Alaska's Mountain Ranges

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The mountain ranges of Alaska impressively stretch across the vast expanse of the state and are characterized by rugged peaks, sprawling glaciers, active volcanic activity, and beautiful valley terrain.  Alaska’s mountains contain virtually unexplored tracts of wilderness with dramatic peaks many of which have never been scaled or, in some cases, even named.  All told, Alaska boasts a total of 39 mountain ranges that include 17 of the highest peaks in the United States.

 

Farthest north is the Brooks Range, a geologically aged crescent of mountains that have been eroded over many years by the swift rivers that flow throughout the region.  North of the Brooks Range, streams cross the foothills of the arctic coastal plain eventually making their way to the Arctic Ocean.

 

 

One of Alaska’s best known mountain ranges is the Alaska Range which stretches across southern Alaska to the lower Aleutian Range to the west.  This mountain range is noted for its rugged beauty, unexplored regions, and glacier-capped peaks.  The Alaska Range hosts iconic features such as Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak which towers to an impressive 20,320 feet.  In addition, several other peaks in the Alaska Range exceed 13,000 feet including mountains such as Silverthrone, Hunter, Hayes, and Foraker.

 

Extending southwest from the southern Alaska mainland and the Alaska Range, the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands are linked by the Aleutian Range.  The Aleutian Islands include 14 diverse large islands and about 55 small islands.  The Aleutian Range extends a total of 1,600 miles from Mount Spur, across Cook Inlet from Anchorage, toward the Asian continent and contains many active volcanoes.  This range is also home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Katmai National Park and Preserve.

 

The St. Elias, Chugach, and Kenai Mountains stretch along the southern coast of Alaska.  These lofty coastal mountains include 18,000 foot St. Elias and North America’s second highest peak, 19,545 foot Mount Logan (located across the border in Canada).   The Chugach Mountains start near the Alaska panhandle and define the coastline throughout much of Southcentral Alaska. The Chugach Mountains contain the greatest concentration of glacial ice in Alaska.

 

Plan your vacation to one of Alaska’s Mountain Ranges this year:

 

ABEC's Alaska Adventures
P.O. Box 10791, Fairbanks, AK 99710

We have all levels of Alaska Brooks Range trips into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or Gates of the Arctic National Park. With over 25 years of experience our Alaskan Guides provide a safe and a fun, "once in a lifetime trip."  We have custom, base camp, backpack, and river trips into the vast wild Alaskan Wilderness. You can see pictures of these trips in our Gallery on line at www.abecalaska.com or call 907-457-8907.


 

 
AdventureSmith Explorations
PO Box 1696, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Your big ship cruise alternative! Cruise Alaska up close aboard a selection of over 25 small ships and yachts carrying 6-138 travelers. We are award winning Alaska travel experts specializing in travel by small ships, yachts and wilderness lodges away from tourist crowds. Speak with our professional crew who has lived, worked and traveled at length throughout Alaska. With over 50 years combined experience in Alaska travel we will answer your questions quickly and accurately. AdventureSmith Explorations is a company founded by guides and we believe that a professional, knowledgeable and personable guide is the key to a successful adventure travel and small ship cruise experience. We are committed to sustainable tourism and contributing positively to the individuals, communities and environments encountered by every AdventureSmith traveler. Call our experts today to plan your Alaska small ship cruise today. 

 
 


 

 


 

 
Alaska Alpine Adventures
2133 Dahl Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading guided Alaska backpacking, alaska hiking trips and adventure vacations throughout Alaska's spectacular national parks and wildlife refuges.  Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth in both 2008 & 2009, Alaska Alpine Adventures takes adventure seekers on multi-day and multi-sport Alaska hiking tours, rafting tripsAlaska backpacking trips, kayaking trips, and skiing vacations throughout the Last Frontier.  Guided Alaska tours include adventure trips to Lake Clark National Park, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond.  Our brand of sustainable travel has been recognized by Adventure Green Alaska - Alaska's highly regarded sustainable tourism certification program.  Take a trip with Alaska Alpine Adventures and experience the Alaska vacation of a lifetime!

Alaska Outdoors
P.O. Box 875649 , Wasilla, AK 99687

Since 2001, Alaska Outdoors has showcased Alaska's National Parks and protected areas featuring small group camping and hiking tours throughout the state. Hike, raft, sea kayak, canoe, whale watching, glacier cruises, flightseeing and more. Tours range from 7 to 21 days and start at $995.

Alaska Sealife Center
P.O. Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664

The Sealife Center, Alaska's only Public Aquarium, is committed to understanding and maintaining the integrity the Marine Ecosystem in Alaska through education, conservation, research & rehabilitation.

Alaska Ultra Sport
PO Box 1125, Chickaloon AK 99674

Alaska Ultra Sport offers guided wilderness trips throughout Alaska. We are based out of Chickaloon, Alaska and have guided trips all over the state.This business has been owner-operated since 2001. If you book a trip with us you will be on a trip with Bill and Kathi Merchant.We offer guided multi day rafting, sea-kayaking, mountain biking and backpacking trips. We operate in many National Parks, State Parks,the  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Katmai National Park and more.  We speak english, german and some french and italian. 2-6 people.

www.alaskaultrasport.com

 
Alaska Wildland Adventures
P.O. Box 389, Girdwood, AK 99587

Since 1977. Nationally recognized eco-tourism operator features an array of options including All-Inclusive Vacations, wilderness lodges, Sportfishing packages & rafting & fishing day trips; high-quality, small group guided trips allow guests to experience Alaska in the spirit of appreciation. Raft the turquoise Kenai River into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, seeking out moose, salmon and eagles. Paddle a sea kayak amid glittering glacial ice at  Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and watch for calving glaciers and breaching whales along the dramatic seacoast. Explore Denali National Park and seek out Alaska’s big four: bears, caribou, moose and Dall sheep. In the evening, relax with the authentic Alaskan hospitality of  wilderness lodges and delicious meals. From a two-hour scenic float trip to a two-week all-inclusive vacation, Alaska Wildland Adventures’ range of wilderness adventures and charming accommodations promise a memorable experience in wild Alaska.

 

800.334.8730

www.alaskawildland.com/vwa

Alaskan Alpine Treks
Anchorage, Alaska

10 years guiding small, customized backpacking trips into remote Alaska, where our knowledge and experience allow us to provide clients with an unparalleled adventure. We offer guided backpacking, hiking, camping and nature photography trips in Alaska, specifically Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Katmai National Park, the Kenai Peninsula and more. Browse our website and find the trip that's right for you. 

 

We offer a diversity of adventures, from the perfect family basecamping vacation, to more adventurous and customized rugged backpacking trips for you and your group. Drop us an email or call Carl at 770 952 4549.

Alaskan Tour Guides
6830 Toller Court, Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Experience a sense of wonder and awe.  See Alaska's scenery and wildlife from unique perspectives and discover Alaska with Alaskans.  Alaskan Tour Guides, Inc. leads you on a journey that is fun, educational, safe and eco-minded. We take great care to include sights or adventures we feel are distinctive for visitors seeking a more personal connection with nature and wilderness.  Choose from a wide range of tours, varying in level of difficulty and inetrests.  We are able to provide custom tours for most group sizes.

Arctic Wild
P.O. Box 80562, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Arctic Wild: Alaska Adventures with Latitude!

Explore the mountains, tundra, rivers, and coast of arctic Alaska with our professional wilderness guides. Enjoy wildlife and scenery in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Visit sub-arctic destinations like Katmai National Park and Yukon Charley. We specialize in multi-day, wilderness fly-in adventures. Whether hiking, rafting, canoeing or enjoying a wildlife base camp, the scenery, ecology, and quality service will impress even the most seasoned Alaska travelers. Find out why our clients return year after year and enthusiastically reccommend us for our small groups, local guides, minimum impact ethics, and great food! Custom trips and references available. Call 888/577-8203, or visit www.arcticwild.com.

Bay Excursions LLC
P.O. Box 3312, Homer, AK 99603

Custom sightseeing, birding, photography and wildlife viewing trips. Transportation to Kachemak Bay State Park for hiking, backpacking and kayaking. Wilderness cabin and kayak rentals.

 

 
Camp Denali - North Face Lodge
P.O. Box 67, Denali National Park, AK 99755

Camp Denali and North Face Lodge provide active learning vacations in Denali National Park.  Situated in full view of the Alaska Range, ours are the only in-park lodgings with views of Mount McKinley. These unparalleled views are complimented by days of naturalist-led backcountry hiking and wildlife observation, exquisitely crafted meals, educational evening programs presented by our naturalist staff or guest speakers, and the opportunity to enjoy the park independently

 

Camp Denali and North Face Lodge have been Alaskan family-owned and operated since 1952, ensuring the same quality and attention to detail at both lodges, despite their different styles of accommodations.  We look forward to introducing you to Denali from our point of view.

Chinook Tours
P.O. Box 111853. Anchorage, AK 99511

Booking agency, backpacking, guiding, hiking, kayaking and canoeing,lodging, organization, rafting and river trips, wildlife viewing, winter activities.

Denali Fly Fishing Guides
Box 156, Cantwell, Alaska 99729

We provide fully outfitted and guided fly fishing trips into the heart of the Alaska range. There are three half day and one full day departures scheduled daily throught the summer.  We search for our native Arctic Grayling using lightweight gear and our own hand tied flies featuring barbless hooks.  Beginners as well as experienced anglers enjoy our catch and release fiy fishing adventures. Roundtrip tranfers from area hotels is also provided.

 
Discovery Voyages
P.O. Box 688, Whittier, AK 99693

Alaska's finest wilderness cruise- multi-day voyages, naturalist guided, small groups, onboard cabins, shore hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing, custom voyages. Charter boats, bird watching, cruiseships and tourboats, fishing, hiking, natural and cultural history interpretation, photography. Prince William Sound, Copper River Delta.

Earth Bed and Breakfast & Tours
1001 W 12th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

Earth B&B is THE home away from home for mountain climbers, fishermen, photographers and other adventurers from across the globe. Our comfortable and roomy Anchorage Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located close to downtown walking distance to the city's finest shopping, dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation. Our private accommodations are a perfect alternative to busy hotel lodging. You'll know you are in the right place from the minute you walk through our door.

Exposure Alaska
200 W. 34th Ave. #82, Achorage, AK 99503

Get out of the van and experience Alaska with our adventures.  Kayak, climb, hike, look for wildlife in Denali and more.  

 

Our Alaska Tours offer you the opportunity to get away from the crowds to the real Alaska. 

 

And you'll enjoy the smallest group size in the business with no more than 6 guests on our scheduled trips.  Get ready to Expose Yourself to Alaska.  

 

Since 1999.  Alaskan owned and operated.  

GoNorth Alaska Travel Center
P.O. Box 60147, Fairbanks, AK 99709

GoNorth has been in operation since 2001. The original business was guiding river trips in the Brooks range. While we still guide Brooks range river trips and hiking trips the business has expanded due to the demands of our clients. We now rent SUVs, Trucks, Campers and Motorhomes, canoes, rafts, camping gear. We also have an ever growing travel service which can book air ground and water transportation, accomodations and a number of other travel services though out Alaska and western Canada

At the GoNorth hostel we offer low budget accommodations in shared wall-tent cabins.

 
 
Great Alaska Adventure Lodge
33881 Sterling Highway, Sterling, AK 99672

Great Alaska Adventure Lodge.   Since 1981 travelers have enjoyed our ground breaking  blend of exciting Alaska sport fishing and adventure travel from  our riverfront lodge on the Kenai River.  Our guests choose from a wide range of itineraries that include world class sport fishing, private fly-in bear viewing, remote sea kayaking, hiking, day cruising, Denali Touring and much, much more. Customized family, group and corporate adventures are our specialty.  Our all- inclusive trips include pickups in Anchorage and range from 2-10 days.

 

Whether your Alaska dream entails double digit Rainbows on your fly rod,  viewing wild bears in their native habitat, rafting the Kenai Canyon, hiking the Chugach Forest or catching your first King Salmon (or better yet, all of the above!) Great Alaska Adventure Lodge is just the place to see those dreams come true.  Come relish the Great Alaska experience with your family or group this summer.

Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge, LLC
P.O. Box 80424, Fairbanks, AK 99708

 

Luxury accommodations for the body, remote wilderness for the spirit. Powered by the sun, wind and friendly, long-time Alaskans, this exclusive hideaway offers elegance and comfort 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska's Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Fly-in only. Since 1974. Remote. Exceptional. Unforgettable.

Lazy Otter Charters, Inc.
P.O. Box 747, Whittier, AK 99693

Lazy Otter Charters, Inc.

Offering safe, reliable trasport services into Prince William Sound from Whittier, Alaska. 

  • Custom Sightseeing
  • Water Taxi for Kayak and camper drop-off
  • Photography and filming support
  • Kayak rentals
  •  

Our vessels are designed for speed and beach landings for ease of loading.  Qauaq Chief is a 40 foot, 22 passenger landing craft

Explorer is a 30 foot, 6 passenger vessel.

 

 

 

 

Macomb Plateau Retreat
P.O. Box 73918. Fairbanks, AK 99707

Low impact immersion in Alaska Range cabin setting, guided catering to small parties; hiking, camping, photography, wildlife, flora, quiet, solitude; levels from easy to challenging.

Major Marine Tours
P.O. Box 101400, Anchorage, AK 99510

Major Marine Tours offers an Alaskan wildlife and glacier cruise experience. We have reserved table seating; a National Park Ranger on every day cruise departure; and a freshly prepared, all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib buffet.

Naturalist Journeys
PO Box 16545, Portal AZ 85632

Arctic Alaska: A Naturalist Along the Dalton! July 31-Aug. 7, 2010

Join us for an incredible week ! Explore two crown jewels of the Arctic: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Tundra biologist Dan Wetzel of Fairbanks shares 30+ years of expertise. Search for Muskoxen, Caribou, ptarmigan, jaegers, Red Fox, songbirds from Asia, wildflowers & some of Earth's finest scenery.: Brooks Range, Antigun Pass & more.  www.naturalistjourneys.com  866 900 1146  

NOVA River Runners
PO Box 1129, Chickaloon AK 99674

Since 1975. Scenic and whitewater river rafting trips from class I to V, glacier hikes and ice climbing instruction on the Matanuska Glacier. Day trips near Anchorage and multi-dat trips statewide. www.nova-alaska.com

 
Orca Island Cabins
P.O. Box 1815, Seward, Alaska 99664

Orca Island Cabins, owned and operated by long-time Alaskans Dennis and Susan Swiderski, offers comfortable and stylish overnight accommations (yurts) on a private island in scenic Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay, 9 miles SE of Seward, Alaska. View wildlife from your private deck; kayak; explore tide-pools and a nearby salmon stream and waterfall; fish from the island or its dock; or just sit back and relax.

Rust's Flying Service
PO Box 190867, Anchorage, AK 99519

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Seaman's Adventures
1435 Bay Avenue, Homer, AK 99603

Seaman’s Adventures offer wildlife tours, natural and cultural history tours, guided hiking, and Alaska halibut and salmon fishing in the incredibly productive and diverse Kachemak Bay and lower Cook Inlet area.  Available in spring through fall, our adventures allow the visitor to experience and learn about a diversity of marine mammals, marine and terrestrial birds, Alaska coastal foresst, andthe  fascinating geology and cultural history of the Bay.  Kachemak Bay State Park offers some of the best hiking opportunities in Alaska, whether you hike through a coastal forest or climb to alpine tundra.  Kachemak Bay and Lower Cook Inlet offers some the best halibut and salmon fishing in Alaska!  Our specialty is small groups from two to four people, and families and children are welcome and encouraged.  Join our expert naturalist and fishing guide and experience Kachemak Bay at its best.  To top off your trip, enjoy the best cabin rentals or B&B in Homer.   

Sheep Mountain Lodge
17701 W. Glenn Highway, Sutton, AK 99674

Beautiful log lodge in the mountains. Comfortable guest cabins with private bathrooms and spectacular views. Delicious homemade meals and fresh-baked desserts. Local activities include glacier hiking flightseeing, guided hiking, river rafting and wildlife viewing.  Located along the National Scenic Byway - the Glenn Highway at milepost 113.5.  Join us for relaxing day in the mountains.  Hot tub and  wood-fired sauna await.

Southeast Charters Inc.
P.O. Box 33018, Juneau, AK 99803

Cruise the protected waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Enjoy whale watching, bear viewing, iceberg and glacier adventures, catching fish, setting crab pots, and exploring fiords with sheer rock walls and misty waterfalls.

 
Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
P.O. Box 3332, Seward, AK 99664

Since 1996 our professional guides/naturalists have been introducing paddlers to the wonders of coastal Alaska. We offer kayaking from three locations in the Seward area – Lowell Point, Fox Island and Kenai Fjords. We have the right trip for you whether an introductory paddle or a multi-day kayak/camping adventure. We feature small groups, great food and excellent guides. Come explore our home with us and take away an experience of a lifetime..  www.sunnycove.com

The Boat Company, LLC
P.O. Box 1839, Poulsbo, WA 98370

The Boat Company has been operating small ship ecotours in Southeast Alaska every summer for thirty years.  Our cruises are typically one week long and feature visits to remote wilderness areas throughout the region's scenic protected waterways.

 

On any given day, guests of The Boat Company have the opportunity to participate in an abundance of activities. We offer fishing, shoreline walks with trained naturalists, early morning and late evening kayaking, wildlife and glacier viewing, and everything from leisurely beach combing or gentle strolls to vigorous hikes through virgin rainforests.

 

Too-loo-uk River Guides
P.O. Box 106, Denali Park, AK 99755

Extended wilderness raft trips to Alaska's Arctic; Brooks Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic NP, NPR-A 

 as well as trips in Wrangell-st Elias and the Chugach Mountains.  We've been guiding in Alaska's backcountry and on Alaska's remote rivers for over 20 years.  We are Alaska owned and operated and specialize in small groups and personal service. 

Wilderness Birding Adventures
5515 Wild Mountain Road. Eagle River, AK 99577

Wilderness Birding Adventures is dedicated to exploring, conserving and sharing Alaska’s rich natural world with those who like to add a splash of adventure and spontaneity (balanced with careful planning and safety) to their vacation in the Great Land. Since 1986, we have been offering our guests the best in Alaska birding, rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing trips from birding tours in the Pribilofs, Gambell and Nome, to wilderness expeditions like paddling the Kongakut and Canning rivers in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, photographing Spectacled Eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta – to name just a few of the possibilities!

Wise Guide Outfitters
P.O. Box 852, Cooper Landing, AK 99572

Alaska sport fishing at it's finest. Professionally guided fishing trips on Alaska's premier rivers and streams. Fly fishing, spin fishing and bait fishing on Alaska's world class Kenai River. Drift boat fishing and wade fishing for 4 species of trophy salmon, trophy rainbow trout and trophy char.

Yukon River Lodge
P.O. Box 68049, Ruby, AK 99768

There still remain a few wild places in the world and this is one of them. Nestled at the base of Kokrines Hills, Alaska’s Yukon River Lodge (currently under construction) overlooks the Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge and the Yukon River stretched out before it.


 

 

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