A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Alaska’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes And More!
Alaska’s natural beauty is unparalleled. America’s biggest and wildest state, Alaska is a natural wonderland just waiting to be explored. The state is rich with wild beauty, including iconic state and national parks that are home to rugged mountains, forgotten caves, backcountry lakes, pristine rivers and remote islands.
All of this is all ready to be discovered. Here’s a definitive guide that is sure to inspire you to explore more in this incredible state.
The Best Little Known Park In Alaska
Alaska's "Emerald Island" of Kodiak is home to a little known park that has it all, including stunning natural beauty and fascinating historical ruins.
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is an 182-acre park on an island that had a small but important role in World War II. The park has a rocky beach that is not exactly a calm swimming hole, but it's stunning nonetheless. Follow the park's trails to the ruins of old costal defenses and imagine the days when the threat of naval attacks was all too real in this beautiful spot. Have you ever been to a park this remarkable ?
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is an 182-acre park on an island that had a small but important role in World War II. The park has a rocky beach that is not exactly a calm swimming hole, but it's stunning nonetheless. Follow the park's trails to the ruins of old costal defenses and imagine the days when the threat of naval attacks was all too real in this beautiful spot. Have you ever been to a park this remarkable ?
The Most Pristine Beach In Alaska
Fossil Beach is a sandy little beach that's about an hour drive from Kodiak Island.
It's called Fossil Beach because of the huge number of fossils that are embedded in the cliffs that line the shore. There are no facilities, but the pristine scenery and abundant wildlife makes this beach a popular spot for locals. The water is incredibly clear and when the sky is just right, the water can even look a little aqua. Have you ever seen a beach this far north that reminded you of the Caribbean?
It's called Fossil Beach because of the huge number of fossils that are embedded in the cliffs that line the shore. There are no facilities, but the pristine scenery and abundant wildlife makes this beach a popular spot for locals. The water is incredibly clear and when the sky is just right, the water can even look a little aqua. Have you ever seen a beach this far north that reminded you of the Caribbean?
The Most Jaw Dropping Lake In Alaska
Alaska has scores of gorgeous lakes, but to see some of the most beautiful spots, you've got to take a little trip into the backcountry. Lost Lake on the Kenai Peninsula is one of those places. It's a real-life wonderland, tucked into the 6,908,540-acre Chugach National Forest. The trail you'll take to this lake is 14 miles long, and it might take you 6-8 hours to complete. When you see the lake, you'll know it was worth every step. Does Lost Lake sound like a place you would want to discover?
The Most Beautiful Island In Alaska
Kodiak Island is a place that offers it all: breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and vast wild spaces. It's the second largest island in the United States, and its 15,000 people are spread across 3,595 square miles, an area roughly three times the size of Rhode Island.
The island is a dream for people who love the outdoors - it has incredible hiking trails, spectacular fishing, and amazing wildlife. Massive Kodiak Bears are native to the island. Would you want to explore this amazing island?
The island is a dream for people who love the outdoors - it has incredible hiking trails, spectacular fishing, and amazing wildlife. Massive Kodiak Bears are native to the island. Would you want to explore this amazing island?
The Best Trail To Hike In Alaska
To pick the best trail in Alaska is like picking a favorite child; there are endless places to hike in Alaska, and they are all amazing.
One spot that's hard to top is the Bird Ridge Trail in Chugach State Park. It's a vigorous hike into the mountains that will take you to some truly incredible mountain views. In the warmer months, the wildflowers are incredible. The trail covers about six miles, and while the terrain is rather steep at times, there are also several great places to rest along the way. With a trail this beautiful, you'll want to take your time. Can you imagine hiking this wonderful trail?
One spot that's hard to top is the Bird Ridge Trail in Chugach State Park. It's a vigorous hike into the mountains that will take you to some truly incredible mountain views. In the warmer months, the wildflowers are incredible. The trail covers about six miles, and while the terrain is rather steep at times, there are also several great places to rest along the way. With a trail this beautiful, you'll want to take your time. Can you imagine hiking this wonderful trail?
The Most Beautiful River In Alaska
For a true Alaskan river experience, look no further than Chena River. It's a gorgeous river, deep in the state's interior, surrounded by dense forest and studded with the occasional soft sandbar. It's an easy river for paddlers to explore, but it's a wild place; along the river, you'll see moose, birds, wildflowers, and dreamy forests. Would you dip a paddle in this beautiful Alaskan river?
The Most Scenic Mountain In Alaska
Alaska has more than 3,100 named mountains, but some are especially stunning. The Wrangell Mountain range will take your breath away. It's a volcanic range and it's huge, with the highest peak topping 18,000 feet.
It's the second highest mountain in both Alaska and Canada and it's so beautiful it even inspired John Denver to write a song. In his lyrics, Denver said he can't wait to see the Wrangell Mountains. Do you agree?
It's the second highest mountain in both Alaska and Canada and it's so beautiful it even inspired John Denver to write a song. In his lyrics, Denver said he can't wait to see the Wrangell Mountains. Do you agree?
The Most Unique Garden In Alaska
The climate of southeast Alaska produces some amazingly lush flowers and plants, and nature's magic is on full display in a magical garden in Juneau. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventures is a gorgeous botanical garden that was once named the most interesting landmark in America. Visit it and you'll see why; the elegantly designed gardens include 15-foot-tall "flower towers" that cascade with oversized blossoms. It's like a whole other world; does it sound like one you would want to visit?
