Alaska: The Last Frontier
A land of peaks, icebergs, glaciers, and placid lakes, Alaska has much of the continent’s tallness, length, and rawness, but very few of its people. This is the Last Frontier, so named for its isolated island-like locale. Think of the state of Texas standing in for Alaska: they might have a bit too much in common geographically. But while Texas is unmistakably American, there’s something almost foreign about wild, vast Alaska, perhaps because it’s been somewhat forgotten: annexed by the US once it started draining from Russian coffers in 1867. The home of the Aleut mysteries of the aurora borealis, the hideout of 105 snowcapped mountains (including 17 of America’s 20 highest peaks), the juxtaposition of temperate forests and open tundra; mainland Alaska is dotted with remote wildernesses, away from the shape and size of the sparse population that clings to the southwestern coast. Nearby stretches the heart of Denali, a bizarre mix of ivory mountain, alpines, and tundra, caribou, grizzly, and flocking Dall sheep, which climaxes with the geometric allure of Mt. McKinley.
This primal appeal of Alaska attracts its many adventurous visitors. Alaska has, after all, been the home of adventurous, rugged travelers since the time of the Thule, Inupiat, and other Native peoples thousands of years ago. This unusual character is what we wish to highlight, and thus, as the photographs that follow show, we steer our inclusion of Alaska away from visitor-heavy destinations and toward the lesser-known reaches of this remote frontier. Rather than concentrate on towns and cities, our photographs instead favor the cultural and physical landmarks that speak more forcefully to Alaska’s once-island status in the North Pacific.
Adventure Activities in Alaska
If you’re someone who adores exploring the great outdoors and has an adventurous spirit, you need to make a trip to the wilderness of Alaska. There are so many different activities that you can participate in and adventures waiting for you to explore. Whether you want a thrilling ATV ride through rugged terrain, an electrifying zip lining journey, or views that will take your breath away as you hike to a remote mountainside only to end your day in a comfy cabin, we’ve got them all. You will see amazing wildlife, check off kayaking across vast lakes, whale watching, and glacier viewing as a must! We will travel to the coastal mountain range of Kachemak Bay for exhilarating dog sledding on the snow with a local tour. Every activity is just a short jaunt from your beautiful lodgings right on the beach in Homer, Alaska.
Of course, shorter travel times to these stunning destinations also mean that you’ll be facing less challenging terrain as well. That’s great news for those who want a rapid descent! Kayakers from around the world regularly come here to ride the waves, and chances are you’ll see some of them out on the water when you go. Challenging coastline is another popular kayaking destination. You’ll get to see bears, otters, sea lions, eagles, and maybe even mountain goats. Best of all, you’ll find yourself paddling while gazing upon remote glaciers. Dog sledding is an absolute must-try activity in Alaska, where the practice is still used as a standard form of transportation in many small towns. Dog sled teams can reach speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour, but even at a slower pace, you will be amazed by the power of the dogs as one of the very few activities where you become part of a team.
Hiking and Backpacking
Whether the goal is to get away from the hubbub of everyday life or to explore the heart of the wilderness, kicking up dirt and embracing the solitude of the mountains is an ideal way to get up close and personal with the heart of the American frontier. The rough, unmaintained, mile-long paths followed by early explorers and gold miners have now evolved into extensive trail systems, as visitors to Alaska seek to reacquaint themselves with nature and all of her wildness. Whether you set out on one of the most epic hikes, idly wander a short after-dinner stroll, or embark on a physically demanding weeklong backpack trip, one thing is certain: Alaska is the place to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail. You can set off on your journey at numerous points throughout the state. Beginner hikers can take their pick from the 18 maintained trails located in Denali National Park; or if traveling by boat, head to Kenai Fjords National Park, wander along the always popular Edge of the Glacier Trail. Experienced trekkers can explore interior ranges and traverse over 40 miles of rocky paths in Kluane Chugach. Wherever and however you set out on your journey, prepare to be absolutely amazed by the diversity of trails, rich scenery, stunning glaciers, and immense horizons. More than 300,000 people visit Denali each year, with over 30,000 of them adding to their trip a 3-mile hurdle to Horseshoe Lake. And 38,000 will opt for some hidden mini-treks like the 2-mile Lost Lake Trail in Seward. Numerous treks exist in relative anonymity, and all are just around the next corner. Although each hike offers its own unique view of untold beauty once far from the trailhead and deep into the serious wilderness, as in any outdoor pursuit, you just have to pick up your boots and go.
Kayaking and Rafting
For thrill-seeking visitors, Alaska’s abundant natural resources are a treasure trove of thrilling adventure travel options, especially when it comes to water play. Kayaking ventures through crystal-clear glacial waters and serene backcountry paddle trips pepper the placid backcountry opportunities offered on the paradise paddle. Swifter river runs spill placid trekking guides into remote wonderlands that regular visitors never get to see. Wind through fjords, float past nesting birds with wilderness mountains cutting into a blue sky at the end of the road trips. If you feel the need to feel the hull ride a wave and of Alaska fly into your mouth at the same time, then legendary white-water runs are just the tricky ticket for you.
There are four ways to raft and kayak into Alaskan adventure: white-water rafting, sea kayaking, lake kayaking, and river kayaking. Each offers gentle, skill-spiced, and stomach-flipping spins on the basic activity. Regardless of what sounds interesting, don’t think for a minute that Alaska’s waterways are theme park play areas. Preparing for a paddle is just as important as remembering to put your hat on straight. One rule of caution that applies to all categories of water: always go with a reputable operator specialized in the specific quality of water you want to experience. If you don’t have a clue what you’re doing, be honest about that, too. It’s easier to learn river etiquette and technique than it is for the wet cold of Darwin’s overenthusiastic cousin to permeate your bones. With the right advice, experience, and gear, you can weather the waves, whales, and wilderness. And that’s all that really matters, right?
Dog Sledding
Harking back to the Native Alaskan lifestyle, this experience holds great value by allowing out-of-town visitors to connect to the region’s First Nation peoples through a thrilling activity. As with many of these excursions, the tours have been tailored to several distinct types of travelers: some enjoy a gentle, mellow roll out in the wild, while others are far more eager to get involved in the racing aspect of dog sledding. Regardless of whether you participate, most dog sledding gives guests a chance to learn not only how the dogs are bred for the ferocious races but also plenty about the training of the animals, and the ways in which the especially ‘hands-on’ or ‘do-it-yourself’ tours oversee grooming and care. Like other Alaska travel experiences, be ready for the chance to be part of the breeders’ shaking hoards in early March and early spring, which ushers in the Alaskan sled dog racing season.
Aside from the few dog sledding tours mentioned here, depending on the location of your other excursions in wild Alaska, many local areas simply offer the choice of traveling dog sleds shifting across the snow-laden landscape by way of dog-towed trails. Buzzing around, the best offering among these is found along the lonely trails of the Yukon River, outside of Fairbanks. Thanks to this mode of traveling, in a lone dog sled, you become part of the pulse of the snow grass surrounding you. Bundled in traditional fur, inhaling wooden sled smoke, surrounded by flickering spruce bow lantern light and above all, cutting through the drifting vanilla skies ultimately offers a rare opportunity to enjoy an active sport cherished by Native Alaskans. If you missed seeing some of the races in person, this experience gives the chance to be part of a running dog sled team.
Wilderness Lodges and Accommodations
Where to stay during your Alaskan adventure is just as important as where to go and what to do. A wide variety of wilderness lodges and accommodations make visiting the Last Frontier doable for many different types of adventure travelers. Want to stay in a comfortable lodge with the average amenities of home? Or are you more budget-conscious and would like to rent a basic, clean cabin with few services included? You bet! Would you prefer to enjoy eco-luxury at a high-end Alaska wilderness lodge? Or are you an adventure seeker yearning to find a remote camping option? No problem, there are lodges and accommodations here in Alaska for each and every travel desire. Not only are Alaskan wilderness lodges great entry points for adventure travelers wanting to try their hand at any number of outdoor activities, each lodge typically offers its very own unique piece of wilderness to explore.
No fancy pickings of landscaping here, only Mother Nature in her purest forms. And don’t be fooled – heading to the wilderness does not mean you have to “rough it.” There are many comfortable lodging options at which to stay in Alaska! These lodges and accommodations offer amenities such as electricity, fresh linens, and full-service restaurants. Some accommodations put a great deal of emphasis on their hospitality, offering nightly appetizer socials and cooking up gourmet meals for you each night. Luxury Alaska wilderness lodges sometimes even provide hot tubs and spa services after a day of adventure. Because it provides a more in-depth experience, a stay at one or more of these Alaska wilderness lodges can really add to your overall Alaskan adventure. Many of the lodges offer a day out on the water for guided fishing or flightseeing as part of every day package, which makes it incredibly easy to see and do quite a lot.
Safety Tips and Preparation
Safety: No matter what activity you love, do it safely. You can be badly injured or killed while exploring Alaska. Carry a map, GPS, and tell someone where you’ll be traveling. Keep in touch. Check on the weather where you plan to go and have a backup plan. When in bear country, make noise, watch for signs of recent bear activity, and carry pepper spray. *Get
Fit: Before venturing out far from civilization, a personal health check-up is a good idea. Your age and current physical condition are important factors to consider when preparing for Alaska outdoor experiences. For example, most mountain climbers, hikers, and backcountry skiers develop their physical fitness and stamina through regular exercise before leaving home.
Gear: Have the proper gear for your chosen activity. Study equipment lists for mountaineering and other activities to be sure you take what you need; home-based courses may be helpful.
Itinerary: Know your route. Study maps and read books about the area. Get a feel for where you plan to go. Many outdoor excursions require boat or air charters for access to remote, wild regions. Please arrive with clear goals and a realistic time frame. Airlines will charge for rescues if facts suggest a rescue is needed.
Wildlife: Wildlife is protected in national parks, preserves, and refuges. If you did not bring the proper permits and licenses, plan to take your wildlife viewing from a public viewing area or private, guided wildlife tour. Even in more accessible sections of the backcountry, you could see a variety of large and small mammals, birds, and fish. Bears are common. Close encounters make headlines. Be educated about safety in bear and coyote country to avoid a confrontation.
Exploring Alaska as a tourist is a journey into the heart of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural beauty. From majestic glaciers and towering mountains to pristine lakes and vibrant wildlife, Alaska offers endless opportunities for adventure and tranquility alike. Whether you’re sailing along the stunning fjords, spotting whales, or hiking through peaceful forests, each experience reveals a new facet of Alaska’s wild charm. As you venture across this vast, breathtaking landscape, you’re invited not just to see, but to truly feel the freedom and wonder of nature at its finest. For those seeking a transformative escape and memories that will last a lifetime, Alaska promises an experience that’s as hopeful as it is unforgettable.