Head North to the Alaskan Frontier

Alaska is known as the Last Frontier. As the country’s largest state, it is the northernmost, bordered by the Arctic and Pacific oceans, Canada and the Bering Sea. Alaska joined the union as the 49th state in 1959.

Known for its high mountains, cool climate and wide open spaces of untouched beauty, Alaska’s highest point is Mt. McKinley at 20,320 feet. Numerous islands make up the state’s fractured terrain, including more than 100,000 glaciers. It has more than 33,000 miles of coastline.

Juneau is the state capital, accessible only by boat or plane.

Alaska is rich in natural resources. Once the destination of enthusiastic gold miners, it has now become a hotbed for oil and gas discoveries. The largest known North American oil field is in Prudhoe Bay.

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline was completed in 1977, opening the door to natural resource removal. A subject of great debate

One of Alaska’s most famous events is the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Referred to as the “Last Great Race on Earth,” teams of 12 to 15 dogs carry their mushers over nearly 1,200 miles of rugged terrain on a route that alternates every other year. Competitors must brave ice, snow, forests, tundra and treacherous trails over 16 days of temperatures that often fall below zero.

Rivers and streams are well-stocked with fish and attract much of Alaska’s plentiful game and wildlife.

There are many popular fishing destinations which attract locals and visitors alike. Silver Lake in the Southcentral Region is famous for its 2-foot-long rainbow trout. Just north of Valdez is Blueberry Lake, a fly fishing Mecca for grayling. Lake Louise and Susitna Lake, found just west of Glennallen,  boast 20-pound trout and many other species of fish caught for sport and food.

Alaska has been featured on a number of T.V. shows over the years, including “Northern Exposure,” “Men in Trees,” and “Ice Road Truckers.” Segments of nature shows on hunting, fishing and exploration in the great state are regularly televised on The Discovery Channel and The History Channel.

With a population of about 686,000, much of the state is rural and contains pockets of people among its scattered major cities. Juneau, for example, has about 30,000 residents and Nome less than 10,000.

Over the last few years, Alaska has become a prime cruise ship and vacation destination. Visitors flock to the natural beauty and mostly untouched wilderness to get away from the rat race found elsewhere in the country.