Two Major Landforms in Alaska

Alaska's vast, dramatic landscape features two iconic landforms:

1. The Alaska Range

• Extent: 650 km (400 mi) arc from Lake Clark (SW) to White River (NE).
• Highest Peak: Denali (Mt. McKinley) – 6,190 m (20,310 ft) – highest in North America.
• Geology: Active tectonic collision (Pacific Plate subducting); granite batholiths, glaciers, seismic zone.
• Notable: Denali National Park; major glaciers (Kahiltna, Ruth, Muldrow).

2. The Inside Passage

• Extent: ~800 km (500 mi) of sheltered coastal waterway from Puget Sound (WA) to Skagway (AK), threading 1,000+ islands.
• Formation: Glacially carved fjords, drowned valleys, steep mountains rising from sea.
• Ecology: Temperate rainforest (Tongass); whales, bears, eagles, salmon.
• Use: Alaska Marine Highway ferries; cruise ships; fishing fleets; kayaking.

Together, they define Alaska's mountain heart and maritime soul.