Grab a cold one in the Last Frontier at Onsite Brewing Company in Anchorage. This climber-owned, and best dog-friendly brewery in the state is one of the smallest, but it still packs a punch with flavorsome beers like The Magic Ooze, a much-loved hazy pale ale. Visitors can chill with Chai, the brewery manager and complaints department, who also happens to be a brown dog. Don’t forget to browse the selection of cool collars which double as bottle openers. If you’re feeling peckish after a pint, send somebody out to nearby New Sagaya to bring back a bite.

After last call, lounge with your Labrador on the big back deck of this pet-friendly guest suite.

Discover The Last Frontier with Fido at Chugach State Park, one of the largest state parks in the U.S., and the most dog-friendly state park in Alaska. Covering 490,000 acres of Alaskan coastline, glaciers, ice fields, lakes, and spruce forests, there’s no lack of activities for you and your best friend to enjoy. Leashed dogs are welcome on over 280 miles of trails throughout the park. They can be let off leash in the backcountry provided they obey voice commands. Athletic pooches can even follow in the pawprints of heroes on the Historic Iditarod (Crow Pass) Trail that follows the Iditarod supply route.

Guests with dogs can go backcountry camping in the state park or reserve a spot at Centennial Campground near downtown Anchorage. Or, take your hiking boots off and slide on your slippers at the Ski Inn in downtown Girdwood. The Chugach, Parkview, and Ski View rooms on the first floor are all pet friendly.

Situated near the airport in Anchorage, Fido will love touching down at Connor’s Bog Dog Park. From skijoring in winter to swimming in summer, Alaska’s top dog-friendly attraction provides fun for all four seasons. This expansive park is made up of over 300 acres of wetlands, woodland, open meadows, and miles of winding trails through Alaskan backcountry that can be explored off leash. Connor’s Lake Dog Park Trail is an easy flat hike within the park that loops around the lake.

Brush off your pup’s mucky paws and relax in your spacious room at Hyatt Place Anchorage Midtown. The hotel is located within walking distance of a variety of pet-friendly restaurants downtown.

Known as the historic starting point of the original Iditarod Trail, Seward is a dog’s “pawradise.” Take your pup camping at Seward KOA Journey, the most dog-friendly campground in Alaska, and let him run off leash in the Kamp K9 dog park. Go for a hike along the 13.8-mile Lost Lake Trail, or simply enjoy an evening of stargazing around the campfire. Soak in the majestic glacial and mountain views from your campsite, or explore the nearby Caines Head State Recreation Area for more beautiful vistas. The front desk can assist you with dog-sitting services while you check out one of the local dog sled tours and meet the team. Two dogs are permitted at the KOA for no additional fee.

Russian Jack Springs Park in Anchorage is a hidden treasure for Terriers who love nothing more than woodland walks. Dogs are welcome anywhere in the 300-acre park and can run off leash in designated portions at Alaska’s best dog park. Start by exploring the winding pathways that twist and turn through the trees. Don’t forget to bring your pup’s tennis ball launcher along and let them fly on the open field that the pathways lead to.

Book the nearby dog-friendly Guesthouse Anchorage Inn and be within walking distance of many pet-friendly eateries downtown.

Portage Pass Trail in Chugach National Forest is one of the highlights of the larger Iditarod National Historic Trail, which encompasses 1,000 miles of main trails and 1,400 side trails. Winter breeds can experience walking in the pawprints of their ancestors on Portage Pass Trail, named after the most famous dog sled race. On Alaska’s best trail to hike with your dog, Fido will start his journey among shrubs that lead to a patch of trees, then up 750 feet of elevation to an open tundra and the only views of Portage Glacier available to hikers. Bring a picnic along to eat next to Divide Lake. This moderate hike is around four miles out and back.

With ample outdoor activities on its doorstep, this dog-friendly cabin in Girdwood makes a great place to rest between adventures.

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks is an Alaskan-owned B&B on the banks of the Chena River, and the best dog-friendly B&B in the Last Frontier. Named after Lloyd Pike who first homesteaded the area, this waterfront spot offers 180 rooms and 28 cabins for guests. Kobuk the Malamute helps check guests in and out, and will give your pooch the scoop on his favorite on-site amenities like a miniature golf course and a paved pet-friendly walkway. Follow the river to Fairbanks Dog Park to meet some of Kobuk’s pals and play off leash.

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge allows two dogs for an additional fee of $25 per pet, per night.

The Iditarod is the world’s most famous long-distance sled dog race and Alaska’s can’t miss dog event. Known as the “Last Great Race,” hardy mushers and teams of 12-14 dogs built for wintery conditions start the race in Anchorage and take on an exhausting 1,000-mile course across Alaska before finishing in Nome on the southern Seward Peninsula coast of Norton Sound. You and your pooch can join spectators in Alaska’s largest city to watch around 100 teams set off on the challenge of a lifetime.

If you don’t feel like racing in the snow, put your feet up and relax at The Lakefront Anchorage instead.

If our Best of Alaska preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!