Top 16 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Alaska

Interesting Facts About Alaska

Alaska has so much more than ice and snow. The largest state in the USA is rich in history and attracts visitors from around the world with its fascinating features. From its population of Kodiak brown bears to the Matanuska Glacier, the largest glacier accessible by car in the USA, there’s something for everyone. Moreover, the state’s diverse and culturally rich history adds to its charm.

So, why is Alaska such a well-known travel destination in North America? This popularity stems from the incredible outdoor activities it offers, along with its intriguing Alaskan history. Let’s dive into some cool and fun facts about Alaska!

Population of Alaska

The population of Alaska is relatively small, yet it grows consistently year after year. Some cities are quite sizable, but they retain a homely and classic atmosphere, expertly balancing modern conveniences with incredible natural landmarks.

Recently, an 80-foot-deep avalanche cut off residential areas in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Natural events like this are not uncommon in the state. Consequently, Alaska attracts millions of tourists and thousands of newcomers every year. As of 2021, the population of Alaska was 732,673.

Alaska is Big

At first glance, Alaska may seem small on a world map or globe; however, the reality is that this state is massive, covering over 600,000 square miles. In fact, Texas, with its 260,000 square miles of land, could fit into Alaska twice. Furthermore, it’s larger than Montana, Texas, and California combined.

Alaska is so vast that it has been divided into six distinct regions:

• Southeast Alaska
• South-Central Alaska
• The Interior
• Alaska’s Arctic
• Southwest Alaska
• Western Alaska

Furthermore, Alaska boasts a coastline of 6,640 miles, accounting for over 50% of the entire coastline of the United States.

Two of the Largest Forests in the United States of America

Alaska is not only expansive; it is also home to two of the largest forests in the country: the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. The Tongass spans 16.7 million acres, whereas the Chugach covers a total area of 700,000 acres.

The Tongass National Forest provides a habitat for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including the largest concentration of bald eagles in the United States. Visitors can also spot seals, mountain goats, moose, deer, beavers, foxes, porcupines, sea lions, whales, and sea otters throughout the forest and along the coastline. This forest is a significant tourist attraction, as millions of visitors explore its rivers each year, relying on sailing, kayaking, and motor boating for travel.

Alaska’s Seismic Activity

With intense seismic activity typical of regions with large mountain ranges, Alaska is home to 17 of North America’s tallest mountains, including Denali, which stands at around 20,000 feet above sea level.

Moreover, among the more than 100 volcanic fields and volcanoes in the state, residents have experienced around 30 earthquakes above the 6th magnitude and more than 160,000 lower-magnitude quakes in the last five years!

An Interesting Purchase

Originally owned by Russia, Alaska was purchased by the United States of America for approximately $7 million. After the purchase, which was celebrated on October 18th, 1867, the Russian flag was lowered while the American flag was raised at the governor’s house. This sale, however, was not straightforward, as it stemmed from negotiations between the Russian Minister, Edouard de Stoeckl, and Secretary of State William Seward. Interestingly, many at the time opposed the trade, viewing the land as unworthy of the proposed price.

Iditarod Trail

The Iditarod trail, a famous sled dog race that began in 1925, commemorates an event in which 20 dog teams traveled over 600 miles to deliver vital medicines during an epidemic in Nome. This significant event draws numerous competitors each year!

Due to severe blizzards and storms, traditional vehicles could not traverse the region, which led to the use of dog teams. The inaugural Iditarod race took place in 1973 and now occurs annually every March, commonly referred to as The Serum Race or the Great Race of Mercy.

Alaska Offers Huge Vegetables

Farmers in Alaska grow fruits and vegetables that can reach incredible sizes, significantly larger than those grown elsewhere. This phenomenon is attributed to the abundant sunlight the state receives, with some areas experiencing over 20 hours of sunlight daily!

Gray Wolves Thrive in Alaska

Alaska is home to the largest population of gray wolves in the United States. With estimates ranging from 8,000 to 13,000, these wolves are a protected species and play a crucial role in Alaska’s tourism, attracting visitors from around the globe.

The Only WWII Battle on American Soil

The first and only battle on American soil during WWII occurred in 1943, known as the Battle of Attu, where American and Canadian forces defended against Japanese troops off the coast of Alaska. The conflict concluded in less than two weeks, ending in a fierce hand-to-hand fight.

Home to Kodiak Bears

The largest subspecies of brown bears, Kodiak bears, inhabit Kodiak Island in Alaska. Males can reach up to 10 feet tall and weigh an impressive 1,400 pounds yet have been involved in very few fatal encounters with humans.

Sales and Income Tax

At first glance, Alaska is known for having no sales tax. While this is technically true, it exists at a minimal level compared to other states, with most cities also lacking income tax.

Alaska Has Tons of Pilots

Given its limited network of accessible roads, Alaska has a significant number of pilots—over 12,000, reflecting the state’s reliance on alternative means of travel, such as planes and boats.

It Pays to Live in Alaska

Alaska offers its residents a unique benefit through the Alaska Permanent Fund, providing annual payouts based on the state’s oil royalties. This initiative, along with high job wages, attracts new residents.

The Story Behind the Alaskan Flag

The Alaskan flag, designed by 13-year-old Benny Benson in 1926, features a dark blue background symbolizing the state’s sky and flowers, while the eight stars represent the North Star and the Big Dipper constellation.

The Matanuska Glacier

The Matanuska Glacier, the largest in Alaska, is famous for its size and accessibility, thanks to direct roads leading to it. The glacier’s stunning deep blue hue captures visitors’ attention, showcasing its transparent nature.

Isolated State Capital

Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is peculiar as it lacks direct roads connecting to other cities. As such, travel to and from the city relies on ships or planes, contributing to its unique character.

There Are So Many Alaskan Lakes

Alaska is home to more than 3 million lakes that are at least 5 hectares in size, alongside approximately 11,000 rivers, making it an extremely boat-friendly state.

Notably, the largest lakes in Alaska include:

• Iliamna Lake
• Lake Clark
• Naknek Lake
• Becharof Lake
• Selawik Lake
• Tustumena Lake
• Kenai Lake

Alaska is an extraordinary travel destination, often referred to as the final frontier, promising a unique adventure. Now that you’re equipped with fun and interesting facts about this incredible state, what’s stopping you? Alaska awaits you!