Alaska - America's Final Frontier
Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park

Alaska is America's last frontier, blessed with natural wonders. This immense landscape supports an incredible variety of animal and bird species. Imagine a brown bear rambling up one side of a mountain valley while Caribou trek across the tundra in their yearly migration, whales inhabit the oceans and eagles soar in the clear clean air. Just picture yourself sitting in your kayak or on a wonderful cruise ship as you view a five-mile-wide glacier calve ice off its face, these are experience of natural beauty that permanently change your way of thinking.

Alaska is by far the largest state; the animal populations outnumber the humans. The moose population is around 150,00, black-tailed deer, caribou, mountain goat, Dall sheep, bears and wolves are frequently seen picnicking from the urban border to the hidden interior. Harbor seals, porpoises, dolphins, humpback and minke whales, sea lions, sea otters and walruses are all common marine mammals, making an arctic ccean plunge an undeniably social affair. The sky is alive with over 200 species of birds, most notably the impressive bald eagle that has a wingspan that often reach 8 feet. The flora of Alaska is diverse, changing dramatically from on region to the next.

The people of Alaska are renowned for their traditional arts and crafts primarily because of their use of limited natural materials. Roots, ivory, birch bark, grasses and soapstone were used creatively to produce ceremonial regalia and other artwork. The best known example of Native Alaskan craft is the totemic art apparent in every community in the southeast, as well as the classic freestanding poles. The totemic art is also carved on houses and other clan structures.

Anchorage is home to almost half of Alaska's (human) residents and is a city of prosperity and much debate. There are many excellent day hikes that begin on the outskirts of the city and quickly lead into beautiful alpine areas, you can see the sights via small aircraft, or head off on a fishing adventure.

Kenai Peninsula has become the state's top recreational area. The peninsula is a conglomeration of mountains, fjords, icefields and glaciers with an abundance of marine wildlife.

Denali National Park is the nation's premier subarctic national park, encompassing 6 million acres. The wildlife-watching opportunities are abundant and Mt. McKinley is a spectacular site. The park offers hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and white-water rafting.

Few cities are a beautiful as Juneau, the snowcapped peaks of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts provide the perfect backdrop, while the Gastineau channel adds to the ambiance of this bustling waterfront city. It is know as the "Gateway to the Glaciers". Alaska's famous drive in Mednedall Glacier is located just 13 miles from the city center.

Sixteen tidewater glaciers spilling out of the mountains and filling the sea with icebergs of all shapes sizes and shades of blue have made Glacier Bay National Park an icy wilderness renowned throughout the world. This is an area of green forests, steep fjords and icebergs. An added attraction is the variety of marine life, forest creatures and abundant birdlife.

There are so many ways to experience the wilderness of Alaska, we can arrange a cruise on a magnificent ship, or if you prefer a smaller ship that will take you right up to the edge of the glaciers and into hidden inlets. How about in inland tour to experience the beauty of an untouched wilderness. If you looking for a fishing adventure we've got the perfect Sportfishing lodge, let the James TravelPoints experts send you on adventure to the last frontier.