Alaska is attractive for its unspoiled, rough nature, wilderness and endangered animals. It provides a great getaway and opportunities to explore its beautiful glaciers, ice caves, mountains, forests and parks. See our list of these ten great spot.
10. Explore the Wilderness in Bristol Bay
A piece of land stretches out to the Bering Sea and is the eastern-most part here. It is a stormy area, with some of the highest waves in the world: some reach even 10 m (30 ft) height. Barack Obama has announced it a national treasure and a protected area. The region has various resources: from gold, oil and gas to salmon.
Why to go there?
Bristol Bay is also home for various endangered species like North Pacific Right Whale, Steller’s eider, sea otters, seals, walruses, Beluga and Killer whales. Visitors can stay at the lodges, that provide great camping facilities or take a challenge and go on their own. Various tours, including fishing, are available to order.
Photo by Michael Melford
Photo by Michael Melford
Photo by Michael Melford
Photo by Jim Klug
9. Go Snowmobiling
The activity also attracts those, hungry for speed. All you need is a vast land, covered in a thick layer of snow. Matanuska-Susitna valley in Alaska works so well for this. And also there are guided tours, so that beginners would have a blast too.
Why to go there?
The tours can be customized and include ice fishing, wildlife photography and viewing the northern lights.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
8. See Nugget Falls
The powerful waterfall plunges down from the Nugget Glacier. After streaming down fro 377 feet (115 m), the waterfall drops in Mendenhall Lake. The entire surroundings make it a very beautiful tourist destination, which attracts many visitors.
Why to go there?
Discover the waterfall via the Nugget Glacier hiking trail, which will provide an unforgettable sights.
Photo by Ted McGrath
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Aaron Grandy
Photo by Unknown
7. Ski in Girdwood
Girdwood used to be a gold-mining town and it was a question of time, when it will become a ski resort. With a thick layer of snow during winter, great ski resort Girwood is an excellent place, which however is never too crowded.
Why to go there?
Beautiful Alaskan nature, northern lights and great service, never too crowded – a wonderful winter holiday retreat.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Banan Tarr
6. Camp with the Bears
The Great Alaska International Adventure Vacations Bear Camp welcomes visitors who are willing to share the space with the big brown bears. They can observe the animals in the wild from an observation platform or straight from the meadows!
Why to go there?
The park provides accommodation, facilities and safety guides to ensure safe camping experience.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
5. Discover Misty Fjords
The fjord and its surroundings are a national monument and wilderness area. The unspoiled environment is found in the remote southern part of Alaska. Steep rocks and narrow water passages are best explored by kayaking – overnight kayak trips are offered for the adventurous tourists.
Why to go there?
Visitors are provided with facilities and special offers like cruise or airplane trips, that allow to explore the natural wonder comfortably.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
4. Go Hiking on a Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is the biggest one and truly staggering. Visitors can go hiking and have a ride on it. Mendenhall glacier also hides many beautiful ice caves, that can be explored as well. Exit Glacier features well developed hiking trails, making the experience much easier.
Why to go there?
It is essential to visit at least one glacier while in this land of snow and ice.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
3. Go on a Cruise
Explore Prince William Sound on a cruise. The impressive shoreline features the so called tidewater glaciers, that crash into the ocean. The day trippers therefore can admire this dramatic spectacle of Earth’s elements.
Why to go there?
The trip allows to explore the magnificent glacier from the sea.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
2. Visit Mendenhall Ice Caves in Juneau
The incredibly beautiful ice caves are found under a 19 km (12 mi) long glacier. Found in the Mendenhall Valley, the caves are spacious cavities in the blue ice. The warming climate however threatens to melt the whole glacier. Therefore visit it until it evaporates completely.
Why to go there?
The glacier is constantly melting and moving, therefore, changing its face. It also makes it difficult and even dangerous to reach. But once there, it definitely provides one of the most breathtaking sites. The melting ice also creates springs inside the caves, making it more lively and pretty.
Photo by Jared Carlson
Photo by Kent Mearig
Photo by Caters News Agency
Photo by Ed Hand
1. Go to Denali National Park and Preserve
The park boasts staggering nature and Denali – the tallest mountain in North America (20,310 ft; 6190 m). The reserve features a very diverse nature, characteristic to a few climate zones: taiga, tundra as well as glaciers create a truly unique landscape here.
Why to go there?
With over 400 000 visitors a year, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. Winter activities include dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmachining. In summer travelers go hiking, camping and rock climbing.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown