By Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Communications Intern

American Forests invites you to join us on the trip of a lifetime to the wilderness of picturesque Denali National Park in Alaska. From July 2-7, we will be headed to Alaska’s most well-known national park for a magical week of relaxation and re-connecting with nature. After beginning our trip in Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, we will continue our journey into the heart of Denali National Park. What better way is there to celebrate Independence Day than to spend it in one of the most beautiful and pristine places in the United States? Not to mention the fact that there are more bald eagles found in Alaska than in any other state, with a population of about 30,000 birds.

Denali National Park was originally established in 1917 after naturalist Charles Sheldon spent nine years lobbying for legislation to create the park. Not only is Denali the first national park to be created in Alaska, it was also the first national park created explicitly to protect wildlife. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the park’s sprawling 6 million acres of wilderness to catch glimpses of the abundance of wildlife that call Denali home. Ranging from mammals, such as bears, Dall sheep and caribou, to the more than 160 species of birds that call the park home during the summer months, Denali remains unrivaled as the best destination for seeing such diverse wildlife. The park also claims the tallest mountain in North America — Mount Denali stands at an impressive 20,320 feet and was also formerly known as Mount McKinley.

While in Denali we will be staying right at nature’s doorstep, at the remote Kantishna Road House. Here, you will be sure to find peace and serenity, taking in the sights and sounds of nature while participating in activities such as morning hikes or afternoon bike rides through the park. On our morning hikes, we will get the full experience of the Denali wilderness and are sure to come across wildlife that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world, the Dall sheep.

On our last day in the park, we have the unique opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful spots in the heart of Denali: Wonder Lake. Wonder Lake was created by retreating glaciers and offers visitors stunning views of Mount Denali and the Alaska Range. It’s also frequented by wildlife such as waterfowl and the occasional moose. Here, we will canoe across its waters and take in the views before returning to the lodge for cocktails.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder why Denali is called the Crown Jewel of the North. In the coming weeks, keep on the lookout for more posts about the native flora and fauna of Denali, as well as more information on one of the trip’s activities we’re most looking forward to: an incredible glass train ride from Denali back to Anchorage.

Sound exciting? Join us on this exclusive adventure by registering online!