Alaska's Parklands: The Complete Guide

Descriptions of the parks and public wilderness areas of Alaska are accompanied by advice on planning camping trips in the state

In December 1980, Congress signed into law the Alaska Lands Act, setting aside more than 104 million acres of prime wilderness habitat. To those itching to witness firsthand the nearly incomprehensible beauty of the 49th state, this jigsaw puzzle of parks, refuges, monuments, and wild and scenic rivers presents a dizzying array of opportunities to journey on foot, by car, or via boat through a wild land. The author makes it plain from the get-go that navigating one's way around such a humongous piece of real estate presents a unique set of considerations. Hence, Part I of her guide is a primer on everything from gold panning etiquette to iceberg and glacier do's and don'ts. Once oriented, informed, and thoroughly equipped, you're ready to choose from an A-Z listing of national and state parklands. Canoe along the Kobuk River's scenic canyons and wetlands (plan your trip in June and you won't need a flashlight). Check out Chugach State Park's Turnagain Arm, a fjord with one of the highest tidal variations in the world. Admire Tlingit and Haida Indian totem poles at Totem Bight State Historic Park. Or, at Denali National Park, stand amazed as you view wolves stalking caribou, grizzly bears scratching their backs on road signs, and red foxes playing with their kits (not to mention North America's tallest peak in the background). Alaska is a big and bold land that awaits your exploration, but traveling through rugged country requires careful planning and preparation. Use Alaska's Parklands both to acquaint yourself with the basics--road conditions, weather tables, public transportation--and to get the most from your explorations of the "Last Frontier."