Three Alaskan Adventures to Get Close to Nature
If you love nature, Alaska could be the perfect place for you. But at over 1.5 million square kilometers, America's northernmost state is huge — so where's the best place to start your trip?
Why not try one of these adventures?
Visit the bears on the ABC Islands
In the warmer months, from about May to mid-September, Alaska's brown bears come to eat salmon on the islands of Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof — the "ABC Islands."
There are almost no people on the islands, so the best way to get to them is by seaplane from Alaska's capital, Juneau. Just remember — there is no phone reception, nor are there toilets or showers. It will only be you and the bears!
Camp next to America's tallest mountain
Seventeen of the 20 highest mountains in the US are in Alaska, with Denali being the tallest at 6,190 meters. It's also the tallest mountain in North America.
Denali is in Denali National Park and Preserve, about 320 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Climbing Denali is very difficult: the average trip takes 17 to 21 days to go up and come back down.
But you can camp next to it for beautiful views of the central Alaska Range. Just don't forget to watch for bears, moose and wolves!
Go whale watching in Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is home to more than 50 named glaciers, as well as beautiful fjords, lakes and mountains. It's also a sanctuary for whales, including orcas and minke whales, as well as the 14- to 19-meter-long humpback whale.
The best time to take a boat trip to see the whales is between May and September. Tours can be as quick as half a day, or even take eight days on a large ship.
