#wrangell-st. elias national park & preserve

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a vast example of arctic wilderness.

Photo by High Fliers/Shutterstock

#high fliers #photographer #wrangell-st elias national park & preserve #glacier #national park #landscape #arctic wilderness #nature

[tifoti]

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Abandoned mine in Alaska

[typhlonectes]

Arctic Ground Squirrel Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Arctic ground squirrels are highly opportunistic feeders. They have a widely varied diet which includes a snack smorgasbord of stems and leaves, roots, fruits, seeds, flowers, grasses and sedges, and other green or woody plants, as well as mushrooms. Arctic ground squirrels are members of the family Sciuridae, which includes marmots, chipmunks, prairie dogs and squirrels. They are the only ground squirrel species in Alaska.

via: National Park Service

#ground squirrel #squirrel #rodent #mammal #animals #nature #alaska #public lands #national parks

[bonefall]

silly question, do bb! clan cats know about planes? or helicopters?

i’m not quite sure how it works in the UK since i’m an american, but in the US park rangers and scientists fly over parks in helicopters fairly often for a bunch of reasons like transport to & from research stations or search & rescue along with a bunch of others. so i’d imagine the clans would see them at least every once in a while of the lake is a nature reserve (i think? i could be misremembering)

also depending on how low planes fly they’re LOUD. do the clan cats think theyre weird loud birds?

They probably know about them because of when they lived in Chelford, the White Hart Woods were near a large town. But I don't think they see them as often at Sanctuary Lake. Hengest, the largest town, is a fair distance west.

I am also American, but I don't think they use as many choppers to get around their wooded areas. The parks are TINY ASS over there, like, look at this absurd shit;

The largest preserve in Lake District, Wild Ennerdale National Nature Reserve, 9th largest in England, is 3,000 hecatares

The largest nature reserve in England, The Wash, is 8,800 hecatares.

The 15th largest nature preserve in the USA, Joshua Tree Park, is 321,788 hecatares. That's 36 The Washes.

The largest nature preserve in the USA, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, is 5,332,054 hecatares, making it larger than Denmark

So... not sure if choppers are necessary unless someone needs to be air-lifted out for medical assistance. They're really not that large.

And in either case, the planes are pretty high up. I think the Clan cats believe they're a very strange type of water bird, with the fat body and tiny wings. The Sundrown Patrol probably comes up with a theory that they're probably flying to a different ocean, and they must nest far offshore.

Tigerheart has a different theory, when the train thunders past. "they're the same species and i hate both of them"

#better bones au #clan culture

[natures-moments]

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA

[alaskaphotoadventures]

Discovering the Magnificence of Alaska's National Parks Through the Lens

Embark on a visual journey through Alaska's breathtaking national parks, where every frame tells a story of nature's grandeur and resilience. From towering peaks to icy expanses, from lush forests to coastal wonders, each park beckons photographers to capture its essence in pixels and light. Let's delve into the enchanting world of photographing Alaska's national parks, where every click of the shutter unveils a new facet of the wild.

Denali National Park and Preserve: Behold the majesty of Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, Mount Denali. Amidst its rugged terrain and expansive tundra, wildlife roams freely, offering photographers a glimpse into the untamed spirit of the wilderness. Picture-perfect moments await, from grizzly bears prowling the landscape to sweeping vistas of snow-capped mountains bathed in golden light.

Katmai National Park and Preserve: Step into the realm of brown bears and rushing waterfalls at Katmai National Park. Here, at the iconic Brooks Falls, photographers witness nature's spectacle as bears gather to feast on salmon. With each click of the camera, capture the raw power and grace of these magnificent creatures against the backdrop of Alaska's untamed wilderness.

Kenai Fjords National Park: Experience the magic of Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers meet the sea in a symphony of ice and water. Glide through icy blue waters aboard a boat, framed by towering cliffs and cascading glaciers. From breaching whales to playful sea otters, every moment is a masterpiece waiting to be captured by the discerning eye of a photographer.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve: Enter the realm of superlatives at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States. Here, amidst towering mountains and vast expanses of wilderness, photographers find solace and inspiration. Witness the kaleidoscope of colors as alpine meadows bloom, or marvel at the celestial ballet of the aurora borealis painting the night sky in hues of green and purple.

Alaska's national parks offer a cornucopia of photographic opportunities, each park a canvas waiting to be painted with light and shadow. Whether you seek the rugged beauty of Denali, the wildlife drama of Katmai, the coastal splendor of Kenai Fjords, or the wilderness solitude of Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska's national parks promise a visual feast for the senses. So, grab your camera, venture into the wild, and let your lens capture the untamed beauty of Alaska's pristine landscapes—it's a photographer's paradise unlike any other.

#photography wildlife tours

[xtruss]

Experience Alaska's Living Cultures

From dog sledding to meeting local artisans, there are countless ways to experience Alaska’s diverse cultures year-round.

— By Christina Nuñez

Experience Alaska's living cultures! Embark on an overland journey like no other, traveling over Alaska's terrain via dog sled. Dog sledding, or mushing, has a long history in Alaska: Originating as transportation for Alaska Native cultures, it went on to become the official state sport in 1972. Throughout the state, visitors can join a range of dog sled tours, from jaunts lasting a couple of hours to multiday backcountry camping excursions. In the summer, rides typically take place on wheeled carts, but if you’re craving the sledding experience, you can helicopter to a glacier and glide over snow and ice behind a team of dogs under the midnight sun.

In addition to tours, kennels offer demonstrations that reveal how sled dogs and their mushers prepare for long-distance trips. Rangers at Denali National Park and Preserve—the only national park with a kennel of sled dogs—hold daily demos from May to September. Depending on the time of year, you might also be able to catch a sled dog race: The legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Willow to Nome has a ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage every March, and the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race in February runs between Fairbanks and Whitehorse. CANNON PHOTOGRAPHY LLC, ALAMY

Learn about Alaska's aviation history! Thousands of Alaskans live in remote communities without road access. For many of these communities, small aircraft have long been a critical way to get supplies. Back when Alaska Airlines began in the 1930s, flights weren't scheduled—they took off when the plane was full. Today, traveling by bush plane or seaplane is an integral part of Alaskan culture.

The state's pioneering history of flight is on display at the Alaska Aviation Museum, located on the world's largest seaplane base, Anchorage's Lake Hood. Here, you'll be able to see more than 25 vintage aircraft, watch planes being restored, and get a pilot's-eye view in a full-immersion flight simulator. If you're eager to get off the ground, check out one of the state's many flightseeing and helicopter tours. Whether you take a short flight or a full-day trip, flightseeing is a great way to see some of Alaska's less-visited treasures, such as Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. FRANS LANTING, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION

Tour Sitka National Historical Park! Located on Baranof Island in southeast Alaska, Sitka National Historical Park's natural beauty is punctuated by its signature feature: a collection of totem poles from the Tlingit and Haida people. They sit on ancestral land of the Tlingit Kiks.ádi clan, which is also the site of an 1804 battle between the clan and Russian invaders who eventually wrested control of Sitka. Americans acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Nearly 40 years later, Tlingit and Haida tribes donated 15 totem poles to be exhibited at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri. Most—but not all—made it back to Alaska. Today, visitors to the park can explore the mile-long Totem Trail, with its 18 Tlingit and Haida totems. A self-guided walking tour of the trail offers a window into the rich history of these carvings and the living cultures they represent. Local artisans such as Tlingit carver Tommy Joseph are also on-site throughout the week working on various totem carving projects and available to answer questions about their craft. PATRICK J. ENDRES, GETTY IMAGES

Explore Ketchikan on a local-led tour! Once the site of a Tlingit summer fish camp, Ketchikan lies at the southern end of the Inside Passage and is the first port of call for ships heading north, earning it the nickname “Alaska’s First City.” Distinguished by its colorful waterfront buildings and the fact that it boasts the largest number of standing totem poles in the world, Ketchikan draws fishing buffs, nature lovers, and those wanting to experience Alaska Native culture and art. You'll find collections of totems at the Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Totem Park, and Cape Fox Lodge, as well as dotted throughout downtown Ketchikan.

Learn about Ketchikan's remarkable history and art on a local-led walking tour, such as Where the Eagle Walks run by Tlingit Elder Joe Williams, Jr. With your guide, you might wander the pedestrian boardwalk on Creek Street, learn about the salmon that migrate through the area's waters, or watch Tlingit totem carvers at work in nearby Saxman Village. BARCOS, ALAMY

Visit Hoonah and Icy Strait Point! Over a century ago, Icy Strait Point was the site of a salmon cannery. Today, the striking red building is a "port for adventure" owned and operated by a local Alaska Native corporation, Huna Totem. Located about 30 miles west of Juneau on Chichagof Island, Icy Strait Point is a prime attraction in the town of Hoonah, Alaska’s largest Tlingit village. The restored cannery, which opened in 2004, is now home to a museum and 1930s cannery line display.

After soaking in the area's history, you can tour Hoonah’s many shops and restaurants, explore the surrounding wilderness, and embark on local tours. If you're a thrill-seeker, zoom down from the peak at Hoonah Mountain on the the state's longest zip line. For a more relaxed adventure, head to the Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center to learn about Tlingit customs and traditions such as hand-carving dugout canoes. NAUM CHAYER, ALAMY

Experience wildlife, history, and culture on Kodiak Island! The second largest island in the United States is full of opportunities to spot wildlife, particularly bears and whales. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1941, is home to 3,500 Kodiak brown bears, which visitors can view from a safe distance on guided tours available through local lodges and camps. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge, owned by the Alutiiq people, is one of several sightseeing operators located in the refuge. Offshore, local charter boats will take you whale watching, though you may also be able to see them from atop cliffs or on beaches.

In downtown Kodiak, check out the Alutiiq Museum. The museum features exhibits on local archaeology as well as the culture and art of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people, who have lived in Alaska's southcentral and southwest coastal areas for over 7,500 years. A short walk away you'll find the Kodiak History Museum. Its many stories begin with the building itself: Built in 1808, it was at various points a private home, event space, and boarding house. GETTY IMAGES

Discover Alaska's locally sourced food culture! The idea of "eating local," or sourcing food close to home, takes on a new dimension in Alaska. Home to over 12,000 rivers, three million lakes larger than five acres, and over 46,000 miles of shoreline, Alaska has an unparalleled bounty of fresh seafood. Some of the many species that inhabit Alaska waters include crab, shrimp, Pacific halibut, and salmon.

Don’t miss the chance to try salmon from an Alaska smokehouse, where filets are soaked in brine, hung out to dry, and smoked for hours over a wood fire. Historically, smokehouses indicated clan ownership of a river during the summer fishing season and are a longstanding way that Alaska Native cultures have preserved salmon. Restaurants like Duck Point Smokehouse in the Tlingit village of Hoonah allow visitors to indulge in this culinary tradition.

Other locally sourced products to keep an eye out for include birch syrup and meats such as elk, bison, and reindeer. Take a culinary tour or cooking class to sample and learn more about these foods. Also be sure to visit some of the state's many craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. JMP TRAVELER, ADOBE

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center! Alaska is home to over 229 federally recognized tribes—and one of the best ways to learn about Alaska’s diverse living cultures is at the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) on Dena’ina lands in Anchorage. A unanimous vote of the Alaska Federation of Natives in 1987 kicked off the effort to build the center, which opened in 1999 and has welcomed visitors since. In 2021, the Ford Foundation recognized the ANHC as one of America’s Cultural Treasures.

The center includes six life-size villages, which offer a window into traditional ways of life for Alaska’s Iñupiat, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Athabascan, Eyak, Haida, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Unangax̂, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Yup’ik, and Cup’ik peoples. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the villages’ dwellings and artifacts, but be sure to leave time to attend one or more of the many events at the center’s main complex, the Gathering Place. On any given day, you might be able to catch the astounding athletics of Alaska Native games, watch a traditional dance performance, learn words and phrases from one of Alaska’s 300 dialects, share teatime with an Elder, or join a guided tour of the exhibits at the Hall of Cultures. KILIII YUYAN

Visit Utqiaġvik, the northernmost U.S. town! Utqiaġvik is a town of great beauty and great extremes. In U.S. territory, it's as far north as you can get. From May 12 to August 2, the sun never sets. And from November 18 to January 23, darkness reigns 24 hours a day. Even in summer, a trip to the beach demands fortitude if you plan to go near the water, since the frigid Arctic Ocean waters hover in the low 30s Fahrenheit.

Drawn by the migration of Arctic bowhead whales, humans have inhabited Utqiaġvik for at least a millennium, with evidence of former residents going back as far as 1,500 years. Now one of the largest Iñupiat settlements in Alaska, Utqiaġvik was known as Barrow until 2016, when residents voted to revert back to the town's traditional name.

While you're visiting "the rooftop of the world," don't miss the Iñupiat Heritage Center, which features exhibits, a library, and events and demonstrations led by locals. Other spots to see include the "Gateway to the Arctic," a massive whalebone arch on the beach near the Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station that commemorates the town’s relationship to whaling, and the Birnirk National Historic Landmark archaeological site, which marks evidence of habitation by the Birnirk culture from about 500 to 900 A.D. MICHELLE HOLIHAN, ADOBE

Attend a festival or market! Year-round, Alaska hosts unforgettable events that offer a chance to experience regional customs, shop for locally made goods, and cheer on competitors in races and games. The Festival of Native Arts held each year in February or March is just one of many Alaska Native festivals and events. Since 1973, the festival has brought together artists, musicians, and storytellers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to share workshops and performances.

Around the June solstice, Utqiaġvik holds the whaling festival of Nalukataq, a celebration that includes launching people into the air with a group-held blanket. "This cultural celebration is one of the best ways to experience the true meaning of sharing and really highlights the value system of the Iñupiat," writes Tara Sweeney, who grew up in Utqiaġvik. Other events include June's biennial Celebration festival in Juneau and the four-day World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, held in Fairbanks in July. VICKI BEAVER, ALAMY

[bingwallpaper]

Tlikakila River, Alaska, USA

Alaska had no national parks until 1980, but now the state has eight, plus numerous monuments and preserves that protect more than 630,000 square kilometres. In fact, many of the United States’ largest national parks are in Alaska, including the biggest of all, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. When President Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the public was granted the right to appreciate stunning locations like the one in today's photo: the braided river delta of the 82-kilometre-long Tlikakila River in Lake Clark National Park.

In the native Athabaskan language, Tlikakila literally means “salmon are there river”. The park is known for its waterways filled with salmon, which are of major importance to the local economy and ecosystem. Local bear populations benefit from the excess salmon, and bear watching is very popular at Lake Clark. The abundance of salmon has also benefited a wolf pack within the park – the only one in the world known to be solely dependent on salmon.

#usa #alaska #tlikakila river #lake clark national park

[laurenwestrom]

Why Alaska should be in your 2023 travel plans

Why Alaska should be in your 2023 travel plans https://www.graylinealaska.com/blog/why-alaska-should-be-in-your-2023-travel-plans/ If you love travel and adventure, you’re in luck! The interest in adventure tourism is growing and there’s no shortage of authentic travel experiences around the state of Alaska. Adventure tourism is all about inspiring travel experiences while connecting with the local scenery, cultures and getting active. As the growing market piques travelers’ interests, Gray Line Alaska calls to those who seek adventure in the state. With an array of options from multi-day Alaska tours with transportation, lodging and activities to sightseeing trips anywhere from one to 10 hours, there is no time to be bored in the 49th state! Being the biggest state in the nation, there is no shortage of events and adventures happening around the state that will keep your travel bug going! As we prepare to bid farewell to 2022 and welcome in the new year, it’s time to start lining out what events and adventures you can find around the state during your visit. Events The 2023 Fur Rendezvous Festival marks the start of the annual Iditarod race and livens up the streets of downtown Anchorage with quirky winter sports, Alaska Native culture and plenty of unique events. The annual Iron Dog event will celebrate its 40th year in 2023, attracting snowmobile racers from across the state for this true Alaska-style race. The World Ice Art Championships bring together masters and novices of ice art to put their skills to the test in Fairbanks, Alaska, while visitors and locals enjoy the frozen works of art. The first ever IRONMAN Alaska was hosted in Juneau in 2022, and the event was such a success it will be back in 2023! This event showcases Alaska’s grit and thirst for adventure and is a great opportunity for any endurance athlete or enthusiast to visit the state. Adventures A Portage Glacier Cruise is one of the best ways to come face to face with some of the state’s mightiest glaciers. Live out a national parks bucket list! Alaska is home to eight national parks. The most popular is arguably Denali National Park and Preserve, home to North America’s tallest mountain. Head to the Copper River Valley where you can experience rich Alaska Native traditions and culture near America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (pictured at top). No matter the adventure you decide to embark on, Alaska has a signature experience for everyone, making the state a must-do travel destination for 2023! The post Why Alaska should be in your 2023 travel plans appeared first on Gray Line Alaska. via Gray Line Alaska https://www.graylinealaska.com October 19, 2022 at 05:18PM

#Gray Line Alaska

[thesmaku]

Most of you know I love the northern lights, so when we actually had a clear night in Alaska (this was rare on our trip), I was super excited! . We parked our @canadreamrv RV on a side stretch by the road overlooking part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. . When I got out, the lights cast an eerie green glow across the entire night sky, as it slowly started to get active on the left. . While this activity was short lived, I’m glad I was able to capture the moment, showing the RV for scale on how expansive the night sky is. . It was truly a wonderful night. . Have you seen the northern lights before? . Nikon Z 9 with 20mm f/1.8G with FTZ adaptor at f/1.8, 20sec., ISO4000 . #canadreamrv #alaska #travelalaska #alaskaadventure #northernlights #aurora #auroraborealis #visittheusa #nightsky #astrophotography #stars #twanight #sharecangeo #cangeotravel #nytimestravel #travelandleisure #outsidemagazine #exploremagazine #nikonnofilter (at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjF7vLkuqwk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#canadreamrv #alaska #travelalaska #alaskaadventure #northernlights #aurora #auroraborealis #visittheusa #nightsky #astrophotography #stars #twanight #sharecangeo #cangeotravel #nytimestravel #travelandleisure #outsidemagazine #exploremagazine #nikonnofilter

[edreamworld]

#Railroad in Wrangell-St Elias National Park #foodbridge #mccarthyalaska #Wrangellsteliasnationalpark #nationalpark #glacier #alaskaglacier #travelalaska #roadtripalaska #dreamamerica #edreamamerica #dreamamericausa #alaska (at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgSqf_9vgxm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#railroad #foodbridge #mccarthyalaska #wrangellsteliasnationalpark #nationalpark #glacier #alaskaglacier #travelalaska #roadtripalaska #dreamamerica #edreamamerica #dreamamericausa #alaska

[typhlonectes]

Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve, in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States, at over 13 million acres.

photograph by B. Petrtyl | National Park Service

#public lands #national parks #alaska #landscape #mountains #glaciers #outdoors #nature #north america

[about-usa]

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve - Alaska - USA (by Dany Sternfeld) 

#Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve #Alaska #US #USA #United States #North America #America #Nature #Landscape #outdoor #View #Viewpoint #Travel Photography #Travelling #Travel #Tourism #Holiday #Urlaub #Reisen

[americasgreatoutdoors]

Too big to be ignored, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Switzerland combined. Rising from colorful ocean inlets to the second-tallest mountain in America -- 18,008 foot-tall Mount Saint Elias -- our largest national park is home to mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, forests, rivers, lakes, wildlife and people living off the land as they have for centuries. To sum it up, this park is epic! Photo by Neal Herbert, National Park Service.

#wrangell-st. elias national park #wrangell st. elias national park and preserve #wrangell-st. elias #national park #national park service #NPS #national park week #nationalparkweek #alaska #usinterior #public lands #outdoors #america's great outdoors #nature #mountains #icy bay #mount st. elias #mount saint elias #glacier #amazing view #awesome experience #gorgeous scenery #blue water #travel #Adventure

[thorsenmark]

A Morning View of Mountains and a Lake by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: Another roadside stop while on the drive, leaving Wrangell-St Elias National Park & Preserve. I loved how the mountains and blue skies with clouds added this backdrop to the lake view. Taken at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska.

#Nikon D90 #Day 3 #McCarthy Road #Leaving Wrangell National Park #Wrangell-St Elias National Park #Mountains #Clouds Above #Snowcapped #Blue Skies #Lake #Trees #Looking NE #Color Efex Pro #Crystal Lake #Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Preserve #Nature #Project365 #Chitina #Alaska #United States

[nasiruddin789]

#tpo 10 #riverboat discovery in fairbanks #kenai fjords national park #juneau #Denali National Park #ketchikan #klondike gold rush national historical park #alaska railroad #seward alaska #iditarod national historic trail #wrangell-st. elias national park & preserve #alaska