The 3,700 Year Old Volcanic Crater In Alaska That’s A National Natural Landmark
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve in Alaska features a massive volcanic caldera and is one of the least-visited national parks, accessible mainly by floatplane.
One of Alaska's most vast and untouched places, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve contains a massive volcanic crater that's 3,700 years old. Check this out!
The Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is one of the least-visited places in all of the national parks. It's located on the peninsula, 450 miles from Anchorage.
One of the few ways to reach the 601,294-acre preserve is by floatplane. Difficult weather prevents visitation any time other than during summer months.
Experienced river runners can attempt the Aniakchak river, which starts at the lake and ends 37 miles later at Aniakchak Bay. Class IV whitewater is common throughout the river, which should only be attempted in July.
Bears are common throughout the national preserve. The foraging is plentiful, and the bears have access to lots of salmon. You'll want to take extra precautions to avoid bear encounters while visiting this wild place.
Alaska is built from a series of mountains and valleys, starting at sea level on the coast, and hitting elevations of more than 20,000 feet on our tallest mountain, Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. So naturally, we will need some impressive bridges to get us across this vast state. The Hurricane Gulch Bridge in Alaska is one of the tallest bridges in the state, only surpassed in height by the railroad bridge of the same name. This is one bridge that you need to see up close and in person, if only so you can see the incredible views of the valley beneath it!
advertisement
The Hurricane Gulch Bridge is a car bridge on the Parks Highway. The Parks Highway is one of the most scenic roads in Alaska.
Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, many people travel over this bridge on their way north to Fairbanks or south to Anchorage. It’s a well-traveled road, and this bridge sees a lot of traffic all year long.
This steel arch bridge soars over Hurricane Creek.
The valley it spans is known as Hurricane Gulch, and that's where it takes its name. It resides on mile 139.7 of the Parks Highway. It’s only a couple hours' drive from Anchorage.
It is 558 feet long and soars over the gulch at an impressive 254 feet high. There are so many interesting facts about Alaska, and the history of this bridge and its twin, the railroad bridge of the same name, are so fun to learn about.
advertisement
advertisement
The railroad bridge with the same name, the Hurricane Gulch Bridge, is the tallest bridge in Alaska. For the span of a couple of years, it was actually the tallest bridge in America.
That bridge also crosses over Hurricane Creek and sits 296 feet high. The Alaskan Railroad crosses this bridge in Alaska on many of its passenger routes. It's a stunning sight to see, whether by car or rail.
The views from the bridge are absolutely staggering, no matter which direction you face.
You'll see mountains in the distance, and the boreal forest clothed in the colors of the season. Get your camera ready as you pass over, so you can take a quick snapshot as you pass by. Because this bridge is one of the tallest bridges in Alaska, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
When driving the Parks Highway, make a stop at this gorgeous bridge for some photos.
There is a good spot on either side of the bridge for viewing its construction. The sides can get very steep, so if you have children with you, keep a very close eye on them!
advertisement
advertisement
When I was there, they discouraged people from walking on the bridge itself because it is a very busy highway.
The highway is a very busy two-lane highway and has a daily traffic count of almost 1,500 cars. You could put yourself and others in danger if you stand in the middle of this narrow bridge to take photos. Be sure to abide by highway road safety laws when you snap your photos of this amazing bridge.
Visiting this magnificent bridge should be on your bucket list if you haven't experienced it before.
Make a weekend of it and continue on to see the other impressive views of Denali National Park. However you choose to experience this magnificent bridge, you won't be disappointed! Even the act of driving over it is exhilarating.
Check out this drone footage of Hurricane Gulch Bridge by Ben Childers:
Have you ever visited the Hurricane Gulch Bridge in Alaska? What did you think? Was it amazing? Did you get any great photos? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget the road snacks if you go and visit!
Most People Don’t Even Know This Little-Known Destination In Alaska Even Exists
The Kuskulana River Bridge in Alaska is a historic engineering marvel that captivates adventurers with its breathtaking location and remarkable construction.
Hidden within Copper River watershed is a little-known destination in Alaska, the Kuskulana River Bridge. This bridge is a marvel of human achievement. This iconic structure, a testament to engineering ingenuity, stands tall amidst the rugged wilderness, captivating adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its rich history, breathtaking location, and remarkable feats of construction, the Kuskulana River Bridge has become an emblem of Alaska's indomitable spirit and a beacon for those seeking to witness the perfect fusion of human innovation and natural splendor.
advertisement
Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of Alaska lies a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess - the Kuskulana River Bridge on the rugged and remote McCarthy Road, just 43 miles out from the town of McCarthy.
This stunning bridge has captured the imaginations of adventurers and travelers alike, showcasing the grandeur of its surroundings and the sheer brilliance of its construction. The Kuskulana River Bridge stands at an impressive height of 238 feet (73 meters) above the river below. Its remarkable span measures 525 feet (160 meters), making it one of the world's highest and longest single-span truss bridges.
The Kuskulana River Bridge was built in the early 20th century as a vital component of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway (CR&NW).
The CR&NW was constructed to connect the Kennicott Copper Mine, located deep in the rugged Wrangell Mountains, with the coastal town of Cordova, Alaska. This railway was crucial in transporting copper ore from the mines to the port, fueling the region's economic growth.
Construction of the Kuskulana River Bridge began in 1910 and posed numerous challenges.
The bridge had to span the Kuskulana River, known for its swift current and turbulent waters. The rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions added to the project's complexity. Yet, the engineers persevered, employing innovative techniques to overcome these obstacles. Over the years, the Kuskulana River Bridge has undergone numerous upgrades to ensure its stability and preservation. In the 1970s, additional steel cables were added to enhance the bridge's suspension system, further solidifying its position as a remarkable engineering feat.
advertisement
advertisement
The CR&NW ceased operations in 1938, and the railway was dismantled, leaving the Kuskulana River Bridge in a state of disuse. However, the bridge still stands as a symbol of human achievement and has become an iconic landmark in the region.
The Kuskulana River Bridge is an engineering marvel and a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty. The Kuskulana River Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance.
It rests near the convergence of the Kuskulana River and the larger Chitina River amidst the stunning landscapes of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
This region, the largest national park in the United States, is renowned for its forests, towering mountain peaks, and glaciers, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Reaching the Kuskulana River Bridge requires careful planning and a spirit of adventure.
The most common way to access the bridge is by driving in from Anchorage, a 5-hour drive. You can also drive from Valdez, around a 3-hour drive. Travelers will follow the McCarthy Road, a gravel highway that winds through the rugged terrain, providing awe-inspiring views of the Alaskan landscape. After approximately 17 miles on McCarthy Road, adventurers will reach the bridge, greeted by its imposing presence.
The Kuskulana River Bridge stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation of mankind.
Its awe-inspiring presence amidst the pristine Alaskan wilderness continues to captivate all who venture to witness it. As we marvel at the bridge's engineering marvels, let us also applaud the efforts of the pioneers who constructed it, leaving behind a remarkable legacy for future generations!
Have you ever traveled to this little-known destination in Alaska? What did you think? Was it breathtaking? Let us know in the comments below!
