Traveling to Alaska can be overwhelming, simply due to the vast distances between cities which are few and far between. When viewing a map, you have lots of decisions to make. Some folks have been introduced to Alaska via cruise ship, which gives you a taste of the southeast coast. Others come back to explore any one of the eight national parks Alaska has to offer the most popular being Denali.
National Parks In Alaska
Here’s a glimpse at some of the choices Alaska has to offer.
1) Denali is centered in the very middle of the state and is known for the tallest mountain in North America. People travel there to view moose, bears, dall sheep, and numerous other animals. Travel to Denali is typically by car or bus.
2) Glacier Bay is renowned for whale watching, and tours abound to view calving glaciers and otters. You will need to travel to this destination by air or sea.
3) Wrangell St Elias is the largest park in the US, with lots of mountain peaks and activities such as mountaineering, and flightseeing. Additionally Kennecott Mine is an old mining town, famously pictured on many a calendar and a popular destination accessible by McCarty Road.
4) Kenai Fjords is easy to get to by driving from Anchorage, and close to Seward. Orca and humpback whales can be viewed at this park. Hiking and glaciers highlight the list at this park.
5) Katmai is home to the brown bear. It can only be reached by plane. Hiking and fishing are some of the activities available here.
6) Gates of the Arctic is one of the least visited, and truly remote parks with no roads or trails. Access is only by plane via Bettles or Coldfoot.
7) Kobuk Valley is known for its scenic landscape and caribou migrations. It also has no roads and Kotzebue is one of the villages that flies to this location.
8) Lake Clark offers fishing (of course), bear viewing, camping, hiking, and active volcanos. This park also requires a flight in.
There you have it–so many choices, and so little time and money. We know the state is big, but seems even bigger when you stack up the possibilities of vast wilderness, scenic beauty, and wild all around.
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