7 Best Things to Do in Hope, Alaska (By a Local)

Hope is a small town located opposite of Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm. With beautiful fall colors in the Autumn, fun activities for the whole family, and incredible views, there's plenty to do in Hope. My personal recommendation is to rent a campervan from Vanderlust Vans and use one of the pull-offs or camping spots in this area while you explore! There's also a couple places to eat nearby and Hope is also where many of the summer festivals are held!

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates.
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To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi.

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

Getting to Hope and Where to Stay

Not only does Hope have some of the prettiest views in the fall, but the drive there along Turnagain Arm is also stunning. I recommend keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife along the drive - chances are you could spot bears, moose, eagles, and even belugas during the fall and spring seasons! Hope definitely isn't the busiest town in Alaska, but in my opinion is one of the most underrated stops.

If you're looking for a place to stay, your best bet in and near Hope are Porcupine Campground (tents & vehicles), Seaview RV Park (RVs), and the Bear Creek Lodge.

My Favorite Tour in Hope :
- Half Day 3 Canyon Whitewater Rafting

Best Things to Do in Hope Alaska

Rafting 6 Mile Creek
Considered one of the most technical rivers to raft in North America, rafting Sixmile Creek is an adrenaline adventure through and through. You can read my entire review here, but as you make your way through a series of 3 canyons I guarantee that this will be one adventure you'll never forget.

​Gold Mining at Gold Rush Peck
Right next to the Hope & Sunrise Museum you'll find an old rundown stand where you can try gold mining! Unfortunately the last few times I've visited they've been closed, but if you do catch them when they're open in the Summer, it used to be about $20 per person.

Hiking & Enjoy the Views
Because Hope sits along the coast of Turnagain Arm, the views from this entire area are absolutely stunning. In the right seasons, you can even often see Belugas in the water! There are all kinds of hikes in the area, but hiking a part of the Resurrection Pass Trail is one of the most popular. If you're looking for an easier hike then I recommend trying out the Palmer Creek Lakes or the Canyon Creek Trail, and if you're looking for something more challenging I recommend hiking to Hope Point or Gull Rock.

​Hope & Sunrise Museum
This free museum is a great spot to go if you want to learn more about the Turnagain Arm Gold Rush that caused Hope and the surrounding areas to boom. You can see old artifacts that have been donated and even some of the original buildings that are still standing today.

Grab a Bite to Eat
Although I've heard Dirty Skillet & Seaview Cafe (now under new management) are both great, I haven't had the chance to stop there myself yet. I recommend stopping by the Creekbend Cafe for their amazing Fig & Goat Cheese burger and the Coldwater Market for their amazing handmade popsicles!

​Shopping & Coffee
Now there aren't many shops or cafes in Hope, but there are 2 gift shops & a coffee shop near the local library. If you're looking for a unique souvenir to take home that's handmade by locals, these will definitely be the best places to look.

Chase the Fall Colors
Personally, I think the fall colors around Hope are some of the best in Alaska. No matter where you go, if you visit during peak leaf changing season you'll see yellows completely surrounding you. My favorite spot to go to enjoy the colors is through the Porcupine Campground.

Watch my Adventures in Hope here!

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit
-> Where to Rent Bear Spray in Alaska
-> 7 Best Tours in Alaska

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