Page 21 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

INTRODUCING ALASK A  19
A PORTRAIT OF ALASKA

Dominated by thundering glaciers, vast forests, wild rivers, and island-
studded seas and fjords, Alaska is undoubtedly one of America’s most scenic
states. The magnificence of the land, wildlife-viewing opportunities, an
almost unmatched range of outdoor activities, and the chance to explore the
state’s Russian and Native heritage, all combine to draw visitors to Alaska.

Detached from the rest of the country Russian Orthodox clergy followed
by Canada’s Yukon Territory and British Russian trappers to Alaska and con-
Columbia, Alaska is the largest state in verted many locals to the Orthodox
the US. While its monu mental size can at faith. Several large communi ties have
times seem over whelming, no one could at least one Russian Orthodox church,
fail to appreciate the grandeur of the land. and the cities of Kodiak, Sitka, and
Evidence of Alaska’s Native heritage Unalaska retain espe cially strong
abounds in towns and villages, where Russian influences.
many indigenous groups keep their The state offers an incredible variety
age-old traditions alive. Museums across of outdoor activities, including white-
the state are filled with Native artifacts water rafting and wildlife viewing in
and ceremonial objects, but the best the summer, and skiing and dog
place for an overview of these diverse sledding in the winter. It is also one
cultures is the Alaska Native Heritage of the top cruise destinations in the
Center in Anchorage. world, with spectacular trips in the
Remnants of Alaska’s Russian past are Gulf of Alaska and through the quiet
also still in evidence. In the 18th century, channels of the Inside Passage.

Traditional crosses and domes of St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Anchorage
Carved and painted totem pole, characteristic of many Alaskan Native cultures

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