When clients contact me to plan their Alaska vacations, spotting wilderness is one of their top priorities, but when breaking down The Last Frontier by the numbers, Alaska flaunts some other pretty dazzling statistics that make it a highly desirable bucket list destination.
Mountain Peaks
17 of the country’s 20 tallest mountain peaks are in Alaska, including imposing and breathtaking Denali that stands 20,320 feet above sea level.
Experience it: Make arrangements for a narrated tour or stay at one of the area’s lodges and spot the peak if the clouds clear.
Winding Rivers
There are more than 3,000 rivers in Alaska, and the 2,000-mile-long Yukon River is the third longest in the country. The Last Frontier also boasts a whopping three million+ lakes.
Experience it: Go fishing, rafting, or kayaking and gape at the surrounding beauty from the water.
Glaciers Galore
Alaska is home to approximately 100,000 glaciers.
Experience it: Helicopter tours provide an unforgettable eagle’s eye view of glacial activity, while scenic cruising allows for a more leisurely viewing experience from your cruise ship’s deck or balcony. For certain glaciers, like the Mendenhall glacier near Juneau, simply walking to a viewing site is also an option.
Coastline for Miles
The state has 6,640 miles of coastline to watch as you sail by, or you can explore it on land.
Experience it: Selecting a cruise itinerary with ports and scenic cruising opportunities that interest you is key, and I can assist with sorting through your options!
Captivating Wildlife
People from around the world travel to Alaska to spot “The Big 5” – bears, moose, caribou, dall sheep, and wolves.
Experience it: The safest way to view bears in Alaska is via guided tour to destinations like Katmai National Park and Denali National Park. Moose can be spotted as you go about your other activities, so keep your eyes open when exploring Alaska, particularly in the interior regions! Caribou are constantly migrating, and large herds are usually found in the most remote areas of the state that are accessible by plane only. The Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood is a prime location for spotting dall sheep on the hillsides. Wolves are incredibly elusive and usually only reward the most patient wildlife spotters, but they can sometimes be glimpsed at Katmai National Park and Denali National Park.
You can also watch the bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park from the comfort of your living room! Our family regularly tunes in to the live stream on YouTube to see what the bears are up to. It’s currently Fat Bear Week, too!
Travel by Stephanie 
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