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Irish Examiner
30-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Voyages beyond the ordinary
Luxury cruise travel is among the most enriching ways to explore the world. A celebration of slow travel and multi-destination exploration, cruise holidays are designed for those who want to experience more, with variety and ease, in a more relaxed way to see the world. With Oroko Travel, Ireland's leading luxury travel specialists, you'll not only enjoy an opulent voyage but also chart your own course with an itinerary tailored entirely to you. From pre- and post-cruise stays to private excursions and cultural experiences, Oroko Travel's expert team tailors every detail. 'Today's traveller wants to reset and reconnect,' says Brendan Breen, managing director at Oroko Travel. 'It's not about doing more, but doing it the right way, in a sequence that makes sense, with experiences that feel truly personal.' 'Our clients expect the same care and precision at sea that they receive on land,' Breen continues. 'That's why we partner with luxury providers like Silversea, because their on-board experience mirrors our own commitment to bespoke luxury.' In partnership with the world's leading cruise providers, Oroko has curated a selection of tailored voyages, inviting you to discover the world on your doorstep. Cruise Alaska's icy waterways in Silversea luxury Witness incredible moments of nature, like a long grizzly standing in the river at sunset, framed by dramatic mountains Few places on Earth rival Alaska for scale and spectacle. Where thunderous glaciers crash into the sea, whales breach in icy bays, and eagles soar above indigenous forests. In partnership with Silversea, Oroko has tailored a luxury expedition cruise holiday to Alaska where the cinematic drama of the landscape is matched only by the detail of world-class service. The journey begins in Anchorage, continuing by car or rail along the Turnagain Arm, one of North America's most scenic coastal routes, before boarding the cruise in Seward. Over the coming days, guests sail southward toward Vancouver, passing mighty fiords and along the face of the Hubbard Glacier. They trace Gold Rush stories in Skagway, kayak past the blue walls of Mendenhall Glacier, and experience the Tlingit culture and totem pole heritage of Ketchikan. The journey ends in Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city that beautifully bridges wilderness and worldliness. This route is a favourite among Oroko customers for good reason. It delivers grandeur and authenticity in equal measure. Oroko enhance each trip with thoughtful extras, whether that's a guided biking tour in Vancouver, a wildlife excursion in Anchorage or a post-cruise rail journey into the Rockies. Timeless Mekong: Vietnam and Cambodia by river For those drawn to culture and colour, a luxury Mekong river cruise holiday offers a spellbinding journey through southeast Asia. Here, life is lived on the water; fishermen cast nets at sunrise, children wave from sampans, monks chant in golden temples. Partnering with Uniworld, Oroko offers an immersive experience that begins in Ho Chi Minh City and meanders through the storied Mekong Delta, ending with a cultural deep-dive into Angkor Wat and historic Hanoi. Experience boutique luxury on the water, with Uniworld's beautifully appointed ships offering elegant dining, attentive service and indulgent spa treatments. Stay in luxury suite accommodation on the water, with spacious terraces and elegant interiors Your travel specialist will personalise your journey with thoughtfully tailored experiences: perhaps a private food tour by Vespa through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, a guided sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, or a few days of barefoot luxury on the beaches of Phu Quoc. Forests, fiords and fairy-tale towns In Norway, nature is the protagonist. Towering fiords, alpine peaks and storybook towns create a backdrop unlike anywhere else. In the summer months, there's a particular kind of magic to Norway. 'The light stretches long into the night, the air feels fresh and clean, and when travelling by water, you can see a whole spectrum of landscapes in just a few days,' says Breen. Experience the cinematic beauty of Norway's landscapes by luxury cruise including Sognefjordan and Bergen, the city of the Seven Mountains Oroko has partnered with Silversea to offer two tailored Nordic voyages: one beginning in Bergen, the other in Copenhagen. Both journeys celebrate Alpine beauty, Viking heritage and true, Nordic wilderness. Each holiday can be personalised to reflect the client's interests. 'With no two holidays the same, you get to experience the Norway that's uniquely yours,' says Breen. 'Some clients want back-to-back excursions; others prefer a gentler pace. We account for all of that. It's what makes the experience truly bespoke.' Egypt: Cruising the treasures of the Nile From the mighty pyramids to the mummified remains of King Tutankhamun, Egypt holds a spellbinding history To cruise the river Nile is to journey back in time – to an era of ancient pharaohs, queens and the Great Sphinx. Oroko tailors luxury cruise holidays in Egypt that combine private land touring with an intimate river voyage, guided by expert Egyptologists and hosted aboard elegant, small-capacity ships. Your boutique accommodation on the water offers the perfect balance of cultural discoveries and relaxation The journey begins in Cairo, with visits to the Great Pyramid and the Egyptian Museum, before continuing to Alexandria and then on to the Nile by way of Luxor or Aswan. Over four leisurely nights, travellers explore temples, tombs and sacred riverbanks. Each element of the journey is finely tuned, says Brendan. 'It's the ideal balance of depth and relaxation,' he says. 'You cover extraordinary ground, but with time to absorb and reflect.' For those seeking a beach element, Oroko can also arrange a stay along the Red Sea, ideal for unwinding at the end of a culture-rich itinerary. For adventure seekers, Oroko tailor luxury Cruise holidays to destinations like Greenland (above), Antarctica and Alaska These four journeys offer just a glimpse into Oroko Travel's tailored cruise portfolio. Whether you're dreaming of the Mediterranean, Antarctica, the Indian Ocean or further afield, the expert team can design your ideal luxury cruise holiday, anywhere in the world. With sailings available globally through 2025, 2026 and beyond, let Oroko tailor your next voyage. Visit call 01 2600 240 or email info@
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This Alaska Region Has Some of the State's Most Beautiful Coastal Towns—Plus Majestic Glaciers and Unforgettable Wildlife
Located about 16 miles north of downtown Ketchikan—the Salmon Capital of the World—the waterfront Salmon Falls Fishing Resort is a haven for anglers wanting an all-inclusive fishing adventure. Watch huge chunks of ice calve off massive glaciers and splash spectacularly into the water at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Take a scenic seaplane tour of the enormous Juneau Icefield. Situated on the waterfront in Juneau, crack open an Alaskan king crab leg at Tracy's King Crab Shack. Alaska's Inside Passage is home to charming small towns that highlight the destination's Indigenous heritage and offer local I gazed out the tiny window of the 10-passenger floatplane, wearing bulky headphones to drown out the turbine engine, the staggering 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield came into view. I peered down at the massive glaciers with electric blue crevasses. This was one of Alaska's Inside Passage adventures that would stick with me. The Inside Passage draws travelers interested in outdoor adventure, wildlife, charming coastal towns, and Indigenous culture. Located in southeastern Alaska, about 80 percent of the area is in the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States. The expansive terrain not only features glaciers, but also scenic waterfalls, temperate rain forest, picturesque fjords, and an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bears, whales, moose, mountain goats, seals, and bald eagles (their heads look like white golf balls in the trees). There's no shortage of outdoor activities, including kayaking, boating, hiking, and fishing. The region is also rich in Indigenous culture and history, home to the Tlingit, Haida, Eyak, and Tsimshian Alaskan Native people. Their skilled artistry can be seen in colorful totem poles and intricately woven baskets found throughout the alluring coastal towns. Many arrive by cruise ship, which allows you to cover large distances in a short amount of time. If you're visiting the Inside Passage, use this curated guide to help plan your trip. Conveniently located in historic downtown Juneau, Alaska's capital, the Four Points by Sheraton Juneau offers comfortable guest rooms with ocean views and useful amenities, like complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an on-site convenience store. Just steps from Sitka Harbor and Crescent Bay, The Sitka Hotel offers water and mountain views, plus it's walkable to downtown shops and restaurants. Dine at one of the nearby eateries or make a meal in your room thanks to the kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and stove. Guests arrive by boat to this Alaskan lodge that offers unmatched fishing and outdoor adventures. After a day on the water or hiking in nature, relax on the sandy beach or indulge in a spa treatment. The beautiful setting in the Tongass National Forest is ideal for experiencing the Inside Passage. Set off on a guided fishing adventure at this all-inclusive resort not far from Ketchikan. After making a catch, relax on the patio or by the firepit, listen to live music, or play yard games. End the day with a fresh Alaskan dinner at the Timbers Restaurant & Lounge. The host innkeepers of this bed-and-breakfast warmly welcome their guests with cozy rooms named after women who were part of the Klondike gold rush, farm- and sea-to-table meals at Olivia's Bistro, and top-notch service. Ask for their input on hiking the Chilkoot Trail. They'll even let you borrow bear spray. After a ferry trip, a bus ride, a short hike, and a paddle across a river and lake, the view of Davidson Glacier is worth the effort. This is remote Alaska at its finest. The six-hour excursion from Skagway allows travelers to experience the wilderness and wildlife firsthand—by water and land. Board a vintage train in Skagway and take in the views on the journey to the 2,865-foot summit of White Pass. The nearly three-hour round-trip route passes scenic waterfalls, glaciers, and historic sites of the 1898 Klondike Trail. There are also multiday train tours throughout Alaska. Learn about the culture and traditions of the Indigenous Tlingit people at this native village near Ketchikan. I found the traditional song and dance in the Clan House to be powerful and enlightening. Leave time to meet Indigenous artists in the Carving House and discover the meaning of totem poles at Totem Park. Observe the great outdoors from a wheeled dogsled pulled by trained huskies. The one-mile trail through the forest provides ample opportunity to photograph the picturesque backcountry. Cuddle with adorable husky puppies at the musher's camp. This 40-minute seaplane excursion offers a bird's-eye view of five epic glaciers: the Norris, Hole-in-the-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, and Taku Glacier. I particularly enjoyed the pilot's descriptive narration. The immenseness of the Juneau Icefield can only be appreciated from the air. This iconic restaurant, known for its Alaskan king crab, has two locations in Juneau. I loved the open-air waterfront dining at Shack 2, which large crab legs by the bucket. You'll also find Alaskan golden king crab, red king crab, Dungeness crab, and snow crab on the menu. At this gratuity-free restaurant in Sitka, chef Renée—a 2023 James Beard best chef semifinalist—cooks locally sourced dishes with a focus on high-quality seafood and sustainability practices. You will feel as though you are dining at a friend's home, with attentive service in a warm and welcoming environment. Pull up a seat at the bar to taste oysters freshly harvested from some of the most pristine ocean water on the planet. Just north of Ketchikan, guests can tour Hump Island Oyster Company to learn about its commitment to using ethical and sustainable farming practices. While visiting Juneau, I love hopping on the Goldbelt Tram to grab lunch at the rustic Timberline Bar & Grill. Dine on salads, burgers, or burritos with panoramic views of downtown Juneau and the surrounding area. Then, work off your meal by hiking the 4.5-mile Mount Roberts Trail back down. Dining at this historic saloon is like stepping back in time to the gold rush era, when bustling dance halls, saloons, and brothels were popular in Skagway. Fill your belly with pizza and beer, followed by a "quickie" tour of the brothel museum. The best time to visit Alaska's Inside Passage depends on what type of trip you're planning and what you want to do while visiting. Like many travelers, I prefer to go during the warmer months (mid-June through mid-August ). If you're visiting in August, pack a raincoat because it's one of the wettest months. Summer is also when you'll have the most daylight (typically around 18 hours), and it's prime time for bear spotting due to salmon spawning. If seeing the northern lights is on your wish list, head there mid-August through mid-April, especially during the equinoxes. The winter months are less expensive and less crowded, but also colder and darker. Approximately 1.68 million travelers arrived in Alaska via cruise ship in 2024, making it the most popular way to reach the 49th state. To access the Inside Passage by plane, fly into Juneau or Ketchikan International Airport. Alaska Airlines, which recently merged with Hawaiian Airlines, has two flights a day from Seattle to Juneau that take about 2.5 hours. If you're not in a hurry, you can catch an Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry from Bellingham, Washington, to Ketchikan, but it takes 38 hours. You can also drive the 1,700 miles along the Alaska-Canada Highway (ALCAN) in about the same time. The capital city of Juneau is rich in history and Indigenous culture, plus it offers plenty of outdoor adventure, shopping, and dining. I love starting with the scenic Goldbelt Tram ride to Mount Roberts, followed by a visit to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum or Alaska State Museum. Time permitting, include a short hike at Mendenhall Glacier. Strolling along colorful and historic Creek Street is one of my favorite things to do in Ketchikan. Browse souvenir shops selling Indigenous wood carvings, caribou fur, and gold nugget jewelry; check out the lively Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show; or learn about Indigenous art and traditions at the Totem Heritage Center. The Tlingit people are the town's original inhabitants, but the area is also known for its Russian heritage, displayed through the Russian Bishop's House and St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The annual Sitka Music Festival, held in June, brings world-class chamber music. I also take advantage of the outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and fishing. Skagway is steeped in gold rush history with plenty of related activities and exhibits. Hop on the train for a scenic journey to White Pass, visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, pan for gold, browse the gold rush cemeteries, or grab a meal at the bustling Red Onion Saloon. With few roads connecting the small towns and islands in Alaska's Inside Passage, most visitors explore the area via small or large cruise ships. If you're going on your own, you can get from town to town on ferries or seaplanes. Once in town, most places are within walking distance. By Water: The AMHS has 15 ferry ports in the Inside Passage, making it an easy, affordable, and scenic way to get around, though not quickly. For long trips, travelers can book cabins with bunk beds and full bathrooms. Another way to access the area is by water taxi in and around places such as Gustavus, Ketchikan, and Wrangell. By Air: Traveling by seaplane is not the most economical option, but it's a relatively quick way to get from place to place where there are no roads. Plus, the views from above are breathtaking. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Hamilton Spectator
27-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Master carver Dempsey Bob donates salmon art piece to Prince Rupert Public Library
Tahltan/Tlingit master carver Dempsey Bob has gifted the Prince Rupert Public Library a striking artwork from his renowned Salmon series, enriching the community with a powerful symbol of cultural heritage. The artist lived in the Prince Rupert area from 1960 until around 2006, and the library holds a special place in his heart. 'People ask me where I went to art school? But there was no art school at the Northwest coast,' said Bob. 'I tell them I went to art school at the Prince Rupert Public Library. I studied art there,' he laughed. In a time before the internet, Bob spent countless hours at the library studying every art book and archive he could find. His recent gift is a way of giving back to a place that helped shape his artistic journey by offering the community something visually inspiring. 'The salmon is very important to our culture. The salmon gave the northwest coast people the time to carve. We can preserve enough salmon in a month to last us one year,' said Bob. 'So the salmon was what gave us that time and the freedom to do our art. Our carvings are everything. Salmon is like the buffalo to us, it's the centre of our culture.' In 2024, Bob also exhibited his Salmon series at the North Pacific Cannery Historic Site in Port Edward. He notes that the coast is seeing fewer salmon now than in previous years, and this change deeply concerns the people he knows. His artwork is a powerful statement on the importance of salmon, both as a cultural symbol and a vital part of the coastal ecosystem. 'I coloured it gold because the gold rush for the salmon is over. There's no more canneries,' said Bob. The carver grew up at the Port Edward cannery and shares that for over 120 years, his ancestors have worked in canneries along the coast. This has marked the First Nations people with a deep, generational connection to the fishing industry. 'We are the last cannery generation of people that live there and work there,' he said. The Salmon series is his ode to the north coast culture. Bob has been drawing since childhood and began making art formally in 1969. Today, he is a world-renowned master carver credited with helping to establish the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in Terrace. His work is featured in prestigious institutions and museums worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and beyond. A striking series of his masks are also on display at the Vancouver and Prince Rupert airports, showcasing the depth and beauty of Northwest Coast Indigenous art to travellers from around the globe.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
New Cape Fox Tours Website Launched
Planning your Alaska adventure just got easier! Cape Fox Tours Debuts its New Website Ketchikan, Alaska, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cape Fox Tours has launched a new, updated website, Cape Fox Tours is a subsidiary of Cape Fox Corporation (CFC). Each year, over 1 million tourists visit Ketchikan, Alaska. Cape Fox Tours provides personalized, engaging tours, allowing visitors to explore the best of Alaska. From scenic tours to exhilarating adventures, Cape Fox Tours caters to all interests, whether you want to learn about local culture, taste local flavors, see wildlife, or experience nature up close. Cape Fox Tours is now more accessible than ever for guests and anyone planning the perfect Alaskan adventure with our new website. This website showcases everything Cape Fox Tours offers. It is visually stunning and guides you through the process of learning more about Cape Fox Tours, planning your visit, and booking directly from the website. One added feature is a new section showcasing Cape Fox Tours' sustainability efforts in Alaska. Many tourism companies now offer green tourism, and Cape Fox Tours is no exception. We outline and detail our sustainability efforts, showing our four pillars of sustainability: economic, cultural, environmental, and social. Our sustainability efforts express our dedication to our tourism efforts to keep Alaska true to its beauty, the culture and history of the land, the businesses that support the local economy, and the natural environment to ensure tourists visiting Alaska have a true Alaskan journey. Visiting the new Cape Fox Tours website puts your dream of an Alaska adventure at your fingertips. When you visit the site, you can book your tours, browse the many cultural photos and all the heritage represented, learn about the culture and history of the Tlingit who settled in the Village of Saxman, and envision all the thrilling activities from fishing for salmon to hiking the numerous trails. Adrianna Oliva-Parks, Cape Fox Tours Manager, commented on the new website, "I am thrilled about the launch of the new Cape Fox Tours website. It will highlight Ketchikan's beauty and showcase our tour program's offerings. We provide unique, culturally enriching, and family-friendly experiences that are guaranteed to make every traveler's journey unforgettable.' Check out the new Cape Fox Tours website at and follow our Facebook page @CFCTours. For additional information, email Heather Kaiser at hkaiser@ or call (703) 749-3045. About Cape Fox Corporation Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) was formed as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Cape Fox Corporation is the Alaska Native Corporation for the village of Saxman. Today, Cape Fox Corporation is comprised of a family of businesses divided between two distinct groups: The Federal Contracting Group and The Commercial Group. Collectively, CFC and its subsidiaries specialize in information technology and cybersecurity; professional services; health care services; marketing; training services; and logistical services. Visit Cape Fox Tours and Cape Fox Corporation to learn more. Attachment Cape Fox Tours Debuts its New Website CONTACT: Heather Kaiser Cape Fox Corporation 703.686.2340 hkaiser@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
National Geographic
21-04-2025
- National Geographic
Avoid crowds at the 10 least-visited U.S. national parks
Since its founding on August 25, 1916, the U.S. National Park Service has assembled 419 protected units, of which 62 hold the 'national park' designation. To visit all 63 of these treasures one would need to travel to 29 states and two U.S. territories. But with so many national parks to visit, there are trails, craters, and lakeshores that can be explored responsibly and without crowds. How remote and uncrowded are these parks? Katmai National Park's Aniakchak caldera is so remote that many park rangers have never visited its volcanic crater. In Alaska, Kobuk Valley National Park experiences a large caribou migration, with estimates of 250,000 caribou passing through twice a year; whereas only 17,233 people visited the park in 2024. (Travelers flooded these national parks with long lines and crowded trails.) Based on the National Park Service's annual recreational visitor, more than 331 million people visited a national park, monument, site, or unit last year. However, travelers who want to avoid the crowds—but not the natural wonders of a U.S. national park—should visit 10 of the nation's least-visited national parks. Basin National Park It's surprising that Great Basin National Park only saw 152,068 visitors in 2024. This U.S. national park is not only home to groves of bristlecone pines that can live for thousands of years, but it features the limestone caverns of Lehman Cave, dark skies for stargazing, a challenging climb to Wheeler Peak, the site of the last surviving Glacier in Nevada, Wheeler Peak Glacier. 9. Dry Tortugas National Park Seventy miles west of Key West, the 100-square mile Dry Tortugas National Park is mostly open water with seven small islands, including Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, one of the nation's largest 19th-century fort in the U.S. Only 84,873 people visited this park in 2024. This aerial photo captures a view of Fort Jefferson National Monument, the largest 19th-century fort in the U.S., part of Dry Tortugas National Park located 70 miles west of Key West, Fla. Photograph by Mike Theiss, Nat Geo Image Collection 8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Unfortunately, only 81,670 visited this park in 2024, despite its incredible natural landmarks. Most parkgoers might be shocked to know that Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, boasting incredible mountain ranges, vast glaciers, and a wide array of wildlife. It has some of the highest concentrations of glaciers in North America, which includes the Nabesna Glacier, the longest valley glacier on the continent. The park is also home to four Indigenous tribes: Ahtna Athabascans, Upper Tanana Athabascans, Eyak, and Tlingit. 7. Katmai National Park and Preserve More than 36,000 visitors entered Katmai National Park and Preserve in 2024 to see the U.S. national park known for its large population of brown bears, making it the ultimate destination for bear viewing. Katmai is also known for its salmon runs (which attract bears and other wildlife), and 14 active volcanoes (including Mount Katmai and Novarupta), and it's also ideal for backcountry hiking and camping because the majority of the park is a wilderness area. A brown bear looks for razor clams on the shore of Hallo Bay in Alaska's Katmai National Park. Photograph by Acacia Johnson, Nat Geo Image Collection 6. Isle Royale National Park More than 28,800 people visited this national park in 2024, numbers that include outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the park because of its 165 miles of hiking trails and 36 campgrounds. Located in Lake Superior off the coast of Michigan, Isle Royale National Park is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The relatively small number of visitors per year makes it also a significant site for researchers to study predator-prey interactions, specifically between its wolf and moose populations. In addition to its recognition as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it features 10 shipwrecks and four historic lighthouses—all four are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 5. National Park of American Samoa This park isn't easily accessible like national parks located on the U.S. mainland. Only 22,567 people visited the National Park of American Samoa last year, where they could learn more about the rich Samoan culture, impressive coral reefs (975 species of fish and more than 250 coral species), 475 plant species, 50 animal species, including two native species of fruit bats that are vital to pollination. The park's rainforests are home to species originating from Southeast Asia. The National Park of American Samoa is spread across three islands: Tutuila (seen above), Ta\'u, and Ofu. Photograph by Alamy Stock Photo 4. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve In 2024, this Alaska park only saw 18,505 visitors, but it has a reputation as the 'true adventurer's paradise' and preserving the natural ecosystem and ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina people. Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna are also located within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve and are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Wildlife photographers are attracted to the park because it's a prime location to observe and capture brown bears (grizzlies) in their natural habitat. Fly fishing, backcountry camping/backpacking, and kayaking are just a few popular outdoor activities here. Visitors can also explore the famed cabin built by Richard Proenneke, the iconic wilderness author and filmmaker. 3. Kobuk Valley National Park This national park in Alaska—just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle—is only accessible by air, receiving only 17,233 visitors in 2024. However, Kobuk Valley National Park is known for its Ice-Age-formed dunes, and Western Arctic caribou migration. It is also recognized as the rightful home of the Iñupiat people, specifically the KuvuNmiut, who have lived in this area for thousands of years. Grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, foxes, porcupines, moose, and numerous migratory birds call the park home. 2. North Cascades National Park The North Cascades National Park only saw 16,485 visitors in 2024, but its dramatic landscapes earned its nickname 'American Alps.' Rugged mountains with glaciers, cascading waterfalls, deep forested valleys, and a diverse ecosystem are all reasons why you should visit. North Cascades features the largest network of glaciers (over 300) in the lower 48 states. It also has a vast network of hiking trails, which include portions of the Pacific Crest Trail. A woman points to a distant mountain while enjoying panoramic views in North Cascades National Park, Wash. Photograph by Michael Hanson, Nat Geo Image Collection 1. Gates of the Artic National Park and Preserve In 2024, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve came in No. 1 as the least-visited national Park in the U.S. with 11,907 visitors in 2024. This national park protects the underdeveloped area within the Brooks Range, including the northernmost extension of the Rocky Mountains. Gates allows for traditional subsistence activities by local Koyukon and Inupiaq people, who rely on the land and its resources for their livelihoods. Hiking, backpacking, river rafting, and wildlife viewing are common activities among parkgoers here. Boreal Mountain (part of the Brooks Mountain Range), Frigid Crags, and the North Fork of the Koyukuk River are just a few natural landmarks found in the Gates of the Arctic National Park, Ala. Photograph by Design Pics Inc, Alamy Stock Photo (Related: These are the 10 most popular national parks.) For more info on these iconic parks, and other helpful travel trips, turn to the National Geographic book 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas.
