Τα 20 καλύτερα φυσικά μνημεία Αλάσκα

From the parking lot, a good path leads to the viewpoint

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center near Juneau brings you up close to the rugged beauty of Alaska. Here you can not only admire the impressive glacier and the turquoise glacial water, but also gain exciting insights into the geology and ecosystem of this region. The center itself offers exhibitions that illustrate the history and development of the glacier and a fascinating view of the retreating ice. The area around the center is criss-crossed by easily accessible trails such as the Photo Point Trail and the popular Nugget Falls Trail, which takes you to the roaring Nugget Falls. For nature lovers, the Steep Creek Trail is a highlight - especially during salmon season, when bears gather at the stream. From elevated walkways you can observe the animals without disturbing their peace. In winter, a completely different scene awaits you, when nature freezes in silent beauty. Take the time to explore the short Trail of Time, which tells the history of the glacier on information boards and lets you delve deep into the formation of this unique landscape. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is more than just a visitor center - it is an experience that shows you the power and fragility of nature first hand.

What a unique place. Hikes of varying difficulty levels allow everyone to enjoy a breathtaking view of the glacier. In a few years, however, you will have to climb a few more meters in altitude to still be able to see the glacier tongue.

Large beaver dam, with a bit of luck you can also see the beaver.

Wonderful viewpoint. In good, clear weather you can see Mt. Denali from there. Sturdy shoes are recommended, a good level of fitness is required

Creamers Field is a former dairy farm turned 2,200-acre migratory wildlife refuge. It also has a handful of trails that are great for stretching your legs when you want a run without a lot of elevation gain — and it ties into several other nearby trails if you want to log more distance. Depending on your goals, this can also be an excellent place to warm up or cool down, either before or after a longer run. If you happen to visit in the spring or fall, you might also be lucky enough to see spectacular crowds of sandhill cranes.

This beach has the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska, scattered openly on the beach where you are free to wander and discover them. The site itself is at least 8,000 years old. Try to time your visit with a reasonably low tide, so there's more room to wander; and please don't take souvenir rubbings from the petroglyphs, because that wears them down. There are replicas near the park entrance that you can use for rubbings if you like.

This is the site of the main overlook for the Mount Healy Trail. The trail stays maintained up to this point and features a lot of switchbacks to keep the trail from getting too steep. There are great views basically the whole way up the trail once you break out of the trees, and this rocky outcrop is pointed right towards Denali Canyon. If you decide to go past this point, the crowds dwindle immediately.