In a land of majestic mountains, clear blue waters and glaciers everywhere, it is pretty hard to determine the most incredible natural attractions in the state. These are the most incredible things to see in Alaska and if you have the heart of an adventurer, you'll want to add these locales to your bucket list. Head to these natural attractions to fully experience the wonder of Alaska.
1. Denali
The tallest peak in North America, Denali mean "the Great One" and there is no question why. On a bluebird day, the mountain can be seen for hundreds of miles in all its splendor. Denali State Park and Denali National Park offers campgrounds, hiking trails, tours and information. If you visit Alaska, you will want to go to Denali to the wildlife and Denali itself.
Footage of a flight over Denali here.
2. Lake Iliamna
Alaska's largest lake in southwest is at the north end of the Alaska Peninsula. It is massive at 77 miles long, 22 miles wide and almost 1000 feet deep. Miles of sparkling, deep blue lake stretch in every direction. Small villages dot the edge of the lake and they tell tales of a monster that lurks somewhere beneath the waters. This fascinating place is a natural wonder of Alaska.
3. Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park has 3.3 million miles of glaciers and is part of one of the world’s largest international protected areas. There is endless adventure traveling to glaciers ice climbing, hiking, cruising and camping among the striking beauty of Alaska.
More about Glacier Bay National Park.
4. Finger Mountain
Up the Dalton Highway lies Finger Mountain and the surrounding area of the arctic tundra. The "mountain" is really a granite tor jutting out of the vast valley of arctic tundra. The area is incredibly beautiful.
5. Caribou Herds
Alaska has several vibrant caribou herds of hundreds of thousands of caribou migrating annually across the arctic. One doesn't get an opportunity to see such a large number of vibrant wildlife very often in the modern age and the sheer numbers and strength pf the animals will amaze you.
6. Shisaldin Volcano
You can't mention natural wonders without mentioning volcanos! There are several active volcanos among the Aleutian Island chain in Alaska. Head out of the boat trip of a lifetime to see the volcanos in the Aleutians.
7. Petrified Forest, Seward
On a clear day, Seward is positively magical. the sparkling waters shining below dramatic mountains are the fabulous backdrop for the unique petrified forest, destroyed by the tides moving in.
More about the Tonsina Point Trail here.
8. Afognak Island
Afognak, near Kodiak, has the bright blue waters and lush green hillsides of the southcentral Alaskan rainforest. The pristine conditions and the incredible views never stop on Afognak, the location of Alaska's newest state park.
More about Afognak Island here.
9. Glacier Ice Caves, Juneau
The Mendenhall Glacier is just a short drive from downtown Juneau and yet, one of the most incredible natural wonders in Alaska. These are formed when trickles of water melt don through layers of ice and hollow out under ice areas. They are slick, dangerous and liable to collapse, but glacier ice caves are incredibly beautiful and worth the risk for the adventurous.
More about Glacier Ice Caves here.
10. The Aurora
The most fascinating natural phenomenon in Alaska is the northern lights, or the aurora borealis. The ionosphere erupts with color as dancing lights parade across the sky. It definitely must be winter so it can be dark and the farther north, the more likely they will be a nightly show.
Do you have another natural attraction to add to the list? Tell us about it the comments below.
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