Regions in Alaska

Left image
The best way to express the size of Alaska is to lay it over the rest lower 48 states.
Credit: NPS Graphic/AKRO

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Map of all the public lands - both State and Federal - of Alaska.
Credit: NPS Graphic/AKRO-ANCH

 

Alaska is 1/5 of the size of the contiguous United States, or 2.5 times the state of Texas. How to start planning a trip to the public lands and navigating such a large state?

Due to the size of Alaska, we have broken the state up into 5 different regions for your trip planning convenience. When looking at the public lands in each region, remember to add in the travel time and transportation mode into your adventure!

Public lands are areas set aside by Alaskans and the American people for a variety of purposes. The public entrusts state and federal agencies to regulate and protect these lands. Some public lands are designated as parks, forests, or refuges; others as wild rivers, historical areas, or critical habitat.

Public lands in Alaska are home to amazing animals and entire ecosystems. They protect unique cultural and historical treasures. Alaska Native and rural residents practice subsistence and traditional lifestyles in these places. Many public lands provide recreational opportunities unsurpassed anywhere else in the world.

You can hike, fish, camp, boat, ski, watch wildlife, and experience other cultures. In certain areas, you can hunt, pan for gold, gather firewood, climb. and snowmobile. The possibilities are endless! Click on each map below to discover the public lands and their recreational opportunities in each region.

 

Northwest & Arctic Region

Curious about the Far North? Discover what it takes to visit your public lands in the Northwest and Arctic Region.

Interior Region

Vast tundra and waterways invite you to visit the Interior Region of Alaska; read more to make sure where you want to explore.

Southwest Region

From the Aleutian islands to the brown bears at Katmai National Park, discover what else lies within the Southwest Region of Alaska.

Southcentral Region

Coming to Alaska through the major arteries of travel - car, plane, train, and/or boat - more than likely you'll visit this region.

Southeast Region

Explore the rich temperate rainforest Southeast Region of Alaska; commonly visited by cruise ship and Alaska Marine Highway passengers.