Alaska: Nature and Scientific Wonders
Alaska’s Superlatives
Alaska boasts an array of natural wonders that surpass those of any other destination. It claims 17 of the nation’s 20 highest peaks, including the iconic Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain at 20,320 feet. Alaska’s vastness is evident in its 3 million lakes, over 3,000 rivers, and coastline that stretches 47,300 miles, exceeding that of the entire continental United States.
Glaciers and Volcanoes
Alaska’s icy landscapes are home to an estimated 100,000 glaciers, covering nearly 5% of the state. This concentration is unmatched anywhere else in the inhabited world. In contrast, Alaska is also home to 80% of the active volcanoes in the United States.
Wildlife Paradise
Alaska’s wilderness is teeming with wildlife. Visitors can encounter 12 species of big game, including moose, caribou, Dall sheep, brown bear, and wolves. The state’s diverse birdlife includes nearly 430 species, including millions of seabirds that nest along its coastlines. Alaska is renowned for its abundance of marine life, including stellar sea lions, walrus, whales, seals, and playful sea otters.
National Parks and Protected Areas
Alaska’s natural wonders are protected within an extensive system of national parks and reserves. Glacier Bay and Denali National Park, home to Mt. McKinley, are among the most famous. These parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, and a range of outdoor activities. Alaska also boasts over 130 state parks, ranging from roadside campgrounds to vast wilderness areas.
Accessible Glaciers
While Alaska’s glaciers may seem remote, many are easily accessible. Visitors can drive to Worthington Glacier on the Richardson Highway, Matanuska Glacier on the Glenn Highway, Exit Glacier on the Seward Highway, Portage Glacier on the Seward Highway, and Mendenhall Glacier on Glacier Highway. For a broader perspective, boat tours of Glacier Bay National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, or Prince William Sound provide stunning views of multiple glaciers. Flightseeing trips offer aerial panoramas of ice fields like Sargent Ice Field and Harding Ice Field.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Wildlife enthusiasts flock to Alaska for unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Denali National Park offers guided wildlife tours by motorcoach and van. Fly-in bear viewing is available in Alaska’s Southwest. The Inside Passage offers fly-in, boat-in, or roadside bear viewing. Whale watching cruises depart from coastal communities such as Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound. Visitors can also observe marine life underwater at Ketchikan.
Wildlife Centers and Aquariums
Guaranteed wildlife sightings and educational exhibits can be found at Alaska’s many wildlife centers and aquariums. The Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, and The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage provide close encounters with wildlife. The Musk Ox Farm and Reindeer Farm in Palmer and The Large Animal Research Station in Fairbanks offer unique opportunities to learn about these iconic Alaskan species.
Birding Hotspots
Alaska’s rich birdlife attracts birding enthusiasts from around the world. Fairbanks’ Creamers Field Migratory Bird Refuge is a renowned stopover for migratory birds. Other notable birding sites include Nome, Barrow, Haines’ Chilkat River, Attu Island in the Aleutian Chain, St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs, Cordova’s Copper River Delta, Anchorage’s Potters Marsh, Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, Sitka’s Alaska Raptor Center, and Haines’ Alaska Bald Eagle Festival.