The Aleuts called it Alyeska - The Great Land! A place of soaring peaks, sweeping landscapes, and mighty rivers. Everything in Alaska seems larger than life. It is the Last Frontier.
Alaska is a land of almost unimaginable scale. Stretching across 586,000 square miles of untamed wilderness, Alaska is one-fifth the size of the contiquous United States. It contains the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley, which many Alaskans simply call "the mountain." And of course, the Land of the midnight Sun has longer summer days than any other state. This majestic landscape borders two oceans and three seas, with a 47,300 - mile coastline. Alaska boasts over three million lakes, 3,000 rivers, 1,800 islands, and more than 100,000 glaciers.
Alaska is big, so allow enough time to really enjoy your trip without rushing through scenery and activities. If your time is limited, consider a packaged tour featuring highlights from several regions. Or you might prefer to travel independently, exploring Alaska at your own pace. Many visitors combine a few brief tours with an independent travel itinerary, enjoying the best of both options.
This web site provides a wealth of information to help you plan your trip to the 49th state.
