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16 fun and interesting facts about Alaska
Alaska has so much more than ice and snow. The largest state in the USA also has a lot of history, too. There are so many fun facts about Alaska that end up attracting visitors from around the world.
From Kodiak brown bears to the largest glacier accessible by car in the USA, the Matanuska Glacier, there’s something for everyone. Not to mention, it has a rich, diverse, and culturally fascinating history behind it.
Why is Alaska such a popular travel destination in North America? Well, it has a bit to do with the outdoor activities and interesting Alaskan history. There are a plethora of fun facts about Alaska that spark curiosity.
If you’re considering a trip to Alaska, you might want to read some of the most interesting facts about Alaska below!
Interesting Facts About Alaska
Russia ended up with some serious regret after selling the land to the United States of America. Beyond its marvelous visual appeal, the territory also came with a slew of essential and valuable natural resources that help the American economy to this day.
So are you ready to get some cool and fun facts about Alaska here? Let’s go!
Population of Alaska
While it’s not very populated, the population of Alaska grows consistently year by year. Some of the cities are quite large, but they maintain a homely and classic feel. It balances a fascinating history, modern conveniences, and an incredible set of natural landmarks.
Recently, an 80-foot-deep avalanche cut off residential areas in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Natural events like this are quite common in the state. Regardless, it manages to attract millions of tourists and thousands of new residents every year. As of 2021, the population of Alaska was 732,673.
Two of the Largest Forests in the United States of America
Alaska, as a state, is enormous. However, it’s also home to a few of the largest forests in the country, The Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. The first is spread across 16.7 million acres, and the latter sits at a much smaller 700,000 acres.
The Tongass National Forest is host to an impressive number and variety of wildlife.
It’s home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the United States. You can also find seals, mountain goats, moose, deer, beaver, fox, porcupine, sea lions, whales, and sea otters throughout the forest and along the adjacent coastline.
The Tongass National Forest is also, of course, a major part of the tourist attraction in the state.
Millions of visitors travel along the rivers in this forest every year. The rivers are the primary form of travel, as it’s quite difficult to traverse without resorting to sailing, kayaking, and motor boating. It’s considered one of the best places to visit in Alaska
Alaska’s Seismic Activity
Alaska has some intense seismic activity. This is typical of regions with large mountain ranges. And, since Alaska has 17 of North America’s tallest mountains, this might come as no surprise.
It’s worth noting that, in North America, the highest peak is around 20,000 feet above sea level. This peak is known as Denali, and it resides in Alaska.
The intense seismic activity might have a more understandable cause. There are more than 100 volcanic fields and volcanoes in the state. Luckily, though, it’s usually just rumbles and quakes, as the volcanoes have erupted only twice in the last century.
In terms of earthquakes, residents have experienced around 30 quakes above the 6th magnitude. Under that, though, there have been more than 160,000. And that’s just in the last 5 years!
Iditarod Trail
The Iditarod trail is a sled dog race that started in 1925. The event is based on happenings of the time, where 20 dog teams had to travel over 600 miles to deliver medicines to halt an epidemic in Nome. It’s a big deal, attracting tons of competitors every year!
Dog teams were used because the region had intense blizzards and storms that made it impossible for ground and air vehicles to travel. The first Iditarod race to represent the event took place in 1973. It now runs every year in March.
The race is also referred to as The Serum Race and the Great Race of Mercy.
Dog mushing is now the official sport of the state. This includes sled dog racing, freighting, weight pulling, and carting. Many locals, due to accessibility and affordability, use dog sledding as their primary mode of transport.
Gray Wolves Thrive in Alaska
Alaska has the largest population of gray wolves in the US. It’s a wholesome fact, as they’re a protected species in the state. At the same time, though, they’re an essential component of the tourism industry in Alaska. People travel from countries around the world to see them.
A the moment, there are between 8,000 and 13,000 gray wolves in Alaska. Luckily, they have yet to be considered or categorized as an endangered or threatened species. And, it doesn’t look like they will be any time soon.
Home to Kodiak Bears
The largest subspecies of brown bears in North America, and the world, reside on the Kodiak Island in Alaska. Males can stand up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet tall when resting on all fours.
They can even weigh an impressive 1,400 pounds! They’re very similar to the now-extinct California grizzly bear regarding behavior patterns and diet.
Despite the negative stigma surrounding bears, there have been only three fatal encounters with Kodiak bears. Every other year, though, at least one person is injured by a Kodiak bear.
While these low numbers of harm caused by the Kodiak bears can seem reassuring, the local government consistently pushes for reduced encounters between them and humans.
Sales and Income Tax
At a glance, Alaska has no sales tax. While it technically exists, it’s a fraction of what the rest of the country implements. There are four exceptions, though, including Montana, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Delaware. It’s also worth noting that most of the cities in Alaska have no income tax.
The Matanuska Glacier
The Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in the state. It’s well-known for its size, but tourists can also enjoy it thanks to its ease of access. There are direct roads leading to the glacier.
The glacier’s popularity is also, in large part, thanks to its color. The deep blue tint is eye candy, but there’s more to it. Onlookers can see deep into the glacier, as it’s mostly transparent!
There Are So Many Alaskan Lakes
It might be hard to believe, but Alaska has more than 3 million lakes; all of the lakes are at least 5 hectares. Add on the fact that there are an estimated 11,000 rivers, and you have a state that’s very boat-friendly. It’s also part of why seaplanes are so popular in Alaska.
Here’s a quick look at the largest lakes in Alaska:
Iliamna LakeLake ClarkNaknek LakeBecharof LakeSelawik LakeTustumena LakeKenai Lake
Alaska is an amazing vacation destination. Known as the final frontier, it truly takes you on a trip out of the ordinary. Now that you are armed with some fun and interesting Alaska facts, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to visit Alaska.
Did you enjoy these facts about Alaska? Are you planning to visit Alaska, if so, learn everything you need to know about traveling to Alaska at our Alaskan travel guide?
Photo of Japanese Peace monument U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Kurt Fredrickson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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