Fishing is a very popular activity in Alaska, and the single reason that many tourists visit the state. Alaskan King Salmon is the best known game fish in the state, but there are several others worth pursuing, including massive halibut, Northern Pike, and rainbow trout. Many fishing vacation packages and group tours are available, but first-time visitors might want an experienced guide. Kenai, Alaska, is a very popular and successful destination for salmon fishing. One of the best places to catch colossal Pacific Herring, which can weigh up to 500 pounds, is the Cook Inlet.
With thousands of square miles of unspoiled wilderness, as well as many state and national parks, Alaska is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and anyone else looking to get back to nature. Whether you're looking for a day hike up a gentle trail with a magnificent view at the end, or to spend a week away from civilization altogether, Alaska is the place to do it. One of the best local destinations for hiking and camping is Denali National Park, around Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. There are many hiking trails and lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting in the area. Due to Alaska's expansive wilderness, there are hiking trails, from day hikes on up, available near all of Alaska's major cities, including Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage.
Large stretches of forests and substantial wildlife populations make Alaska a destination for many hunters from the United States and all over the world. There are substantial populations of deer and mountain goats, but most hunters come to Alaska for the big three: grizzly bear, moose and elk. These animals live in other parts of the United States, but are far more common in Alaska. While elk licenses are easy to obtain, there are limited hunting permits for grizzly bear and moose, so apply early. There are no animals that are illegal to hunt during the proper season in Alaska, but these seasons do vary. Anyone who is not intimately familiar with the Alaska wilderness should go with a group or hire an experienced guide. Packages and group hunts are available.
Sightseeing is one of the prime attractions for visitors to Alaska. Wide sections of preserved wilderness are home to thriving native wildlife, such as moose, bald eagles or snowshoe hares, so it is easy to find nature all over the state. Sightseeing tours are available by boat, plane, and the panoramic view trains of the Alaska Railroad in many of the more popular tourism areas. Two of the best places for glacier sightseeing (and flightseeing) are Juneau and Seward. Denali National Park is one of the most popular large park areas in Alaska, with camping facilities and many trails, from basic to challenging. The Inside Passage, the sheltered boat route that runs along Alaska's panhandle in the south, threads between many scenic islands, including Prince of Wales Island, and Glacier Bay.
Cruises along the Inside Passage of the Pacific Coast are among the most popular trips to Alaska. Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau are common cruise stops in Alaska, and boats often take in the Hubbard Glacier along the way. Juneau is Alaska's capital city and home to several museums. Ketchikan is one of the most exciting small arts communities in the entire United States and features extensive native arts, including totem poles. Sitka was settled in the 1800s by Russian populations, and features several beautiful Russian Orthodox churches.
