Great Land of Alaska

Pictures and Information about The Great Land

Fact of the Week:

As of December 2007, Alaska had nearly 70,000 registered boats. (More facts)

Last update:

November 21, 2009: New picture gallery with some pictures from the 2008-2009 Redoubt volcano eruption.

Alaska - The Great Land.

Our word Alaska comes from the Aleut word Alyeska — “The Great Land.” As anyone who has lived in or visited Alaska knows, this is indeed The Great Land. Lush coastal rain forests, high mountain peaks, large crystal-clear lakes, and massive glaciers are just some of the breathtaking sights in this northern land.

Alaska can be just as dangerous as it is beautiful. A Grizzly surprised by a hiker, a rutting bull moose, hypothermia, earthquakes, volcanos, or avalanches are things that many Alaskans have had to face at one time or another. This tranquil, peaceful land can be a real challenge for those who try to take it on without the proper preparation and planning.

Still, many Alaskans say that despite the challenges and dangers, they'd rather not be anywhere else. They share the land with one of the world's longest rivers (The Yukon River), one of the world's highest tides (Cook Inlet), one of the world's largest mountains (Denali), and one of the world's deepest gorges (Great Gorge). Alaska also has the world's largest population of Grizzly Bears and one of the world's highest concentrations of Bald Eagles. Whether you're a Cheechako or a Sourdough, a visitor or a long-time resident, there's plenty to see and enjoy in the Great Land.

Come on in and see what we've got to offer:

Picture Galleries - Photographs of Alaskan scenery.
Reference - Definitions, maps, trivia, and other things about Alaska.
Humor - A few Alaskan-related jokes.
Links - Some links to other Alaskan or Alaskan-related sites.

VOLCANO UPDATE: (January 27 2010 7:45PM Alaska time)

No Alaskan volcanoes at Concern Level Yellow or above.

(Alaska & Kamchatka Peninsula volcano status / recent Alaskan earthquakes)


Current Conditions:

Click for Kenai, Alaska Forecast

Click for Soldotna, Alaska Forecast

Alaskan Events for January

Anchorage—Great Alaska Beer and Barleywine Festival; Folk Festival; Visitor Industry Job Fair; Crystal Gallery of Ice; Wedding Fair; Symphony of Seafood; WinterFest; U.S. Cross-Country Skiing National Championship.
Anchor Point—Cabin Fever Variety Show. Bethel—Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race.
Big Lake—Kondike 300 Sled Dog Derby; Ice Classic (through April).
Chistochina—Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race.
Glennallen—Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race.
Haines—Alcan 200 International Snowmachine Race.
Juneau—State Legislature convenes.
Kenai—Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race; Annual Awards Ceremony; Peninsula Winter Games.
Kodiak—Russian Christmas and Starring; Russian New Year and Masquerade Ball.
Seward—Polar Bear Jump-Off Festival; Sports and Rec Show.
Sitka—Northwest Coast ARts Symposium; Russian Christmas and Starring.
Soldotna—Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race; Peninsula Winter Games.
Unalaska—Russian Orthodox Christmas and Starring; Russian Orthodox New Year; Qawalangin Tribe Masquerade Ball.
Willow—Winter Carnival.

(Complete calendar)

Today's Picture:

January 27, 2010 7:19PM

Looking out my living room window

Kenai high, low, & sunlight:
High: 30°F (-1°C)
Low: 10°F -12°C)
Daylight: 7 hours 30 minutes (4 minute 52 second gain)