Exploring the Remote Wilderness of Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alaska
The estuary at Aniakchak Bay provided a reflective canvas for this photo of our hiking group, fast walking back after exploring deep into the valley. On our expedition cruise along the Alaskan Peninsula, we pulled into a rugged, remote bay called Aniakchak Bay. This coastline is part of Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, which is one of the National Park Systems least visited units, with less than 200 visitors yearly. Most of these visitors are fishing, hunting, or rafting up in the caldera of a huge, inland volcano. However, we are getting to explore the coast. There are no footprints on these beaches, except for the wildlife that came before us. Aniakchack's wilderness is home to brown bears, moose, wolves, wolverines, fox, and caribou. Sea otters, seals, and all kinds of birds can be found out in the bay. There are no designated trails, campsites, or facilities here. We are truly in the wilderness. We sent out a beach walk over the black volcanic sand, a skiff tour, and...