Sprawling rainforests teem with native wildlife; jagged, snow-capped mountains cut across the horizon, and looming glaciers overlook glistening lakes below. Likely not the description that is often associated with the distant, noncontiguous state, there’s more to Alaska than what meets the eye.
Nestled in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and sharing a border with the Canadian province, British Columbia, a trip to this naturalistic slice of heaven is not only an opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor adventures but also disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Basking in the crisp, fresh air, there’s no better way to achieve feelings of serenity and bliss than just by simply being in the presence of Alaska’s untouched beauty. Bursting with life — both human and animal — it’s easy to see why travel to this off-the-beaten-path destination is flourishing.
Rugged Terrain
Aptly nicknamed “The Last Frontier” for its diverse terrain, Alaska is divided into five regions, each one distinctly different from the rest. A fan-favorite starting point, Southcentral is home to Anchorage, the state’s largest city. Striking a delicate balance of an urban atmosphere with peaceful wildlife, this region is a perfect way to kick off a traveler’s itinerary with its multitude of activities that satisfy every need.
Offering a similar vibe on a smaller scale, the Interior boasts a wide expanse of tundra with free roaming grizzly bears and caribou, while the notable city of Fairbanks serves as a reset point from all the outdoor excursions. The continent’s tallest peak, Denali, is also located here, and whether it’s soaking in its picturesque views or conquering the nearly 16-mile hike up its side, it’s an attraction worthy of a visit.
Venturing out towards regions like the Southeast and Southwest, these areas are better suited for views of Alaskan wildlife running free. The Southeast is home to the state’s capital of Juneau and is also known for its fjords, tidewater glaciers and lush island scenery. The Southwest remains quiet in comparison as Alaska Natives mainly reside here. Of course, Alaska doesn’t have its icy reputation for nothing: the Arctic region offers visitors a taste of frigid temps and snowy weather. Comprised of frozen plains and mountain peaks, a trek out to this chilly territory can provide sights of wolves, Arctic foxes and polar bears.
Outdoor Recreation
No matter the region travelers are visiting, the best way to explore Alaska is immersion in its great outdoors. Overnight trips and campouts may not be for everyone, but there are assuredly plenty of other opportunities for visitors to experience Alaska’s rugged terrain.
A staple for any outdoor adventure, hiking is a great option to get the blood pumping and expose travelers to the 750 trails that twist and turn throughout the regions. With the ability to choose distance, exertion level and even what sights they want to see, visitors can pick the route that best suits their needs. The popular Horseshoe Lake Trail sits slightly over two miles and has views of the shimmering blue waters it encircles, whereas Russian Lakes Trail is a 21-mile, multi-day excursion passing by lakes, active bear territories and nature reserves.
With over 100,000 glaciers in Alaska, exploration of these ice blocks is another option for those seeking a taste of adventure. Climbing the steep incline of Exit Glacier proves to be a rewarding experience as it overlooks the stunning Harding Icefields. For visitors who prefer to stay closer to the ground, rafting and kayaking are scenic alternatives as tours often pass through the Mendenhall Glacier River and Kenai Fjords. The winter months are the perfect time to explore some of the glacier's ice caves, but travelers will want to bundle up.
All that fun and excitement can’t happen without a little wintery self-care, and there’s plenty of that too. For a relaxing reprieve, natural geothermal hot springs are abundant, and if visitors choose wisely, some even have one-of-a-kind views of the Northern Lights. And, to add to the growing list of bucket list activities travelers never knew they needed, yoga retreats with reindeer and salutations under the Midnight Sun present the perfect opportunity for connecting to the untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of The Compass magazine
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