Cool Plans

NORTHERN LIGHTS OF ALASKA: GAZE AN AURORA BOREAL

NORTHERN LIGHTS OF ALASKA: GAZE AN AURORA BOREAL

Alaska stands out as a prime destination globally for witnessing the northern lights, offering picturesque locations, tours offers, cruises, and distinctive hotel experiences tailored for observing this natural phenomenon. Continue reading to explore the array of choices available for observing the northern lights in Alaska, along with insights into the optimal time for a visit!

The best time to see the northern lights

As per the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the best time to catch the northern lights, or the Aurora Season, runs from August 21 to April 21. Usually, the sweet spot for viewing is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., although the aurora can pop up any time during the night.

For an extra-awesome northern lights experience, you might want to aim for the winter solstice, which happens sometime between December 20 and 23. 

This is the shortest day of the year, meaning less daylight and more opportunities to soak in the aurora vibes. In different parts of Alaska, the amount of daylight during the winter solstice varies, ranging from about six hours in Anchorage to less than four hours further up in Fairbanks. 

And if you find yourself in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), around 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there’s a whopping 67 days of darkness from November 18 to January 23, giving you even more chances to catch those northern lights.

GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK: THE WORLD’S LARGEST TREES

Here are the top resources recommended by experts for forecasting the northern lights before and during your trip:

  • Aurora Tracker: Whether you’re new to aurora chasing or a seasoned pro, Explore Fairbanks’ real-time Aurora Tracker is a valuable resource

This online tool provides up-to-the-minute information on temperature, weather conditions, and the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights in Fairbanks. 

The data is sourced from one of the world’s leading aurora research centers, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks. To enhance your search, you can also download the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app on your smartphone.

  • Aurora nightly forecast: For regions outside Fairbanks, the Aurora Forecast on the Geophysical Institute website offers daily forecasts of geomagnetic activity for up to three days in advance, with readings taken at three-hour intervals.

The webpage also provides a summary indicating whether the aurora is expected to be active or not, along with information on the best visibility spots in Alaska.

Where to see the northern lights in Alaska

Here are some of the prime destinations to consider when choosing where to witness the northern lights in Alaska:

Fairbanks:

Often referred to as the Golden Heart of Alaska, Fairbanks is situated at 65 degrees north latitude, making it an ideal spot for aurora enthusiasts, especially those new to the experience. 

Easily accessible, Fairbanks provides a range of accommodations, restaurants, and unique attractions. Beyond the city, you can quickly find excellent locations for northern lights viewing spots just minutes away from Fairbanks.

Your chances of witnessing the aurora display in Fairbanks are excellent due to its strategic location under the ring-shaped zone known as the auroral oval. Local experts suggest that on clear evenings with very dark skies, you can expect to see the northern lights light up the sky about four out of five nights in Fairbanks.

Where to stay:

  • Aurora Villa: Situated on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Aurora Villa provides luxurious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a cozy and private space for viewing the northern lights. The modern wooden cabin is nestled on 10 acres surrounded by forested hills, yet it remains close enough to the city (less than 15 miles northeast) for convenient exploration of Fairbanks.
  • Pike’s Waterfront Lodge: Located along the Chena River, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is just minutes away from Fairbanks International Airport.

The property offers 180 rooms and 28 cabins, providing accommodations for aurora-hunting adventurers. Guests can request alerts from the front desk when the northern lights make an appearance, regardless of the time of day or night. Pike’s Waterfront Lodge also offers amenities to keep guests warm while enjoying the light show outdoors.

Talkeetna:

Talkeetna, positioned about 115 miles north of Anchorage in south-central Alaska, is situated at the base of Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America. 

This historic town, with its charming old buildings and log cabins dating back to 1917, offers plenty of outdoor activities beyond aurora chasing. Main Street is bustling with galleries, shops, restaurants, and a brewery. 

If you visit in December, the monthlong Winterfest features a parade of lights, a tree lighting ceremony, the Taste of Talkeetna food festival, and entertaining events like the Bachelor Auction and the Wilderness Woman Competition.

When seeking the aurora lights, local experts recommend venturing out of town to locations such as Christiansen Lake or Beaver Road past the airport. If you prefer staying close to Talkeetna, direct your gaze north into the sky from Talkeetna Riverfront Park towards Denali

Where to stay:

  • Alkeetna Alaskan Lodge: For a breathtaking experience, book a Mountain View room at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and enjoy panoramic views of Denali and the Alaskan Range. This cozy lodge boasts multiple dining venues, including the acclaimed Foraker Restaurant, providing a delightful culinary experience.
  • Talkeetna Lakeside Cabins: If you prefer tranquility by a private lake just 12 miles from Talkeetna, consider Talkeetna Lakeside Cabins. These cabins offer peace and quiet, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.

Denali National Park:

Denali National Park is not only a captivating tourist attraction but also an incredible location for observing the northern lights in Alaska. 

The National Park Service assures minimal city light pollution throughout the park. Under favorable conditions—clear and dark skies—you can anticipate witnessing the aurora borealis, especially when gazing towards the northern horizon.

During the winter season from September or October through April, accessing certain parts of Denali National Park becomes more challenging, despite the park being open year-round. Additionally, it’s important to note that lodges closest to the park are typically closed from mid-September to mid-May.

Where to stay:

Less than 15 miles from the Denali National Park entrance, the Aurora Denali Lodge provides year-round accommodations featuring queen-sized beds, smart TVs, and private bathrooms. 

Lodge rates include a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, and hot drinks. The property promises abundant wildlife sightings, including bears, moose, lynxes, owls, and snowshoe hares, right outside your door.

Coldfoot Camp:

Situated above the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Mountain Range, Coldfoot Camp is close to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 

This remote wilderness destination is well-suited for aurora viewing, nestled directly under the auroral oval. It also offers opportunities for backcountry snowshoeing, wildlife observation, and dog mushing.

Where to stay:

The Inn at Coldfoot Camp provides rustic accommodations in trailers that once housed Alaskan pipeline workers. Rooms feature two twin beds, a private bathroom, and shower. 

Guests can dine at the on-site Trucker’s Cafe, offering breakfast and dinner buffets during the summer and all-day a la carte dining in the winter. The Frozen Foot Saloon on-site serves Alaska-brewed beer. 

For camping enthusiasts with their own gear, camping is free on the property during the summer. Coldfoot Camp organizes a variety of year-round Arctic adventures, including trips to the nearby village of Wiseman for aurora viewing.

Wiseman

This remote wilderness retreat has just 13 full-time residents. Wiseman, positioned in Alaska’s Brooks Range, is approximately 15 miles north of Coldfoot Camp, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and 270 miles away from Fairbanks. Situated directly beneath the auroral oval, it stands out as one of Alaska’s premier locations for observing the northern lights. The celestial spectacle graces the skies over Wiseman around 250 nights a year, particularly from late August to mid-April.

Where to stay:

  • Arctic Hive: Distinguished as the northernmost yoga studio in the U.S., Arctic Hive offers a communal fiberglass lodge for gatherings, cooking, and meals. The geodesic dome hosts meditation, educational events, and other activities. Arctic Hive also organizes retreats that feature opportunities to view the northern lights in February and March.
  • Arctic Getaway: Nestled between the middle fork of the Koyukuk River and Wiseman Creek, Arctic Getaway is a bed-and-breakfast with three cabins. Guests can experience life above the Arctic Circle, partaking in outdoor activities such as dog sled rides across the expansive wilderness, cross-country skiing, pack rafting, and scenic flights by bush plane.
  • Boreal Lodging: Accessible by vehicle, Boreal Lodging provides various rental options, including lodge rooms and larger cabins with living areas and kitchens.

RECENT POSTS

HOW TO GET OVER A BREAKUP: SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU

To learn how to overcome a romantic breakup, you must keep in mind that although it is a difficult task to achieve, the truth is that you can always move forward. Human resilience will help you overcome any adversity. The breakup of a couple is a painful experience, an overwhelming situation that affects you physically, […]

BAD COUPLE TATTOOS: HORRIBLE BUT FUNNY!

Obtaining a tattoo on the body is a desire that nearly everyone wishes to accomplish in their lifetime. Making mistakes is a natural part of life, yet certain individuals have unfortunately selected ill-advised tattoos that come with lasting consequences. These couples have selected mismatched tattoos that won’t simply fade away within a week. Take a […]

ORBITING DATING, WHAT IS IT?

Just when you thought you were getting the hang of what ghosting was, or even the whole stalking thing, along comes another new term: orbiting. It seems like navigating relationships has become even trickier since social media stepped into the scene. New terms and behaviors keep popping up, ones we never had to deal with […]

GREENWASHING: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

Every day, people are becoming increasingly aware of their role in society and the need to protect and care for the environment. It’s a conscious and radical shift that allows no delays or hesitations. This has led some companies, whose economic activities affect the environment and health, to significantly reduce their consumption levels and therefore […]

WHY IS MY PHONE GETTING HOT? HOW TO AVOID IT

All phones can experience occasional heat buildup, which becomes problematic when it reaches a level that causes discomfort or triggers unusual behavior. Fortunately, there are simple measures you can take to prevent your phone from overheating. Why does my phone heat up? Typically, phone overheating occurs due to factors such as excessive usage, a stressed […]

TAKE YOUR ADRENALINE TO THE MAXIMUM WITH POWERBOCKING

Powerbocking, also referred to as “power-rizing,” “blade running,” and “jump stilting,” is a sport where athletes utilize specialized leg attachments called jumping stilts. These jumping stilts are curved in form and equipped with springs, enabling users to achieve remarkable heights when jumping.  They are known to enhance an athlete’s performance across various activities, with claims […]

UNDERWATER MUSEUM: ART UNDERWATER IN CANCUN

If you love exploring the underwater world, this museum is for you. The Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte – MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico, is the perfect destination for all enthusiasts of the underwater world.  This incredible underwater museum features a wide variety of artistic installations and sculptures designed for you to enjoy […]

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: A PLACE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Mount Rainier became a national park because people with different views worked together. They wanted to save its beautiful scenery from being lost forever. Over six years, several businessmen, scientists, educators, mountaineers, and environmentalists united to advocate before Congress to protect Mount Rainier as a national park.  Their hard work paid off when President McKinley […]

ROCKVILLE FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP, ARTISTS, AND MORE

In the vibrant realm of music, Welcome to Rockville has arisen as a beacon for rock and metal enthusiasts. This festival, which had its humble beginnings in Jacksonville, has evolved dramatically, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. In this editorial journey, we will delve into the history of Welcome to Rockville, from its […]

DEADPOOL 3: THE FAVORITE ANTI-HERO RETURNS

The buzz surrounding the film is undeniable, and with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman returning as one of the most beloved X-Men, Wolverine, many rumors suggest that Deadpool 3 has every chance of becoming the biggest event in the Spider-Man Multiverse. Especially since it will be the only confirmed Marvel Studios film for 2024! What […]

WHAT IS BLACKWORK TATTOO?

Blackwork tattooing is a style that relies exclusively on black ink, favored by many tattoo artists who prioritize its use over other colors. Currently, there’s a significant demand for this style, reflecting its popularity among both artists and clients! Executing blackwork tattoos poses a challenge due to its versatility, encompassing various techniques and design approaches. […]

OSCARS 2024: THE WINNERS OF THE 96TH EDITION

The Oscars might not be breaking any viewership records in recent years. The numbers are dropping, and the competition is getting tougher. Audiences are tuning into streaming platforms or exploring other forms of entertainment like video games, the new big thing in the leisure industry.  The Oscars persist and will continue to be a spectacle […]

CANNABIS CAKE: SPACE CAKE RECIPE

Space cakes truly live up to their name. It’s like having your favorite cake but with a magical touch of herb! Almost every coffee shop in Amsterdam has some type of space cake on their menu, and more people are daring to try them to experience a discreet and delicious edible high. The good news […]

Newsletters

Last Minute new From Roll & Feel Sign-up

Stay in touch with our latest
news
Share

Recent Posts

HOW TO GET OVER A BREAKUP: SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU

To learn how to overcome a romantic breakup, you must keep in mind that although…

SPANNABIS BARCELONA 2024: THE MOST SPECIAL NEWS!

Being in Barcelona for the International Cannabis Awards and Spannabis Fair Week is like visiting…

GREENWASHING: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

Every day, people are becoming increasingly aware of their role in society and the need…

WHY IS MY PHONE GETTING HOT? HOW TO AVOID IT

All phones can experience occasional heat buildup, which becomes problematic when it reaches a level…

TAKE YOUR ADRENALINE TO THE MAXIMUM WITH POWERBOCKING

Powerbocking, also referred to as "power-rizing," "blade running," and "jump stilting," is a sport where…

UNDERWATER MUSEUM: ART UNDERWATER IN CANCUN

If you love exploring the underwater world, this museum is for you. The Underwater Museum…