Believe it or not, Alaska is a vacation hot spot that sees over two million tourists annually! It’s an excellent destination for those who love hiking, ice fishing, and other outdoor activities. However, it’s also home to some fantastic ziplines!
Because Alaska sits in the very Northwestern part of North America, it’s often forgotten about unless you’re planning an Alaskan cruise. But it’s a state worth visiting, and if you venture there, you must try one of these fantastic ziplines!
Here are some of the best ziplines that Alaska has to offer. You don’t want to miss out on these!
1. Stoney Creek Canopy Adventure Tour
- Rating: 5 / 5
- Location: 1304 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USA
- Age Restrictions: 7+
- Weight Limit: 270 lbs maximum
- Number of Ziplines: 8
Get ready to tackle eight ziplines, three suspension bridges, and two rappels tucked inside glacial valleys when adventuring on the Stoney Creek Canopy Adventure Tour!
On suspension bridges in old-growth forests, you will connect to your wild side and enjoy the thrill of aerial platforms and their gorgeous panoramic views that Alaska has to offer.
For a more intimate experience, this small-group trip has a maximum capacity of eight individuals. Get a fresh perspective on the Kenai Mountains and Alaska’s natural beauty. Training, guidance, safety equipment, and transportation are included for your convenience.
You will meet your guides at the Adventure Center in the marina. Follow the signs for the small boat launch. The course is just 6 miles outside Seward, and participants will take the shuttle there. When the trip ends, you can buy souvenirs and pictures. The transport will then return to the Seward Adventure Center.
Additional Tour Information
- Not recommended for anyone who has health issues.
- Not for pregnant people.
- Should be of a moderate fitness level.
- This activity will have a maximum of 8 people per tour.
How To Get to Seward Alaska
Seward has a small airport, although most tourists arrive via a motorcoach, the railroad, or a rental car. Some also take a cruise from Vancouver. The Park Link provides the only same-day linkage to Talkeetna and Denali National Park and two daily departures between Anchorage and Seward.
How To Get Around Seward, Alaska
Seward is a small city that’s easy to navigate. Most attractions and activities are located less than one mile from the boat harbor, so traveling by foot or bicycle is doable, particularly along the waterfront trail. Shuttle services are widely available from hotels, lodges, and travel agencies for those who aren’t fond of getting around on foot.
A water or air taxi can take you to several more isolated locations, even though Seward has ample road connectivity to trails and surrounding excursions. Whether you want to plan a weekend of hiking or a day of sightseeing, hiring a private air or water taxi is a terrific way to customize your trip.
Best Places to Stay in Seward, Alaska
Seward isn’t a city you can simply pass through in Alaska, so if you’re coming here, you should plan to stay for a few days! Check out these lodging and hotel ideas below.
Spruce Lodge
The Spruce Lodge is a classy, ‘spruced’ up place; no pun intended! Each room has its own kitchen complete with a dishwasher, stove, oven, and fridge. Furthermore, it’s not very far from Kenai Airport; It’s easy to get to, and near your ziplining adventure.
Harbor 360 Hotel
Why not step it up a notch and stay on the waterfront at this gorgeous hotel that offers unobstructed views of the mountains. Moreover, it’s close to some of the best shopping centers and eateries the area has to offer. The hotel also offers free breakfast, so you can fill up before heading out on your adventure.
The Vue B&B
To get a true taste of Alaskan hospitality, check out the Vue B&B which offers their guests a comfy sofa, fridge, and free Wi-Fi in every room. It’s also nearby some amazing eating establishments as well as your zipline tour.
2. ZipRider Icy Strait Point (Worlds Largest)
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- Rating: 5 / 5
- Location: Hoonah
- Age Restrictions: 7+
- Weight Limit: 75 to 275 lbs
- Number of Ziplines: 1 zipline per person
Book this tour here or check on your cruise!
With six side-by-side 5,495-foot zip lines that descend 1320 feet, Icy Strait Point has the largest ZipRider in the world. you can be ziplining 300 feet over the rainforest, your speed can reach as high as 60 mph or more during your zipline down.
The ZipRider is the perfect experience if you want something unique. This is also an excellent family or group activity because up to six guests can drop by simultaneously! This ZipRider sees over a hundred zipliners each day!
When you board the bus for the picturesque ride to the summit of 1550-foot Hoonah Mountain, your experience officially begins. Be on the lookout for wildlife! Occasionally, bears, eagles, and deer are spotted.
Numerous overlooks provide breathtaking views of Hoonah, Port Frederick, and Icy Strait. The soaring peaks of Glacier Bay National Park can be seen in the distance on clear days.
The launching point is a short walk from the summit through a soaring old-growth rainforest. After receiving a safety briefing and arriving at the tower, you will be divided into six groups. You will get ready for takeoff after being buckled into a specific harness and seated.
Additional Tour Information
- Please bring warm clothing and rain gear.
- Close-toed shoes only.
- Everyone may not be able to descend together.
- Must be able to climb stairs easily.
- Anyone pregnant with neck, back, or heart issues should not take this tour.
- ZipRider photos will be available for purchase at the end of your ride.
How To Get to Hoonah, Alaska
Hoonah can only be reached by boat or air because it is an island settlement. The LeConte, which travels along the Alaska Marine Highway, provides inhabitants of Hoonah with a slower, more dependable, and affordable means of getting to and from Juneau.
With stops in places like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Anchorage, Glacier Bay, Sitka, and Hoonah, Alaska is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the United States.
The Hoonah Airport had a 3,000-foot (910 m) runway thanks to expansion in 2011. The airport expansion makes it easier for planes to land. Alaska Seaplanes, an airline that operates daily flights between Hoonah and Juneau and other nearby villages, provides service at the airport.
For regional and interstate travel, connections can be made at Juneau with Alaska Airlines or Delta Air Lines and on bush, airlines departing from Juneau for far-off villages or communities.
How to Get Around Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Hoonah Alaska is an island, and it’s very small. There are no options for rental cars, and most people walk, as the island is only six square miles. You can also bring your bike if you wish!
Best Places to Stay in Hoonah, Alaska
Hoonah is a little bit more isolated than other areas on this list, but it’s worth visiting for the zipline and other fun activities in the area. Because it’s isolated, you’ll most likely want to book a room there for your convenience.
Icy Strait Lodge
The Icy Strait Lodge offers some of the most beautiful views in the area, and it has its own onsite restaurant and bar. The hotel only has 14 rooms, so it’s great for those who are looking to enjoy the experience without feeling crowded. They also have free breakfast and Wi-Fi!
Wind’ n Sea Inn
This unique accommodation offers two apartments for rent short term, both complete with three bedrooms each, a full kitchen, living and dining room! You’ll also have access to the laundry facilities, making it an ideal place to set up shop when you’re away from home.
3. Denali Park Zipline Adventure
- Rating: 4.9/ 5
- Location: Denali Park
- Age Restrictions: 8+
- Weight Limit: 255lbs maximum
- Number of Ziplines: 7
This is the only zipline route in the vicinity of Denali National Park. In a 3-hour ziplining adventure just outside the borders. Your guides will then lead you along a path with six suspension bridges you must climb and 7 ziplines as you soar above the forests.
Fly over the tundra and into the boreal forest on this unforgettable tour that offers lots of adrenaline, natural beauty, and a fun three-hour challenge course! You can select your time slot as they have several daily departures.
Want to know the best part? Most hotels in the Denali region offer free pickup and drop-off. Your shuttle will pick you up from your Denali lodging and drive you to the meeting spot close to Denali National Park.
This 3-mile transfer across the Alaskan bush in a reliable off-road vehicle is the start of your journey. When you get to the zipline course, your guide will supply you with all the necessary equipment, such as a helmet, gloves, and a harness.
After your adventure the shuttle that brought you up the hill will now bring you straight back to your hotel, so there’s no need to worry about how you’re getting back. And if the shuttle doesn’t come to your hotel, you can meet them and have them drop you off at the nearest pickup spot.
Additional Information
- No one with health conditions should attend this tour, including anyone who may be pregnant.
- Operates in both rain and sunshine.
- Be ready to provide your weight when you are booking this tour.
- Should have a moderate fitness level.
- This tour will have a maximum of 10 travelers.
How To Get To Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve can be reached mainly by automobile, train, or bus. Fairbanks, 120 miles to the north of the park, and Anchorage, 240 miles to the south, are the two closest large cities. Mile 237 on the George Parks Highway marks the location of Denali National Park’s entrance.
How To Get Around Denali National Park, Alaska
Most lodgings offer transportation options if you choose the train or bus, though this is less convenient the further you are from the park’s entrance. While booking your stay, find out the details of the courtesy transportation. Cabs are also an alternative, but they are more expensive.
Except in rare circumstances, you must take the shuttle bus to enter the park’s central area if you arrive by car. The road is open to everyone up to mile 30 when permit driving ends until the snow starts to fall; at that point, it is solely maintained up to that point.
Best Places to Stay in Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is an area you will want to spend more than a day checking out. Therefore, I’ve included a few of the best places to stay in the area.
Denali Overlook Inn
There’s nothing like experiencing the essence of Alaska by staying in a hand-crafted lodge that has five bedrooms and breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. However, it’s a little bit more isolated as it’s five miles from downtown, but worth the extra distance.
Byers Creek Lodge and Cabins in Denali State Park
For those who are looking to get into a few of the backcountry sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, in addition to their zipline tour, this is a great place to stay! It’s near many different places you can hike and offers a place to come back to rest your head after a busy day.
Denali King Suite w/Amazing Views!
When staying at this vacation home, you’ll have access to a fully functional kitchen, and laundry amenities. There’s also free Wi-Fi, and a barbecue you can use as you wish. Additionally, this location is near the golf course and has some great hiking trails.
4. Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau by Kawanti Adventures
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- Rating: 4.7 / 5
- Location: Juneau
- Age Restrictions: 8+
- Weight Limit: 70 to 250 lbs
- Number of Ziplines: 5
On this zipline tour from Juneau to Douglas Island, soar through the rainforest canopy as you reach Eaglecrest Lodge and ascend through the Tongass National Forest.
Before ascending to the treetops, enjoy a safety lecture and optional practice zips. After all, there are over five zipline routes that allow you to fly through the treetops. You will be able to pause at some of the treetop platforms to admire the scenery and take pictures.
From here you will see magnificent views of the luxuriant forest canopy and the surroundings of old-growth trees that are more than 400 years old! Most of this area is untouched so you can see natural beauty at its finest moment.
After you take a moment to admire the view, cross the 150-foot suspension bridge. Cross a fast flowing creek on a suspension bridge, then try your hand at axe throwing to cap off the trip.
Lastly, after returning to the lodge, eat a light meal while watching a presentation of the photos your guide had shot of you throughout your expedition. You may also buy a photo as a souvenir of your trip.
Additional Tour Information
- People with severe medical conditions or pregnancy should not join this tour.
- Weight limits are strict.
- This tour will have a maximum of 24 travelers.
How to Get to Juneau, Alaska
Most summer visitors arrive in Juneau by cruise ship, one of Alaska’s most visited ports. Alaska Airlines does, however, offer daily service to Juneau many times, and the state’s Alaska Marine Highway ferry service operates year-round in both the summer and the winter.
How to Get Around Juneau, Alaska
You can travel whenever and wherever you want using a rental car. You don’t need to wait until transportation arrives or depend on anyone else’s timetable. Yet, it’s also the only mode of transportation that requires a GPS device to travel around Juneau.
You also won’t be able to rent a car and drive around Alaska. The nearest cities are quite a distance apart, and the only ways to get to Juneau are by ferry or plane. You’ll need to fly to reach other locations, such as Sitka or Anchorage.
In Juneau, Uber and Lyft are both available. To make sure you’re prepared for your adventures, you can arrange your transport in advance or use a mobile application to request a ride.
You can request a ride with Uber up to 30 days in advance. Lyft offers ways to get a fee estimate as you consider your rideshare options so you can plan your spending for your Juneau experiences.
Best Places to Stay in Juneau, Alaska
Juneau Alaska is a great place to visit and offers many things to do in the area including the zipline tour! Here are a few places you should look into staying, if you want to stay for more than a day.
Best Western Grandma’s Feather Bed
Looking for a home away from home while on a budget? Check out this Best Western. They focus on their guests’ comfort, and provide all the basic amenities such as free internet, a business center, and a comfy bed you can sleep in. Plus, it’s nice and clean!
Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites
If you’re looking to get into an intimate, lowkey setting, check out the Silverbow Inn. With only 16 rooms total, you can enjoy the isolation factor, as well as the rooftop decks, hot tubs, free coffee, snacks, and Wi-Fi!
You might not even want to leave for your zipline trip, however, I suggest you at least follow through on that, or you’ll regret it!
Juneau Hotel
The Juneau Hotel is a favorite among travelers and locals too! It’s a great place to get away to ass it’s near the most popular attractions in Juneau, however, it’s still hidden away from the chaos of the city. Furthermore, each guest gets a kitchenette with a fridge and free Wi-Fi!
5. Grizzly Falls Zipline – Skagway Alaska
- Rating: 4.7 / 5
- Location: Skagway
- Age Restrictions: 6+
- Weight Limit: 50 to 265 lbs
- Number of Ziplines: 10
Come on an exhilarating tour of Alaska! Everything starts when you meet your guide at the cruise ship pier. After that, take a fun and educational tour of Skagway’s downtown before driving over nine miles of breathtaking shoreline.
You will climb into their specially designed Unimog, an all-wheel drive vehicle required for ascending the treacherous mountain road once you reach the base in Dyea. Look out at the spectacular forests and incredible waterfalls as you slog your way up the mountain.
Here is where you can traverse a vast route of 10 ziplines and four suspension bridges across an abundance of gorgeous landscape.
A highly experienced guide will brief you on what to anticipate and how to carefully navigate the route as you suit up to equipment that complies with the strictest safety standards at the summit of the mountain.
After that, you’ll be directed to the takeoff area, where you can clip in and get ready to ride the lines! You’ll ride along the fantastic zipline course, with the longest length of 750 feet. But this isn’t just any zip line; you will be gliding over glacially-fed waterfalls so close the mist will be hitting your face as your soar through the air.
Once you’ve finished the course, congratulate yourself, bid your guides farewell, and take one more journey in the Unimog to the bus waiting at the mountain’s base.
Additional Tour Information
- Takes about 4 hours.
- Must be at a moderate fitness level.
- Anyone with significant medical conditions including pregnancy should not take this tour.
- Ride along options is available for those who don’t want to participate.
How Do You Get To Skagway Alaska?
Each summer, Skagway receives up to a million visitors, most of whom arrive by cruise ship as it is a well-liked point of call for Inside Passage cruises.
The Alaska Marine Highway is a different route to Skagway (AMHS). These car-carrying ferries make stops all along Southeast Alaska and in Bellingham, Washington, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
In addition to taking the ferry from Juneau to Skagway, Alaska Seaplanes also offers a 45-minute commuter trip.
How To Get Around Skagway, Alaska
Skagway’s downtown area is relatively compact and accessible by foot. However, there are shuttle services, but no Uber or taxi service.
The SMART Bus runs back and forth from the cruise ship ports to the end of uptown for passengers. If you miss it, the bus will return in about 15 minutes. The price is $2 for one-way travel or $5 for the whole day.
The Skagway Shuttle Service costs independent passengers $5 per person for transportation within the city limits, $10 per person for trips past the bridge to Liarsville, and $15 per person for trips to Dyea. The shuttle is available by appointment (907-612-0902) or from 8 am to 1:30 am. Or if you want to rent a car, you can do so from Avis.
Also, please remember that the shuttle service costs are subject to change, so check their current fares when you book your trip.
Best Places to Stay in Skagway, Alaska
If you’re looking to stay in the area a little longer, check out some of the best places to stay! You can’t go wrong with these choices.
At The White House
Need a simple place to rest your head? Check out the White House. It’s a cozy inn that offers free internet, coffee service, and mini fridges with TVs for every room. They are sure to meet your most basic needs, but in style.
Haines Bear Lodge
This location is not directly in Skagway, but it is located in nearby Haines and is worth the stay. The lodge is on the river. It is furnished with two queen beds, a fridge, a microwave, and a coffeepot.
The best of all that it has to offer are the views of the local wildlife. You can watch out your front door and see bears, eagles, sea lions, and more! Plus, you only have to take a few steps out the front door to fish for some salmon.
The Swaying Spruce
The Swaying Spruce offers three guest cabins to stay in! Each has its own bathroom, kitchen, and is complete with comfy beds. Not to mention, there are firepits on site so you can cook some smores after a long, exciting day.
Ziplining in Alaska FAQs
What’s The Longest Zipline in Alaska?
The ZipRider is the longest zipline in Alaska, measuring a whopping 5,495 feet! It’s not only the longest, but fastest, as you can expect to hit speeds of 65 miles per hour.
What is the Age Requirement to Go Ziplining in Alaska?
The age requirement is different depending on the tour that you book. Most zipline tours go by weight but other will consider age too.
In Alaska the minimum age to zipline is 6, while most locations it is 7 or 8 years old. It’s best to call the company you want to book with beforehand.
As far as elderly people go, if you are cleared of heart, back or neck conditions, it should be okay for you to attend. However, unlikely, but the operator may ask to see a certificate of health from your doctor. It’s best to get this before you traveling to Alaska, so nothing gets in the way of your adventure.
What is the Weight Limit to Go Ziplining in Alaska?
The weight limit will also vary from company to company. The lowest I’ve seen accepted in Alaska is 70 lbs, and the heaviest is around 280 lbs. Again, when in doubt, it’s best to call the tour company you are booking with to ensure you have the correct information.
They will weigh you at the location before you sign up to go.
What is the Highest Zipline in Alaska?
The worlds largest ZipRider is not only the longest and fastest, but also the tallest zipline in Alaska. You will soar over the forest canopy at about 300 feet high.
If you’re scared of heights, there’s no need to worry! You can look straight forward and see the beauty of Alaska. It’ll take your mind off the height.
Final Thoughts
Alaska is a great destination for tourists all around the world, as there is no other area quite like it. Plus, it has many fun zipline courses dotted throughout and is home to the world’s largest zipline.
Before traveling here, though, you do need to know that you can’t just drive to and through Alaska; that’s not how the state works. Therefore, when you are planning your trip and booking your ziplining adventures, make sure you also figure out exactly how you will get your activities and back to your hotel. This way, there’s no stress!
Also, because Alaska is mostly remote and some of the towns or islands don’t have much by way of accommodations, you will want to book your hotel or room a couple months in advance to ensure you have a place to stay!
Finally, bring extra clothing! You never know what the weather is going to do. Always be prepared for some heavy downpours, but also for some warm sunshine.
Check out more of our best zipline locations below:
- 13 Best Ziplines in New England
- 7 Best Ziplines in Florida
- 10 Best Ziplines in California
- 10 Longest Ziplines in The United States
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
