N※N

Remote US Parks: A Traveler's Challenge

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/25/remote-us-parks-a-traveler-s-challenge.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, January 25th 2026 at 9:11 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locales: Alaska, Michigan, Louisiana, Washington, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, UNITED STATES

A World Apart: Parks Requiring Aerial or Aquatic Access

Several U.S. National Parks present a logistical challenge for visitors - there simply isn't a road leading to their heart. This isolation is often what preserves their pristine wilderness character, attracting those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Here's a closer look at those parks and how to access them:

• Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska: This stunning glacial landscape in Southeast Alaska is best experienced via cruise ship or ferry from nearby towns like Juneau and Gustavus. Air taxi services are also available from Gustavus for a more direct, albeit pricier, approach.
• Haleakala National Park, Hawaii: While the summit district boasts vehicle access, the true allure of Haleakala lies in experiencing its vast volcanic landscapes from above. Flights offer unparalleled views and access to remote areas.
• Isle Royale National Park, Michigan: Located in the vast expanse of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is accessible only by ferry or seaplane. Ferry services are seasonal, a factor to consider when planning a visit. The isolation contributes significantly to the park's unique ecosystem and wildlife.
• Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska: Home to the famed Brooks Falls bear viewing platform, Katmai is almost exclusively accessed by plane from King Salmon, Alaska. Small air services provide transport to lodges and remote wilderness areas.
• Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska: While the main visitor center is car-accessible, the dramatic fjords themselves demand a boat tour departing from Seward. These tours offer the best opportunity to witness glaciers calving and wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Alaska: Entirely accessible by air, Lake Clark offers a true wilderness experience. Flights originate primarily from Anchorage and surrounding communities.
• Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska: This remote park in northwestern Alaska presents the ultimate challenge: no roads, no trails, just vast wilderness. Access is solely by air taxi from Kotzebue.
• North Cascades National Park, Washington: While some sections are accessible by vehicle, the park's rugged, mountainous interior requires a boat or plane for exploration.
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska: As the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias is largely accessible only by plane, with limited road access to certain areas. Even those areas require a high-clearance vehicle and significant navigational skill.

Planning Your Inaccessible Adventure

Venturing to these parks requires more than just a spirit of adventure; it necessitates careful planning. Several key considerations include:

• Budget: Flights and boat tours can be expensive, significantly increasing the overall cost of your trip.
• Seasonality: Ferry services and air taxi schedules are often dictated by weather conditions and seasonal demand.
• Reservations: Book flights and tours well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Gear: Pack for a wilderness experience. This includes appropriate clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and navigation tools (maps, compass, GPS).
• Leave No Trace: These pristine environments are incredibly fragile. Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact.

The Reward of Remote Exploration

While reaching these national parks requires extra effort and investment, the rewards are immeasurable. You'll be surrounded by unspoiled wilderness, far removed from the distractions of modern life, and experience a profound connection with nature. These destinations represent a chance to witness landscapes largely untouched by human development, solidifying the value of preservation and the allure of the great American outdoors.