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Activities in Alaska
Home » Alaska » Alaska's Restaurants and Activities » Activities in AlaskaPosted by Your Guide on April 21, 2006 8:47 PM
Alaska is known as the Last Frontier. It covers 570,373 square miles of land in addition to 45,000 square miles of water. It is the largest state in the country. Being 2.3 times the size of Texas, it covers 20 percent of the total United States area. Alaska contains many natural wonders including Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain. It is found in the Alaska Range in Denali National Park and is 20,320 feet high. Another natural wonder is the aurora borealis, or the northern lights. These can best be seen in the winter months at night. These and many other distinctive features make Alaska perfect for a vacation. Although Alaska is mostly known for its fishing and wildlife viewing, travelers can take part in countless other activities, ranging from kayaking to hiking and glacier viewing to dog sledding. With unlimited opportunities to choose from, Alaska is the vacation destination for anyone wanting to get a taste of the outdoors as only the Last Frontier can offer.
• Wildlife Viewing: Alaska is a very exceptional state and one of the things that make it so unique is its abundance of wildlife, many species of which are not found anywhere is the rest of the United States. Some of these are species that thrive in Alaska, but are actually endangered in the lower 48 states, such as bald eagles. Visitors to Alaska can view moose and dall sheep along the Denali Park Road in the state’s interior or see humpback, beluga or orca whales from an excursion boat off of the coast. Other wildlife that make their home in Alaska include bears (brown/grizzly, black and polar bears), eagles (bald, golden and Steller sea eagles), caribou, wolves, sea otters, musk oxen, puffins, loons and ptarmigan. Whether or not bear watching or bird watching is your main reason to visit the state, wildlife viewing will more than likely be a part of your stay.
• Fishing: Fishing in Alaska is like a dream come true for anglers. Alaska’s streams, lakes, and seas are home to 21 different species of sport fish. These include halibut, rainbow trout, arctic grayling, and five types of wild Pacific salmon; king, silver, red, pink, and chum. Fishing is available all across the state of Alaska, from the southernmost tip to the Arctic streams of the north and west. Most fishing in the Anchorage area of south-central Alaska and most parts of the Interior near Fairbanks are accessible by road. Boats, air taxis and charter services provide access to fishing locations that are more remote.
• Kayaking: Kayaking allows the vacationer to experience Alaska from a very distinctive point of view, with the opportunity to see ocean life and wildlife up close in their natural habitats. Most coastal cities offer an array of kayaking opportunities including guided trips.
• Camping: Camping in Alaska is another way to experience the natural beauty of the state. Many campsites are available throughout the state of Alaska, especially near the national and state parks and in many places, such as the Tongass and Chugach National Forests. Most cities and towns have nearby campsites as well. Amenities include showers, stores, and electricity hook-ups.
• Dogsled Rides: Legendary mushers and sled dogs are the driving force behind the popularity of these rides. Visitors can get a taste of what it takes to make your way across glaciers and Alaska’s bush country. Glacier dog-sled tours are available in the summer at Juneau, Skagway, and Seward. In the winter months, expeditions are offered at lodges in the Susitna River Valley, north of Anchorage, and around Denali National Park and the Alaska Range.
• Cruising: Cruises along Alaska’s magnificent coast draws visitors from around the world. Travelers are joined onboard magnificent ships by experts on wildlife and nature and together they observe some of the state’s most spectacular attractions such as glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. On board, vacationers can enjoy many amenities including restaurants, casinos, lounges, comfortable cabins, and more. Due to the type of adventure, these expeditions can cost as much as $1000 per day.
• Hunting: Alaska is well known for its large game throughout the world, making it a popular destination for hunters. The state requires hunters to have licenses, as well as guides for out of state visitors, and has many strict regulations in place to protect the game. Some of the species that are hunted in the state include bison, black bears, black-tailed deer, brown bears, grizzly bears, caribou, dall sheep, ducks, elk, geese, moose, mountain goats, musk oxen, wolf, and wolverine.
• Hiking: The numerous natural wonders in Alaska make it ideal for hikers and backpackers. Choose from ancient glaciers, rugged mountains, or nature trails. Alaska contains trail systems for people of all abilities, from disabled accessible nature paths, to guide hikes along maintained trails, to backcountry hikes that are more strenuous. There are several trails for hikers of all skill levels.
From dining at an upscale restaurant in one of the state’s coastal cities, to viewing whales on the Prince William Sound, Alaska has something to offer everyone that takes the time to journey there. Numerous opportunities exist for all vacationers that visit the Last Frontier. Once you do, you are sure to return.
Sources
www.alaska.com
www.alaskatravel.com
www.dinesite.com
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