THE WILDERNESS OF ALASKA

Alaska: America’s Last Frontier of Adventure and Natural Beauty

Alaska is more than just the largest state in the United States — it’s one of the most pristine, awe-inspiring natural landscapes left on Earth. With over 663,000 square miles of untamed wilderness, it offers a rare opportunity to experience raw nature at its most majestic. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, cultural encounters, or peaceful moments surrounded by mountains and wildlife, Alaska delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Outdoor Adventures from Mild to Wild

There’s no shortage of heart-pounding activities in Alaska. Hike across ancient glaciers formed during the Ice Age, skim above endless forests in a bush plane, or take a traditional dog sled ride through the snow-covered tundra. From adrenaline-filled adventures to serene nature experiences, Alaska caters to all types of travelers.

The state’s extensive river systems, lakes, and coastal waters also offer an exciting range of aquatic adventures. You can raft down thundering rivers, paddle a kayak through quiet fjords, or race across the surface in a high-speed jet boat. Whether you crave the thrill of white-water rafting or the tranquility of gliding through icy inlets, you’ll find experiences tailor-made for your level of adventure.

Scenic Experiences and Iconic Sights

Alaska’s landscapes offer an overwhelming sense of grandeur and variety. You can picnic near a glacier, drive for miles along a turquoise river fed by melting ice, or take a breathtaking flightseeing tour over some of North America’s tallest mountain ranges.

Try your hand at gold panning like the pioneers did, or step aboard a classic sternwheeler to relive the Gold Rush era. Alaska is also world-renowned for its halibut and salmon fishing — anglers travel from across the globe to cast a line in its legendary waters.

For a bird’s-eye view, hop into a helicopter or small plane and soar above dramatic terrain — from fjords and ice fields to active volcanoes and towering peaks.

Endless Summers and a Trail for Every Explorer

Alaska’s long summer days offer plenty of time to explore. Thanks to its vast trail systems, there’s a path for every ability and interest. Whether you prefer accessible nature walks or steep alpine hikes, Alaska’s trails provide incredible views and unforgettable encounters with wildlife and wildflowers.

Cyclists, joggers, and walkers alike can enjoy scenic paths weaving through cities and national parks. Long-distance riders can journey along open highways that wind through mountains, valleys, and along glacier-fed rivers.

A Deep and Diverse Cultural Experience

Beyond the wilderness, Alaska is also a place of deep cultural richness. The state’s Indigenous peoples — including the Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Tlingit, Haida, and many others — offer visitors a chance to connect with centuries of tradition and history. Attend festivals featuring traditional music, Native dancing, and the iconic blanket toss. Explore totem carving demonstrations or visit cultural centers and heritage museums that bring Alaska’s past to life.

In addition to Native traditions, visitors can explore Russian influences, historical missions, local art galleries, and music festivals that reflect the state’s unique blend of cultures and communities.

Alaska by the Numbers: Fascinating Facts

  • Longest Coastline in the U.S.: Alaska’s coastline stretches nearly 34,000 miles, longer than all other U.S. states combined.

  • Towering Peaks: Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska. The tallest, Mt. McKinley rises to 20,320 feet, making it the highest mountain in North America.

  • Rivers and Lakes: Alaska is home to over 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes. The Yukon River, nearly 2,000 miles long, is the third-longest in the U.S. The largest lake, Lake Iliamna, covers more than 1,000 square miles.

  • Glaciers Galore: The state has an estimated 100,000 glaciers, more than the rest of the inhabited world combined. The Malaspina Glacier, the largest, spans 850 square miles. About 5% of Alaska is covered by ice.

The Aleutian Islands and Alaska’s Volcanic Landscape

Stretching west from the southern tip of the Alaska Peninsula, the Aleutian Islands form a dramatic, volcanic island chain. This region contains numerous active volcanoes, including Mount Shishaldin on Unimak Island. Rising to 10,000 feet, Shishaldin is one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones on Earth — more so even than Japan’s famous Mount Fuji.

Volcanic activity continues on the mainland as well. Mount Spurr, located just west of Anchorage, is part of a geologically active zone that includes much of southern Alaska. Geologists identify the region as part of Wrangellia, a vast geological province that includes parts of western Canada and the northwestern U.S., currently undergoing the dramatic processes of continent building.

A Vacation Unlike Any Other

Thinking of a vacation that breaks the mold? Look no further than Alaska. Whether you’re watching bears fish for salmon, flying over majestic peaks, or enjoying an art show in a small coastal village, Alaska combines rugged beauty with deep cultural richness.

This isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel alive, to be humbled by nature, and to rediscover what adventure really means.

Alaska is more than just the largest state in America it is one of the largest natural untouched places in the world. There is so much to do and see in Alaska whether you prefer to hike on an ice age glacier, skim the wilderness in a “bush” plane or take a dog sled ride, you’ll find plenty of options to experience the Alaska you never knew existed.