Natural History of Alaska

Native Peoples of Alaska

Learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the five distinct groups of Native Alaskan peoples: Aleut Athabascan; Tlingit and Haida; Inupiat; and Yupik.

Alaska Land Mammals

The highlight of any Alaska visit is the opportunity to see large mammals such as whales, moose, caribou, bears and wolves. Read this Alaska Travel Guide about these and other furry residents.

Alaska Birds

Alaska is home to a wide variety of birds and with 471 species positively identified, Alaska is a popular destination for birders the world over. Get a jump start with this guide to Alaska birds.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

While most visitors to Alaska will admit to being afraid of bears, many Alaskans will tell you that they are actually more afraid of moose than they are of bears.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park is the major destination of Alaska travelers. With Mt. McKinley as its crown, Denali park is known for its unspoiled beauty and abundant wildlife.

Geologic History of Denali National Park

Denali National Park lies in the heart of a curved mountain chain about 600 miles long, the Alaska Range. In the McKinley massif area, the range is about six miles wide and is aligned generally northeast to southwest. Follow through to learn a concise overview of Denali National Parks geology.

Alaska Geology

Earthquake, volcanoes, mountains, and glaciers are ever-present reminders of Alaska�s dynamic and complex geologic composition. Learn more about this changing land.

Major Vegetation Types of Alaska

This guide describes the three general biomes that occur in Alaska; tundra, taiga (also known as boreal forest) and temperate coniferous rainforest.

Trees of Alaska

There are 128 native species of trees and shrubs that occur in Alaska. This Alaska Travel Guide describes in details the most common trees Alaska travelers will see.

National Petroleum Reserve

Set aside in 1923 for emergency use, the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska is the largest and most controversial piece of undeveloped federal land owned in the US.

Alaska Government

Do you know the difference between a borough and a country? This guide attempts to answer this question while briefly describing the workings of the 49th state's government.

Legislation That Shaped Alaska's History

Only a state since 1959, Alaska is a young state that even today attempts to balance the needs of economic growth with the necessity of preserving its rugged beauty and rich native culture.