The Natural Wonders of Alaska

Alaska is the most remote part of the United States. Separated from the other 48 states by Canada, Alaska sits in the far reaches of North America, far away from the contiguous United States. Its isolation has left Alaska as a nearly untouched wilderness that contains some truly remarkable natural wonders. Read on to discover more about these unique natural wonders that offer truly unforgettable beauty.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay can be found on the southern tail of Alaska, which runs parallel with the Canadian province of British Columbia. Glacier Bay is a part of a national park that covers roughly 3 million acres of land. This is a common stopping place for tourists aboard cruises to stop and marvel at the deep fjords and towering mountains.

As the name suggests, massive glaciers dominate the park's landscape. The largest of the glaciers, Margerie Glacier, is 21 miles in length. It is also common to spot pods of orcas swimming in the waters and seals resting on floating ice sheets.

Inside Passage

At the southernmost point of Alaska lies the Inside Passage. This narrow body of water weaves its way through island chains that snake north up the coastline. This is a relatively busy waterway as cruise ships, ferries, and commercial fishing boats take this route back and forth between Washington and Alaska.

Charming coastal towns dot this waterway. Juneau in particular is a popular stop on this route. When traveling up the Inside Passage, most of the journey travelers will find themselves flanked by picturesque islands and mountains that loom over the sea.

Brooks Falls

Located within Katmai National Park, Brooks Falls has become the go-to spot to observe some of the fascinating wildlife that is abundant in Alaska. Brooks Falls is especially famous for its large grizzly bear population that feeds off the salmon that run through the river.

While this might seem like an adrenaline junkie's idea of a good time on the surface, there are a surprising amount of people who observe the bears in their habitat each year. Guides are more than happy to allow tourists to see these beautiful animals in the wild, at a safe distance, of course.

Prince William Sound

Sitting in the shadow of Chugach National Forest is the charming Prince William Sound. This body of water is best explored with tour guides who will help you explore the area up close. Large icebergs roam freely across the sound and add another layer to the region's beauty.

It is common to see people out exploring the area in canoes or kayaks when the water is calm. This is another great place to see some of the aquatic life that inhabits Alaska's coast ranging from orcas to even the rare humpback whale spotting.

Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls is located at the base of Bullard Mountain near the Mendenhall Glacier. Falling a total of 332 feet, Nugget Falls cascades down the side of a rockface rather than a direct drop into the water below. The result is a unique waterfall that is hard to find elsewhere.

There are numerous ways to see the falls. This is a hiking trail that loops around to a great view of the surrounding area. There is also another, much more direct approach at a nearby observation deck. Either way, a visit here is a must.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Located two hours south of Anchorage is the Kenai Fjords National Park. The park stretches across over 600,000 square miles of windswept coastline and plunging fjords. The park is well known for its otherworldly environment that often looks like it was taken out of the pages of a fantasy novel.

Guided tours here are common as most tourists love weaving in between the islands and various rock formations that make this such an alien place. Cruises also stop by this area to give the passengers onboard a good look at one of Alaska's best attractions.

Chugach National Forest

Another short drive away from Anchorage is the lovely Chugach National Forest. Chugach has everything that is typically beautiful about the Alaskan landscape. Tower mountains, crystal clear lakes, and peaceful meadows are all on full display here.

Chugach is another great place to see the Alaskan wildlife. Deer, moose, and of course, grizzly bears are all common sightings. While bears are obviously the biggest threat, a run-in with an angry moose can be fatal as well. If you see any wild animal always make sure to keep your distance and admire from afar.

Mt. Denali

Formerly known as Mt. McKinley, Mt. Denali (often just referred to as Denali) is the largest mountain in all of North America. Reaching 20,000 ft above sea level, Denali dominates the landscape of Alaska. Denali is a part of Denali National Park and Preserve which covers a staggering 6 million acres of the Alaskan wilderness.

It is often recommended for those who are willing to spend the money to take a small plane to fly over the park. From a birdseye view, you can really appreciate just how massive Denali really is. The surrounding area is also littered with campsites and small lakes to enjoy.

Alaska is rightfully labeled as the final frontier of the United States. Despite having some large urban centers, the vast majority of Alaska remains untouched and pristine, which makes it an extremely unique and memorable destination. If exploring the great outdoors is something you would like to do, then Alaska is the best place in the country to visit. It features stunning views and unforgettable natural landscapes.