Alaska’s starry nights are the perfect backdrop to see the northern lights, especially during fall, winter and spring. Also known as Aurora borealis, the shimmering opus casts vibrant blue, yellow, green, red hues across the darkened sky. The lights can be seen as early as 8 p.m. during the winter months, but the best hours to see them are near midnight. Here are eight fantastic cabin destinations in Alaska considered prime spots to view the stunning display.
Watch The Northern Lights In These 8 Beautiful Cabins
This 30-year-old cabin is a cozy spot to camp out to see the northern lights. Guests will feel as if they’re tucked away in the middle of the woods, but the cabin is just a few minutes’ walk from all the amenities Chena Hot Springs Resort has to offer. With such close access to the resort’s Activity Center, restaurant and pool house, there plenty ways to pass the day while waiting for the northern lights. “Aurora Season” runs from August 21 to April 21 each year, considered the best time to see the lights in the resort area.
Perfect for a family trip or group gathering, this larger-sized cabin can fit up to 24 people. With two adjoining units each with its own private kitchen, dining room, laundry and entrance, there’s plenty of room to go around. The property is located right off Canoe Lake, a great site for fishing, ice skating or water rafting. Visitors can also go hiking, mountain biking or wildlife viewing in the area. The best part is, after a day full of recreation, guests can snuggle up by the cabin windows or on the deck to see the incredible northern lights across the great expanse of Alaskan sky.
This cabin at the edge of the woods is the home of champions. Located on the property of historic Trail Breaker Kennel, the land is the home of a four-time Iditarod Trail sled dog race winner and her huskies. The cabin was practically designed with viewing the northern lights in mind, with large windows facing north. Visitors will be able to see Aurora borealis from the comforts of the indoors. In addition to the cabin’s optimal features, its location just 100 feet from a lake, and just off a woodland trail, adds to the rental’s appeal.
Imagine soaking in an outdoor hot tub while looking up at the northern lights. It’s a dream-come-true experience of guests at this lakeside cabin. The cabin-lodge sits by Big Beaver Lake, and is as popular for its plush furnishings as it is for the myriad of activities available around the property. Often booked for retreats, reunions and getaways, this destination offers a combination of serenity, recreation, wildlife and beauty near-impossible to pass up.
This slightly smaller cabin is perfect for a family of four, or as a getaway for two. It’s in a great location to view the northern lights, which are visible from the hot tub and deck on site. The property’s location in Sterling is also convenient for accessing all parts of the Kenai Peninsula, where visitors can go hunting, fishing, snow mobiling or cross country skiing.
For those who don’t want to rent out an entire cabin, renting a room in this impressive cabin-like log home is an option. Technically, the structure is considered a cabin, being made of wood and located in the Alaskan wilderness. But, the property is advertised as a bed and breakfast, which is great for those staying up late to see the northern lights. There’s no need to worry about chopping up wood to feed the bonfire before the light show, or preparing breakfast the following morning—staying at Alaska Knotty Pine B&B allows guests to focus on the lights and the experience, without the hassles.
Located in one of the best areas in Alaska to see the northern lights, this cabin is for those who prefer to be closer to civilization. The charming log home is located in a quiet neighborhood in Fairbanks, close to everything the town has to offer. The property has a deck and backyard to see the northern lights from the outdoors, so you won’t be missing out on the view just for being close to town.
This quintessential cabin in the woods is located in Goldstream Valley, famous for dog mushing, ski trails and aurora viewing. The property is far enough away from the nearest town of Fairbanks for a true Alaskan wilderness experience, but close enough for additional options for recreation. The cabin offers great views of the nearby pond and Aurora borealis even from the bedroom; visitors can fall asleep to the view of the soaring northern lights.
This article was written by Hanna Choi.