There’s something about Alaska that humbles you in the best way. Maybe it’s the sound of wind rustling through a forest of spruce, or the quiet hush that settles over a glacial lake at dawn. For those of us craving peace, presence, and a little space to breathe, Alaska offers more than adventure—it offers renewal.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or you’ve called this wild land home for years, these five serene places invite you to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
1. Nugget Falls Trail – Juneau
Just a short walk from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, this easy trail winds through spruce and alder until you reach the base of Nugget Falls—a thundering cascade tumbling into a glacial lake.
I often come here with a thermos of tea and a journal. The combination of crashing water and distant ice calving from the glacier makes it feel like the Earth is speaking in its own language. Sit on one of the driftwood logs near the shore and let your thoughts settle.
Pro tip: Bring a cozy layer or consider your yoga mat and be fully surrounded by nature’s wild.
2. Eklutna Lake – Near Anchorage
Just under an hour from Anchorage, Eklutna Lake feels worlds away. The long, turquoise lake stretches under the Chugach Mountains, and whether you’re paddling, walking, or just sitting at the shoreline, it’s hard not to feel calm settle over you.
The mornings here are especially still. Mist hangs over the water, and birds call softly from the brush. It’s a perfect place to begin a quiet morning routine—breathwork, a few pages of journaling, or just soaking in the silence.
Photography note: If the wind is calm, the reflections here are mirror-perfect - check out the below video from the last time I was there.
3. The Muskeg Trails – Petersburg
Tucked into Southeast Alaska’s lush Tongass National Forest, the muskeg trails around Petersburg are mossy, mystical, and almost otherworldly.
The soft ground underfoot, paired with the quiet drip of rain or the buzz of dragonflies, creates a natural meditation. These trails are short and easy to follow, making them perfect for a mindful stroll. Take your camera—each step brings a new perspective of Alaska’s softer side.
If you find peace among the trees like I do, this place will feel like a gentle retreat.
4. Hatcher Pass – Southcentral Alaska
When you stand in Hatcher Pass and look out at the endless ridgelines of the Talkeetna Mountains, the world feels vast and still. Whether you’re visiting in summer for wildflowers or autumn for golden tundra, this area offers quiet moments at every turn.
The views are gorgeous and I love being so high up on the mountains that you can look down on the surrounding area.
Let the mountains hold your thoughts for a while.
5. Sitka National Historical Park – Sitka
History, nature, and stillness come together here in a way that’s deeply grounding. As you walk beneath towering spruce and along the beachside paths, time seems to stretch and soften.
The totem poles stand quietly among the trees, and every step feels steeped in story. It's a place to reflect—not just on your own journey, but on the lives and cultures that have walked these trails before you.
Pack a light day bag, your favorite tea, and your camera—this place rewards a slow, thoughtful pace.
Find Your Stillness in the Wild
Alaska is known for its grandeur—towering peaks, crashing glaciers, and thrilling wildlife—but its quieter places are just as powerful. These peaceful spots invite us to pause, breathe, and listen to what our hearts might be whispering beneath the noise of daily life.
Wherever your travels take you, I hope you find your version of stillness—and bring a piece of it home with you.
