An Exploration of America's Most Mysterious State: Alaska

No state in the US has more untamed wilderness, soaring vistas, or hidden surprises than Alaska. The largest state by area, but only the 48th most populous state (only Vermont and Wyoming have fewer residents), Alaska represents an independent spirit of discovery and self-reliance.

Alaskan Natives have been present in this state for over 10,000 years in some areas, at home in its ancient, beautiful landscape. Let’s take a trip to Alaska through images of its natural beauty. You may find yourself so entranced by the mountains, forests, and rivers that you might come away planning to travel to Alaska yourself!

Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure, Max Foster's limited edition photography print of Gates of the Arctic National Park from his Alaska gallery collection.

While many people think of Alaska as one big ice field, this could not be further from the truth. Alaska is home to many biomes, including majestic mountain ranges, tundra and taiga, fields and forests, and coastal landscapes. The Gates of the Arctic National Park, the northernmost national park in the United States, is home to some of the most boreal forest landscapes north of the Arctic circle. You will be entranced by the quiet water reflecting the sky in Northern Exposure and fall in love with the colors of arctic autumn.

True North

True North

True North, Max Foster's limited edition photography print of Gates of the Arctic National Park from his Alaska gallery collection.

The untouched Alaskan wilderness is a primordial place, wild and ancient. When you gaze at the rushing waters in True North as they tumble past granite boulders deposited by ancient glaciers, it’s not hard to feel like you’re the only person in the world. A peek into the Alaskan wilderness is a view of a world apart, separate from the urban rush of modernity. The wild beauty captured here is unlike anything else in the United States.

Emerald Waters

Emerald Waters

Emerald Waters, Max Foster's limited edition photography print of Gates of the Arctic National Park from his Alaska gallery collection.

There are many surprises in Alaska. Natural beauty, however, is never a surprise. Almost anywhere you turn, you’ll find something to delight the eye and enchant the senses. For example, even above the Arctic Circle, at one of the most northern points in North America, you can still find verdant, lush green, tracing its way through water and up the sides of a mountain. Emerald Waters captures the vibrancy of life in the Alaska wilderness.

The Last Frontier

The Last Frontier

The Last Frontier, Max Foster's limited edition photography print of Gates of the Arctic National Park from his Alaska gallery collection.

Nobody knows who first called Alaska the Last Frontier, but the moniker holds to this day. Even though Alaska is very much not uninhabited or completely inhospitable– there are plenty of people who live and work there– a greater percentage of Alaska is protected natural areas than anywhere else in the United States. As water rushes towards you down a series of cascades, let yourself get swept away in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and see why we’ve found it so important to protect.

Meteoric

Meteoric

Meteoric, Max Foster's limited edition photography print of Gates of the Arctic National Park from his Alaska gallery collection.

Alaska is famous for the events that play out in its skies. At night, the Northern Lights shimmer in a kaleidoscope of enchanting colors. During the summer, the sun doesn’t completely set for 84 days. But did you know that the state’s skies are also known for their rainbows? Between its coastal precipitation and the numerous waterfalls, it’s not uncommon to see a rainbow arcing across your field of vision. In Meteoric, you can see a giant rainbow leaping over stark granite mountains for a gorgeous view of another colorful aspect of Alaska.

Alaskan Wonders

Alaskan Wonders

Alaskan Wonders, Max Foster's limited edition photography print of Gates of the Arctic National Park from his Alaska gallery collection.

As we finish our trip to Alaska, we’ll take one last look at the beauty of Alaskan Wonders. A mountain stream feeds a valley, and plants come to life with vibrant color in the shadows of granite behemoths. As the clouds move in, we find ourselves pulling away to see the whole landscape and gain a new appreciation for the beauty of this vast wilderness. Bright golds, rich reds, and delicate greens might not be the colors you would expect of the Alaskan wilderness– but the vibrancy of this landscape belies the truth about Alaska. There’s much more to this state than meets the eye!

If you want to see more beautiful Alaskan landscapes, visit nature photographer Max Foster’s Wild Alaska gallery. Let yourself be inspired by the majesty of the mountains and the grandeur of the wilderness, and take in the beautiful views of this incredible land. The Arctic is waiting for you to discover its secrets and its wild, untamed beauty.

Posted in Travel & Trip Reports and tagged Alaska.