Why You Should Explore Wild Alaska On Your Next Vacation

Head up into wild Alaska this year to visit America’s biggest state right at the top of North America. The state borders Yukon and British Columbia in Canada to the east and shares a maritime border in the Bering Strait to the west with the Russian Federation’s Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Here, the most stunningly beautiful wilderness surrounds you, full of wildlife in the state’s national parks. Read on to find out about some of the most beautiful areas of Alaska, and what it has to offer as a vacation destination.

Kenai Peninsula and the Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

The Kenai Peninsula is located close to Anchorage and is one of the most accessible areas for an Alaskan wilderness adventure. There is a choice of paddling through the beautiful, glaciated fjords in a canoe or hiking through the snow-capped Kenai Mountains. Meanwhile, Kenai Fjords National Park and Kachemak Bay State Park both make for great fishing.

For first-time explorers, the western side of the Kenai Peninsula is ideal, with several towns worth visiting. Travelers can head to Homer, Hope and Seward, and experience their cultural attractions while enjoying good dining and lively nightlife. This area certainly gives visitors both sides of the Alaskan story.

Wrangell-St Elias National Park

The sprawling Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (pictured above and top) is around the same size as Switzerland. However, this is without the crowded towns and cities getting in the way. This wonderfully scenic area is full of beautiful, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and icy lakes.

Here in the world’s second-largest national park is the opportunity to feel truly alone out in the wilderness. However, along the way, visit the porcupines, bears, beavers and moose that live here.

Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska

The beautiful Katmai was declared a national monument in 1918 and became a national park in 1980. Meanwhile, Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to salmon-hunting brown bears, striking volcanic landscapes and some of the best sport fishing in the world. To get here, most visitors come by floatplane at Brooks Camp, which is approximately 35 miles from King Salmon.

Once there, stand in awe gazing at the brown bears as they grab giant salmon from the river for their dinner. This part of Alaska is a perfect place for hikers with trails heading through the beautiful scenery. It is also perfect for animal lovers, there to see the wildlife.

Resurrection Bay, Alaska

Experience Alaska’s marine life in spectacular Resurrection Bay, with its coves, bays and islands. Its rich marine ecosystem features sea otters, comically floating on their backs along with harbor seals. Meanwhile in Rugged Island, Cape Resurrection and Mary’s Bay, it is easy to spot killer whales and humpback whales.

For birdwatchers, this area hosts puffins, black-legged kittiwakes and common murres sitting on their cliffside nests. Meanwhile, on occasion, mountain goats can be seen posing precariously on the cliffs above the water.

Experience adventure in wild Alaska this year, taking in those gorgeous landscapes, wildlife and marine life.