7 Things Not To Miss In Alaska
There is no better place to experience the beauty of nature than the 49th state and with so much to see, here are 7 of the most beautiful things not to miss in Alaska. From the moment you arrive, the untouched, raw beauty of the largest and the least populated state is a bit overwhelming. With so many idyllic places throughout this majestic state, it’s hard to know where you should begin your journey.
Alaska is the ultimate wilderness with thousands of miles of protected landscapes, herds of caribou to photograph, rivers to raft, glaciers to swoon over, and serene ocean vistas. It’s hard to choose, but I have narrowed the list of my favorite awe-inspiring, pinch yourself, tranquil, most beautiful things to see in Alaska.
Alaska’s southernmost city, known as the salmon capital of the world, is a crowd-pleaser in itself. Facing the buzzing Tongass Narrows waterway and supported by the flourishing, timberline slopes of Deer Mountain,
charming Ketchikan embraces the shoreline of Revillagigedo Island. A vast array of businesses are located in pastel-colored overwater bungalows accessed by elevated walkways. Native arts are observable all throughout the city – from museums to totem parks – adding to its cultural intrigue.
Alaska’s northernmost town, Coldfoot itself is not much more than a Dalton Highway truck stop. However, its significant position under the Aurora belt–in the otherworldly Arctic Circle– makes it one of the best places anywhere to get a front-row view of the northern lights.
Known as ‘Alaska’s Playground’, the picturesque Kenai Peninsula and its central appeal – Kenai Fjords National Park – is a glacial utopia important to wildlife observers, hikers, and kayakers. From the visitors center, zealous hikers can tackle the Harding Icefield Trail for astonishing views of the biggest ice field in America.
There are few locations where you can encounter every stage of the water cycle at the same time. But, Mendenhall Ice Caves, are magical. Water cuts over rocks and beneath frozen bright blue ceilings in a partially hollow glacier. These utterly breathtaking caves are unimaginable, unsteady, and worth every bit of the dangerous quest.
The Arctic Wildlife Refuge is America’s version of the Serengeti. It’s honestly something to be astonished over. It is one of the most unspoiled ecosystems on earth. Just about 20 million acres of land are packed with magnificent wildlife, including many endangered species. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was appointed to safeguard the extraordinary and splendid wildlife and their habitat.
Exquisite wildlife, undefiled parkland, and Denali are highlights of this national park. The enormous granite peaks and snow-covered crests of the park spans almost 200 miles of the mountain range and exposes so much altitude, they are frequently lost in the clouds. Taking over the skyline, Denali is the highest peak in North America. It soars impressively to over 20,000 feet and is one of the most breathtaking sights in Alaska.
Part of a 25 million-acre World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most vastly protected regions in the world and covers over 3 million acres of glaciers, mountains, rugged coastlines, rainforest, and fjords. Glaciers continue to increase and recede, drastically impacting the landscape. This awe-inspiring park with leave you breathless.
I hope this list of 7 of the most beautiful things not to miss in Alaska inspires you to get out and explore the world around you. What would be at the top of your list to not miss on your visit to Alaska?
