Articles
Inland Alaska: The Wildest Place in America
by Roy Witman © 2009
“Unspoiled.” “Untouched.” “Wilderness.” These
are just a few of the words that accurately describe the
state of Alaska. While Alaska cruises are one
excellent way to see much of what this amazing region
has to offer, they typically don't do justice to the
magnitude of nature found here. It takes venturing
inland to unlock the magic that is truly Alaska.
A full 15 percent of this state is legally designated
as wilderness areas. And, because the citizens of
Alaska reside primarily in a few compact cities, much
of the state is occupied solely by wildlife. It's not
desolate; it's natural, filled with intriguing animals of all
sorts that live freely in this rugged landscape.
Denali National Park
Denali means “Great One,” and the name fits!
Home of Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North
America, this giant stretches over 20,000 feet into the
sky. But this isn't the only great sight in the park.
Equally as impressive are the glacial landscape and
the “Big Five” wildlife inhabitants: grizzly bears,
caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose.
This park is truly “organic” in that it has been
maintained to serve its original residents: the animals.
One road moves vehicle traffic in and out of the park to
preserve order. Look around. Take a deep breath.
“Back to nature” has never been a more appropriate
saying than when you're standing in the midst of
Denali National Park.
Kluane National Park
One of the largest international land preserves on
earth, Kluane National Park has been named a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. A frozen tundra;
Kluane boasts the highest mountain in Canada - Mt.
Logan - as well as some of the largest and thickest
glaciers in the world.
With rivers of ice, vast ice fields and massive
glaciers, Kluane is typically blanketed with a solid
layer of frozen water including glaciers that are up to
one mile thick. It is truly like walking into a land before
time.
Alaska Railroad
Cruise ships are the best way to visit numerous
destinations however, they have one drawback. They
do require water in order to operate. Since inland
Alaska is far from the ocean's shore, you'll simply need
to transfer to another delightful form of transportation:
The Alaska Railroad.
Reaching from Seward to Fairbanks, you'll enjoy
the view of incredible scenery as you gaze through
large picture windows. This form of luxury rail travel is
complete with dining car, viewing deck, upper-level
dome area, restrooms and comfortable seating.
With multiple tours with varying prices, it's easy to
escape to the inland areas of Alaska that you would
have otherwise missed.
When you're planning your next Alaska tour, look
for cruise lines that offer inland Alaska excursions.
You'll experience the wonder and excitement only
discovered by those who venture into the depths of
this land that is still wild at heart.
Read more about Alaska Cruises.
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