Wildflowers Along the Alaska Highway

The Alaska Highway, sometimes referred to as the Alaska-Canada Highway or ALCAN, is often hailed as one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Beginning at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, B.C., this historic and spectacular route stretches all the way to Delta Junction, Alaska, at Mile 1422. While travelers often stop to take in notable landmarks, communities and recreation activities along the way, one would be remiss to overlook some of the state’s most lovely sights dotting the landscape — Alaska’s wildflowers! Below is a guide to a few of the most popular blooms and when to find them along your next Alaska tour with Gray Line.

Forget-me-not

Alaska’s state flower, the forget-me-not, seems to stay true to its name by being an unforgettable sight around the state. This unique flower is one of few to show a true blue shade and spreads across many of Alaska’s open alpine meadows. The best time to spot forget-me-nots is midsummer, from late June to late July. Fun fact: Forget-me-nots are most fragrant during the evening; they give off very little scent during the day.

Fireweed

Perhaps one of Alaska’s most well known wildflowers, these magenta clusters are hard to miss along most roadways. Fireweed is usually found in locations with shorter, cooler summers, making Alaska a perfect place to grow! Fireweed reach peak bloom in late July or early August; it’s said when the flowers are completely in bloom that summer is officially over in Alaska, making the full flowered sight of them bittersweet to some. Fireweed often grows in areas that have been cleared by wildfires or avalanches, along rivers and beside roads, making the Alaska Highway a perfect viewing platform. Fireweed is used in various locally made products across the state, such as jams, jellies, honey and other products, and is a great source of vitamin A and C!

Salmonberry

Salmonberries are a part of the rose family, but in fact, are also a fruit. The salmonberry flower can be found with berries connected to their shrubs — these berries fall in the same category as raspberries, wild strawberries, cloudberries and more! The flower-berry combinations are located in the southern coastal regions of Alaska, along riverbeds and alpine slopes. As you are out stretching your legs on your Gray Line Alaska tour, keep an eye out for the five-petal flowers with yellow, orange or red berries along your path. Much like fireweed, salmonberries can be made into a tasty jam or sauce and are heavily utilized in Alaska Native villages as a source of vitamin A and C. Salmonberry flowers have a long blooming season; flowers begin blossoming in early spring and berries begin to ripen in June.