One Of The Oddest Geological Wonders Is Located Right Here In Alaska
By Courtney|Published March 22, 2017
×
Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
When it comes to fascinating geological wonders, it’s hard to beat what the Last Frontier has to offer. The great 49th state of Alaska is known for its overwhelming amount of stunning ice formations (over 100,000 glaciers to be exact) and 17 out of the 20 highest peaks in North America. Maybe you’ve heard of Denali? Sure you have! But it’s the awe-inspiring, wildly underrated and totally unassuming volcanic land spread across the state that has us really intrigued.
Serpentine Hot Springs is a significant geothermal resource located inside the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, closest to the town of Nome on the western Seward Peninsula.
This remote paradise is whimsical, magical and wildly rugged. Simply put, the Bering Land Bridge is unlike any other place on earth.
With a history of turbulent volcanic activity, the area has been shaped into a major geological mecca-land that will 'wow' even the most seasoned biologists and well-traveled adventurers.
Serpentine Hot Springs is a major attraction in the preserve, while other attractions include Imuruk Volcanic Field, Kuzitrin Lake, Maar Lakes and Ear Mountain.
Advertisement
Throughout the strikingly scenic, larger-than-life valleys you'll find an immense amount of granite tors, which are essentially chimney-like rock formations that rise up to 100-feet-tall out of the earth's surface.
Tors can be found spread across the tundra directly near Serpentine Hot Springs. They were originally formed by magma and trapped below the ground. After slowly cooling, they proceeded to form a coarse yet still relatively soft granite surface. While thousands of years of extreme weather has washed out much of the land around the tors, these hardened structures were left standing in supreme spirit due to their strength and vitality.
Today, healthy amounts of ice-age giants still roam the area and offer world-class wildlife viewing opportunities to visitors from all around the globe.
From musk ox to grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, arctic ground squirrels and fox. There is truly so much wildlife to see here - so don't forget to bring your best camera and lots of extra film (or batteries).
This wildly remote destination actually offers a lot of year-round activities that are sure to satisfy every adventurous heart in your crowd.
From hiking, backpacking, climbing and camping. To flying, snowmobiling, berry picking, hunting, birding, wildlife viewing and a bunch of super interactive ranger programs.
During the peak summer months, a vibrant amount of fierce pink fireweed can be found lining the wide-open valleys as far as the eyes can see.
From hiking, backpacking, climbing and camping. To flying, snowmobiling, berry picking, hunting, birding, wildlife viewing and a bunch of super interactive ranger programs. Best of all? You won't have any cell reception! So you will really get to unplug and be present in the moment.
But when you experience the way the tundra lights up with vivacious shades of fall foliage during the short autumn season, which generally lasts only a few weeks - you're guaranteed to be spoiled for life.
We promise that you won't regret planning a trip to this remote geological paradise into the Bering Land National Preserve at Serpentine Hot Springs. For more planning and travel information from the National Park Service, click HERE.
