Rising Nightly - Alaska Edition

Alaska is home to 17 of North America’s tallest mountains.

Of the 20 highest peaks in the U.S., 17 are in Alaska, including the highest peak in North America (20,310 feet above sea level), Denali.

Denali is the most famous.

Many Alaska Native groups and their languages have had unique names for Denali that all translate to some form of “The Great One” or “The Tall One.”

Home of the Midnight Sun.

Even though residents of Utqiagvik, the northernmost town in Alaska, won't see the sun for over 60 days come winter, they enjoy the midnight sun all summer - over 80 days of uninterrupted daylight.

Alaska has more than 100 volcanoes and volcanic fields.

Alaska contains more than volcanoes and volcanic fields than any other state in the U.S.  Alaska volcanoes have produced one or two eruptions since 1900.

There are more than 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska.

Alaska’s largest lake is Lake Iliamna, At 77 miles long, that’s about as wide as Connecticut.

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined (more than 34,000 miles).

The state has coastlines on the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Bering Sea.

Most U.S. glaciers are in Alaska.

Based on the most recent comprehensive surveys, there were about 27,000 glaciers in Alaska. The glaciers include beautiful radiant blue ice that’s thousands of years old.

The nation’s two largest forests are located in Alaska.

The Tongass in Southeast includes 16.8 million acres and Chugach in Southcentral has 4.8 million acres. 

The state sport of Alaska is dog mushing.

The Iditarod is an annual long-distance sled dog race held in Alaska, covering over 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, testing the endurance of mushers and their teams.

Alaska has the lowest population density in the nation.

If Manhattan in New York had the same population density as Alaska, less than 20 people would be living on the island.

Alaska Natives make up almost 20% of the state’s population.

There are over several hundred federally recognized Alaska native tribes and many indigenous languages spoken in the state.

Alaska is approximately 50 miles from Russia.

Just 50 miles! Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million. The deal was initially ridiculed and called “Seward’s Folly” in the press. When gold was found in 1898, people flocked to the region and now Alaska celebrates Seward’s Day each March 30 to commemorate the sale.

Alaska is home to some of the largest bears on earth.

Kodiak bears are among the largest bears in the world, with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds and standing 10 feet tall on their hind legs. These massive bears are native to the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska, feeding on a diet that includes fish, plants, and berries.

Alaskan Moose can grow to 1,600 pounds.

They can exceed 7 feet in height and their antlers may span up to 6 feet wide. At that size, they will outweigh the typical American racehorse by over 500 pounds and stand 2 feet taller at the shoulder.

Alaska boasts some of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, where majestic mountains, expansive glaciers, and thriving wildlife stretch toward an endless horizon.

Whether you're venturing through the majestic peaks of Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest mountain, or gliding through the tranquil waters of Kenai Fjords, Alaska is where the spirit of adventure comes alive.

Imagine standing mesmerized as you watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky, painting it with waves of green, purple, and blue.

Or imagine yourself whale watching off the coast of Glacier Bay, where you can witness humpback whales breaching the surface, …

… bald eagles soaring overhead, and sea otters playfully gliding through the water.

If you're a wildlife lover, the vast stretches of wilderness are home to grizzly bears, wolves, and other animals, making Alaska a perfect destination for those looking to get up close to nature.

However, Alaska offers more than just untamed wilderness. Cities like Anchorage and Juneau strike the perfect harmony between natural beauty and vibrant culture, where rugged landscapes meet thriving urban life. These cities blend adventure with modern comforts, offering museums, local arts, and diverse dining experiences—all while keeping nature’s wonders just a stone’s throw away.

You can spend your mornings exploring museums that showcase the rich heritage of Alaska Native tribes, then indulge in locally sourced cuisine with fresh seafood, including just caught world-famous Alaskan king crab, wild salmon and halibut.

In the summer, the long daylight hours offer endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and glacier trekking, …

… while winter brings a truly one-of-a-kind experience complete with snowmobiling, ice fishing and dog-sledding through snow-covered landscapes and the legendary Iditarod race.

For thrill-seekers, Alaska’s vast and rugged terrain provides endless opportunities for epic adventure—whether you’re scaling ice walls on glaciers, fishing in crystal-clear rivers, …

… or flying in a small seaplane over the breathtaking wild country.

For those seeking a slower pace, quiet moments in the serene wilderness, surrounded by pristine natural beauty, provide a tranquil escape from the demands of everyday life.