There are a great many adventures to be had in this country. Each of the fifty states offers a variety of experiences. For those looking for edge-of-the-world excitement, Alaska is king of the hill. Here are a few reasons Alaska is America’s last frontier and some activities you may be interested in participating in while you’re there.
Alaska is Enormous.
You may already know that Alaska is the largest of America’s 50 states. Did you, however, realize that the 663,268 square mile land area of Alaska is larger than Texas, California, and Montana (the next three largest states) combined? Here’s another fun fact: there are only 18 sovereign countries on the planet bigger than Alaska.
Alaska has 14 mountain ranges, millions (yes, millions) of lakes, and over 21 million acres of forest. If you’re looking to get lost in the wild, there are few options boasting the opportunities Alaska does. Fishing, camping, hiking, rafting, exploring… All of these activities and much, much more can be enjoyed in any one of the variety of landscapes Alaska offers.
Animals. Alaska has A LOT of Animals.
Since it’s so large, Alaska has a lot of regions. Most humans live in the South Central region, which includes Anchorage. The Panhandle, Alaska’s Southeastern region, includes another sizable portion of humans, as well as Alaska’s capital city, Juneau. After those two regions, you have the Interior, Southwest, North Slope, and Aleutian Islands. All six of these regions are large enough to contain a wide array of wildlife, and diverse enough to appease the preferred weather of many travelers.
Brown bears, black bears, wolves, caribou, and moose are only a small sampling of the animals that call this northernmost state home. Among the thousands of species that live in Alaska, there are several endangered species that a traveler may be fortunate to see, including blue whales, leatherback sea turtles, and the Eskimo curlew. Those seeking out an arctic adventure will also be able to find orcas and polar bears amongst Alaska’s varied wildlife.
Of course, if you plan on watching the wildlife in Alaska, you should do some research, talk to professionals, and take every precaution. Wildlife can be fun to watch, but less fun to get hands-on with. Be safe!
Living on the Edge… Every. Single. Day.
If you’re getting the idea that Alaska is all about animal watching, don’t. There is a great deal to do. Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), the tallest peak in North America, is a popular training ground for Mt. Everest. Looking for something a little less extreme? A cruise through Alaska can provide a great many opportunities to meet locals, shop at villages and small towns, and see glaciers.
In the United States, there are places and activities you can find like those in Alaska, but probably not all at once. For the adventurist, the person looking for a frontier vacation where opportunities in the wild abound, Alaska can’t be beat. Of course, be sure to check with your physician before trying out any activities to make sure you’re ready for your trip.
Resources:
http://travel.aarp.org/articles-tips/articles/info-10-2013/alaska-cruise-itinerary-tour.html
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/survival-guide