By Isabel Prontes
Alaska is both the largest and northernmost state of the
United States. It is a sparsely populated state. The majority of Alaska's tourist attractions involve nature, such as its glaciers, national parks, rivers and mountains. Alaska's wilderness is very beautiful and serene and there are a lot of exciting Alaska vacation options for those interested in visiting this lovely state.
Bristol Bay
Bristol Bay is in southwestern Alaska. This area is notable for being the planet's biggest wild salmon source. This is a culturally rich area, with many Aleuts (from the Aleutian Islands) and Inuits. This beautiful area is full of exciting recreational activity opportunities, including summertime fishing, wintertime skiing and fascinating cultural events that take place all year long. It is also a wonderful place to go camping while in Alaska.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay is part of Alaska's Inside Passage region (not too far from the capital city of Juneau). Glacier Bay hosts 16 magnificent glaciers that flow from mountains all the way into the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and its waters. Glacier Bay is also a good place to spot diverse aquatic life, including killer whales and humpback whales. Snorkeling and kayaking are fun recreational activities to partake in while in Glacier Bay.
Prince William Sound
The Prince William Sound is in south central Alaska and spans 10,000 square miles of fjords, islands, waterways and more than 10,000 glaciers. The area is a habitat for animals such as seals, sea lions, whales, sea otters and porpoises. Many other forms of wildlife (like bears and sheep) also reside in the area. One of the most notable attractions in the area is the stunning Columbia Glacier, which is 200 feet high and 4 miles in width.
Denali National Park and Preserve
The Denali (Athabascan for "The High One") National Park and Preserve is located in Alaska's interior region and is a massive and breathtaking park that is full of wonderful outdoorsy recreational activities, such as ice climbing, hiking and rock climbing. Visitors can witness wildlife, take nature photographs, go horseback riding, and take serene excursions in the river. This vast park is a relaxing and exciting way to enjoy pure Alaska at its finest.
Denali National Park & Preserve
PO Box 9
Denali Park, Alaska 99755
Tel: (907) 683-2294
Lake Minchumina
Lake Minchumina is also in Alaska's interior and is a lovely, quaint village full of relaxation and discovery opportunities. Near the majestic presence of Mount McKinley, Lake Minchumina is the home to a lot of different types of wildlife, like caribou, wolves, moose, bears and even large winged raptors. Whether you want to go fishing, pick berries or go canoeing, Lake Minchumina is full of opportunities that are quintessentially Alaskan.
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
