Alaska Official State Vacation Planner • 2024 • Natural Wonders

Alaska has it all. From glaciers, wildflowers, and wildlife to the aurora, alpine forests, and coastline-few places in the world boast the diversity and magnificent balance of nature that Alaska offers.

These centuries-old ice and snow formations are one of Alaska’s greatest treasures. Depending on location, you can go glacier trekking or hiking, or take a glacier day cruise for an epic photo opportunity.

Incredible forest ecosystems spans hundreds of thousands of acres in Alaska–including the only temperate rainforest in the United States. Boreal forests make up the majority of the state and are home to a variety of biodiversity.

All across the state, Alaska’s mountain ranges boast record-breaking peaks, hiking and ski trails, snow-covered summits, exceptional valley views, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing.

These long, narrow inlets of the sea provide breathtaking views and lie between steep cliffs carved over a millennium ago by glaciers. Head out for a cruise, hike, or packrafting adventure to enjoy the full scale of this dramatic coastal landscape.

This treeless ecosystem is made up of a thick carpet of lichen, mosses, and shrubs that support wildlife throughout the area, including musk oxen, caribou, foxes, and birds.

Hike among volcanic history in the Valley of 10,000 Smokes in Katmai National Park or view some of the state's 130 volcanoes located primarily along the Aleutian Range and Wrangell Mountains.

Surrounded on three sides by water, Alaska is bordered by the Arctic Ocean, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea, and Pacific Ocean–yielding an incredible seafood bounty, beautiful coastal views, and abundant marine life.

• Over 47,000 miles of shoreline
• Over 3 million lakes
• 14 mountain ranges (including some of the highest peaks in the U.S.)
• Over 100,000 glaciers (600 of which are named)
• 130 volcanoes
• 1,800 islands

SEASONS OF ALASKA

With spring wildlife migrations, endlessly bright summer days, and magical aurora viewings in fall and winter, any time of year is a great time to explore Alaska.

Alaska’s autumnal splendor offers colorful trees and tundra with tranquil, crisp days and aurora-lit nights. The shoulder season often offers special rates during this time.

There’s no hibernating here! Glacier trekking, dog sledding, aurora viewing, ice skating, fat-tire biking, and snow adventures are all waiting for you in Alaska’s winter wonderland.

Witness the return of migrating birds and whales during springtime in Alaska. Plus, businesses and cruise lines usually offer early-season discounts as they prepare for summer.

More daylight hours and warmer temperatures mean more time for hiking, fishing, cruising, packrafting, and more outdoor recreation during Alaska’s peak season.

The term midnight sun refers to the up to 24 hours of sunlight much of the state basks in during the summer. Locals enjoy sunlit activities around the clock–even biking, gardening, and walking the dog well into the night. The farther north you go, the more sunlight you will experience. In Utqiaġvik, the northernmost city of Alaska, the sun rises on May 10 and won’t set until August 2 for 85 straight days of sunlight!

NORTHERN LIGHTS

In the sun’s absence, Alaska basks in the captivating display of northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The fluorescent and ethereal tapestry of colors dance in the night sky, giving an otherworldly display.

Guided tours, wilderness lodges, backcountry dog sledding trips, and even winter cruises offer multi-day chances to enjoy the lights. Other great options are photography day trips (or, should we say, night trips) or searching on your own using aurora viewing apps or websites. Ask your hotel if they offer an aurora wake-up call and chat with locals for tips on where to go.

Websites such as the UAA Aurora Forecast and the Explore Fairbanks Aurora Tracker give real-time updates on aurora activity.

Night owls, unite! Plan on looking for the aurora anytime in late August through April, usually between 10pm and 2am.

The northern lights can be seen from anywhere in the state, but the farther north you are, the higher your chances of viewing this phenomenon. Particularly, the Interior and Arctic regions provide some of the best viewings due to their dark, clear skies and location under the auroral oval. For those looking to stay close to amenities, Fairbanks is a popular choice.

WILD ABOUT WILDLIFE

Alaska’s rich and diverse ecosystems give life to an abundance of mammals and marine life. From the mountains to the tundra and ocean, the animals that call Alaska’s land and waters home are unparalleled.

Get up close and personal with these majestic maritime creatures on whale watching tours and day cruises. Spring tours are best for gray whales, while summer is prime humpback and orca season.

The vast majority of Alaska's mainland, along with Kodiak Island, is home to salmon-loving brown bears. Black bears can be found in most forested areas of the state, and even in urban areas like Anchorage. The best time to watch for bears is in the summer, during dawn and dusk hours when they are actively searching for food.

*All wildlife in Alaska should be respected. Please do not approach, feed, or disrupt wild animals at any time.

Alaska is home to around 30,000 bald eagles. These stunning raptors enjoy the coastal areas but can be found throughout the state.

These large members of the deer family roam across tundra and mountainous regions, with the largest herds in the Arctic region.

Often seen along the meadows and rocky slopes of alpine regions, these horned mammals can be spotted in Southcentral, Interior, and the Arctic.

Over 1.2 million horned puffins call Alaska's islands and coastal areas home. Another species, the tufted puffin, also lives here.

The Alaska Moose is one of the state's most commonly seen animals. Found in just about every region, even densely populated neighborhoods, it's likely you'll cross paths with these mammals.

The coastal areas of the Inside Passage, through to the Aleutian Islands, are home to adorable sea otters that are spotted year-round.

Living along the Aleutian chain and the southern coast of Alaska, Steller sea lions' impressive vocalizations sound more like roars than the barks of California sea lions.

Wolves can be found in every region of Alaska, covering a range of about 85% of the state. However, these pack animals are not commonly seen because they avoid people as much as they can.

Alaska Official State Vacation Planner - 2024

Natural Wonders

Landscapes, Seasons, & Wildlife

SEASONS OF ALASKA

NORTHERN LIGHTS

WILD ABOUT WILDLIFE

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