Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area and famed for its dramatic glaciers, waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and rugged wilderness.  Covering roughly 663,000 square miles, the U.S.'s 49th state spans five distinct regions and is home to a rich blend of Native Alaskan cultures among modern exploration and industry.  With a population of less than 750,000, the 49th state of the United States is the most visually stunning and least visited state in the county.

Getting around in Alaska for the most part is easy.  However, most of the state's true beauty can only be accessed by bush planes, which are small two-engine prop planes that take-off and land on rural airstrips. There are six major highways in the state, which are mostly well-paved, two-lane roads.

   1. The Alaska Highway (AK-1/AK-2) - This legendary 1,387-mile route connects Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska.  It is the primary over-the-road link between Alaska and the rest of the continent.

   2. The George Parks Highway (AK-5) - This 323-mile artery links Anchorage to Fairbanks, and runs parallel to the Alaska Railroad and provides access to Denali National Park.​

   3. Glenn Highway (AK-1) - This highway stretches 328 miles from Anchorage to Tok, traveling through the Matanuska Valley and passing the Matanuska Glacier.

   4. Richardson Highway (AK-4/AK-2) - From the coastal town of Valdez to Fairbanks, this scenic roadway spans 368 miles and was Alaska's first major long-distance road.  Be sure to stop in North Pole, Alaska (just south of Fairbanks) to star in your own "Christmas story."  The town is known for being in the holiday spirit year round.  

   5. Seward & Sterling Highways (AK-1/AK-9) - This 127-mile north-south route connects Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula and is renowned as one of the most beautiful drives in Alaska. From stunning glaciers and waterways to the mountain backdrops for watery plains, this is a must-do drive when visiting Alaska.  If you want to take a detour, head east of the Seward Highway to Whittier.  This is a timed, toll road that will take you through a 2-1/2 mile tunnel that is shared with the railway.  It is the longest shared tunnel (rail and car) in North America.

   6. Dalton Highway (AK-11) - This remote 414-mile gravel road stretches from Livengood to Prudhoe Bay and Deadhorse in the Arctic Circle.  Once you traverse the challenging Brooks Range, you'll be treated to the tundra landscapes and abundant wildlife.  Watch for moose, grizzly bear, musk ox, caribou, and reindeer along this desolate, but beautiful drive.  However, to drive this road you will need to secure a 4-wheel drive vehicle from specialized rental car facilities.  The standard rentals from the airpot will not cover any damages or allow you to drive this road due to the challenges that you may face.  The weather is unpredictable at any time during the year; and the two-lane, gravel roads through the Brooks Range can present a challenge should you face an 18-wheeler hauling oil from Prudhoe Bay.​

​

Alaska is home to 8 U.S. National Parks... Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords, Gates of the Arctic (the least visited National Park, and most remote), Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, and the iconic Katmai (known for viewing Alaskan Brown Bears fishing for salmon at Brooks Lodge during the salmon run).  Each park has a beauty of its own... from stunning landscapes to iconic wildlife.  Some are easily accessible (such as Kenai Fjords and Denali), while others require flights over and through some of the state's beautiful mountainous and challenging terrain on a bush plane. Katmai, Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, and Lake Clark National Parks are not accessible by any roadway and require air transportation to get you to your destination. Wrangell-St. Elias can be reached by car, combined with a lengthy hike (with luggage if staying at Kennecott Lodge within the boundaries of the park).  However, the road to Wrangell can be a bit rough and laced with old railroad spikes which can damage and flatten tires.  Although we didn't drive to Wrangell, locals have stated that the condition of this road is somewhat exaggerated... but many rental facilities won't cover any damages or bail you out should you get stuck.

​

For me, every trip to Alaska has been one to remember.  The iconic and stunning scenery and landscapes stand out among some of the most beautiful places on Earth.  In fact and in my opinion, this IS the most beautiful place on our planet (that I have visited thus far). With its diverse landscapes, from the flat grasslands and marshy plains to the mountainous terrains riddled with glaciers, there is nothing like Alaska.  And to witness Alaska's wildlife in action, and unfiltered, is something to behold. Although I have only scratched the wild surface of this immense state, I cherish every moment from every trip that I have taken to this gorgeous "final frontier" of America, and I look forward to our next Alaskan adventure.

This may be one of the longer pages of photographic content and narrative, but it's worth it. The following photographic journey takes you through Alaska's "wild side" (as seen from the lens of my camera) where I showcase some of our 49th state's stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife that defines Alaska as North America's "final frontier."  

​

Alaska's Wildlife

Daybreak
Seward Highway, Alaska
 

Overlook
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
 

Rocky Spires
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
 

Valdez Views
Valdez, Alaska