenty of parking, and has a good view of the horizon.
According to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, other good observation points nearby include Haystack Mountain, Ester, Wickersham, and Murphy Domes. Chena Lake Recreation Area is a popular spot for looking for reflections in the water (parking is available near the jetty). Chena Hot Springs Resort is nearby, and you can watch the show from an outdoor hot tub. During the day, go cross-country skiing or ice fishing through pre-drilled ice holes.
#2. Coldfoot
Coldfoot is a prime northern lights observation location in the Alaskan Arctic, once a gold mining settlement but now little more than a truck stop at 67° N latitude on the famed Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay. This is largely due to the rustic Coldfoot Camp, which is located in the Brooks Mountain Range on the outskirts of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, the United States northernmost national park. Many aurora adventure tours take visitors here and to Wiseman, about 15 miles north, for the best chance of seeing the northern lights. The fly-in luxury Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge is another nearby option. Coldfoot is approximately 250 miles north of Fairbanks and 60 miles above the Arctic Circle.
#3. Utqiavik
This small town, formerly known as Barrow, is located at 71° N latitude and is home to the Top Of The World Hotel, which organizes tours and outdoor adventures related to the Iupiat Alaska Native culture. You can also learn about bowhead whale hunting and local culture at the Iupiat Heritage Center. Alaska Airlines flies from Anchorage to the town’s Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport, and Tundra Tours and the Northern Alaska Tour Company offer packages.
#4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
This national park is the largest protected reserve in the United States, covering 13.2 million acres. Travelers can stay at the 14-person Ultima Thule Lodge for a wild adventure that includes glacier trekking, rafting, fishing in Tebay Lake, and (of course) watching the northern lights.
#5. Nome
Nome is unquestionably one of the best places in Alaska to see the northern lights. Simply take any road leading out of town and look for a good place to park your car or set up your camping gear. Allow yourself plenty of time to adjust to the darkness, and keep an eye out for the beautiful night sky.
Better yet, you can do it while watching the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The world’s best racers gather in Nome to cover 1,000 miles of the most difficult terrain. Make a reservation and plan to be in Nome on March 1st for this race and aurora viewing.
Northern Lights tours are an excellent way to take part in all of the excitement during the race weeks. While the northern lights aren’t visible every night, you won’t want to miss out on an aurora experience when they do appear.
A winter vacation in Alaska ensures you will have an unforgettable experience in Nome. And for a fantastic place to stay, Kota’s Bed N Breakfast in the heart of Nome is ideal. Breakfast is provided, as is free WiFi and private parking.
#6. Talkeetna
There are numerous locations in Southcentral Alaska that are ideal for viewing the northern lights. Talkeetna, located at the base of Mt. Denali, is one such location.
Talkeetna is a small town with rustic old-world charm that is ideal for a vacation. There is a roadhouse, log cabins dating back to 1917, and plenty of fun activities.
One of the main reasons people come to Talkeetna is to see the dancing lights. However, this is also an excellent location for shopping, dining, and touring an Alaskan brewery. In December, this town hosts a month-long winter festival.
This town has a vibrant nightlife and a variety of fun activities. It is, however, preferable to go out when the northern lights are visible. Because light pollution makes it difficult to see the dancing lights, go in search of complete darkness.
For comfortable lodging, stay at the Talkeetna Inn or the Denali Fireside Cabin & Suites. Both are in town and close to essential amenities.
#7. Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake is Alaska’s ultimate adventurer’s paradise. And it’s the best place to see the spectacular northern lights. Chugach State Park contains Eklutna Lake.
During the summer, the lake is packed with people who want to participate in water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. On a dark winter night, however, the same location is crowded with people hoping to see the northern lights.
On dark nights, you can visit safe places while aurora hunting. However, be cautious when venturing further into the park during the winter. If possible, bring a guide to help you navigate this difficult terrain.
While you can drive through the park and tour it, Anchorage is the best place to stay. Consider the Holiday Inn Express Anchorage or the Aptel Studio Hotel.
#8. Anchorage
In the winter, some areas have clear skies that are ideal for viewing the northern lights. From September to April, Anchorage is an ideal winter destination for aurora viewing.
Anchorage is the place to be at sunset for aurora viewing. However, for a better view, you may need to venture outside of the city. This is due to Anchorage’s city lights, which reduce visibility.
Aurora season is celebrated in Anchorage because the lights are brighter. It also helps that the city isn’t as far away as Fairbanks.
There are several tours that depart from Anchorage in search of the aurora borealis. Utilize these to get the best views of the auroral zone. Alaska Photo Treks provides day hikes, custom hikes, and classes. In terms of lodging, the Hyatt Place Anchorage- Midtown and The Lakefront Anchorage both have excellent deals and packages.
#9. Hatcher Pass
In Willow and Palmer, Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains are home to some of the best recreational opportunities. Many people visit this location during the summer to hike the majestic tundra and enjoy the magical wild blooms. Independence Mine Historical State Park is also located in this area.
In the winter, all roads lead back to this location for the Alaskan northern lights season. It’s worth noting that the main road to Hatcher Pass is impassable due to snow. As a result, it remains closed to drivers throughout the winter.
When it’s time to see the amazing aurora borealis, you can take the road from Palmer that is open all year. Fortunately, you won’t be alone because this is a popular spot for other aurora hunters as well as people skiing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding.
During the day, there is plenty to do. When it gets dark, you can sit back and wait for the famous lights to appear.
#10. Barrow
The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is during the winter. You must, however, be prepared for the extremes of areas such as Barrow, Alaska’s northernmost city. Fortunately, braving the cold gives you a front-row seat to the aurora borealis. You can also visit the Iupiat Heritage Center, which is an important part of Alaskan culture.
While you wait for the light show to begin, stop by the Iupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska. Long ago, the Iupiat lived in this area and were avid whale hunters. Learn more about this incredible culture and take part in dog sledding activities.
#11. Denali National Park
Denali National Park is situated on more than 6 million acres of secluded land. Because of the lack of pollution, it is one of the best places in Alaska to see the northern lights. Visitors willing to leave the cities will be rewarded with breathtaking views.
Not only can you see the northern lights from here, but you can also see Mt. McKinley. Even the terrain of Denali National Park is not to be missed.
Because the northern lights do not appear every night, a park tour on other days is also worthwhile. And the tundra, spruce forests, animals such as moose, bears, and wolves, as well as glaciers, are breathtaking.
#12. Wiseman
Alaska has incredible wilderness, and some areas, such as the Brooks Range, are extremely remote. If such places pique your interest, you should pay a visit to the small village of Wiseman. This remote location, not far from Coldfoot Camp, has only 12 full-time residents.
The best part about this location is that the small village is directly beneath the Auroral Oval. As a result, you won’t be sorry for braving the snow and treacherous terrain to reach this spectacular location. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
Visitors who include Wiseman on their itinerary can stay at the Arctic Hive. Because this is a lodge that cannot be reached by car, you must prepare to walk there. Accommodations at the lodge are in lovely cabins, and guests can participate in auroral excursions. Dog sledding, skiing, and pack rafting are also options.
#13. Juneau
Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is another great place to visit if you want to see the northern lights. Juneau has excellent amenities, but you only need to travel a short distance to reach the wilderness.
Northern lights hunting would be incomplete without visiting areas outside of Juneau. These areas are also ideal for wildlife viewing and activities such as hiking, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Numerous trails begin in Juneau and lead to elevations ideal for viewing the aurora borealis. There are 6 hours and 22 minutes of daylight if you happen to be in Juneau during the winter solstice.
October is the best month to see the northern lights in Juneau. The Driftwood Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Juneau offer cozy winter accommodations.
#14. Bettles Lodge
Bettles Lodge is situated in an ideal location for viewing the spectacular aurora borealis. Guests at the lodge are treated to clear skies that reveal the wonders of the heavens.
There is little light pollution in this remote area of Alaska’s interior to interfere with your views. Accommodation in any of the cabins can be reserved at the lodge. For those looking for a little adventure, there’s also a rustic auroral viewing cabin about 2 miles from the lodge.
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