Alaska has so many fascinating world-renowned attractions, but sometimes it’s the most underrated places that end up being the most wow-worthy. We are talking about the kind of areas that make your jaw drop in utter amazement. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Katmai National Park & Preserve is a sweet hidden gem located on the southwest Alaska Peninsula. The massive volcanic formations and thundering canyon falls simply must be seen to be believed.
Head to the southern Alaska Peninsula where you’ll find the renowned beauty of Katmai National Park & Preserve.
Flickr - Ronald Woan This incredible attraction is across from Alaska’s Emerald Island of Kodiak, with headquarters in nearby King Salmon.
With roughly 4,093,077 acres of rugged untouched beauty, you’ll find it easy to seek out epic adventure opportunities in this hidden promise land.
Flickr - Christoph Strässler
While many come to Katmai to experience the world-famous bear viewing opportunities at Brooks Falls, we can’t get past the wow-worthy sights in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
Flickr - NPS CulturalLandscapes
This phenomenal volcanic canyon land is the result of the eruption of the Novarupta volcano on June 6 - 8, 1912.
Flickr - Christoph Strässler In fact, this was the largest eruption by volume in the entire 20th century.
Following the notorious eruption, thousands of fumaroles vented steam from the ash and assisted in carving out the most fascinating wide-spread valley.
Flickr - Ronald Woan
There were literally thousands of smoke plumes curling up from the earth’s floor after the eruption occurred, just about as far as the eyes could see.
Flickr - NPS CulturalLandscapes The ash-filled valley covers roughly 40 square miles of land and is around 700 feet in depth.
But the end result was nothing short of a natural formation miracle. Today the steep volcanic canyon lands offer a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience for visitors to this remote Alaskan destination.
Flickr - Christoph Strässler
The thundering waterfalls that wind through the massive volcanic rock formations will make your jaw drop in pure amazement.
Flickr - Ronald Woan
You can even hike down into the canyons to get an up close and personal look at just how massive this area is, from the inside looking out.
Flickr - Ronald Woan Just be sure to watch before you leap and use extreme caution in this very unforgiving part of the great 49th state.
Spend the day hiking around the valley for hours on end, or opt for a more hands-off approach and explore the legendary area from the comforts of a flight-seeing tour.
Flickr - Ronald Woan Whatever you do, just be sure to put this on your 2017 Alaska bucket list ASAP.
Be sure to check out the aerial footage captured in the YouTube video below to experience what a flight-seeing tour is like in the stunningly beautiful Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
Flickr - Ronald Woan
This incredible attraction is across from Alaska’s Emerald Island of Kodiak, with headquarters in nearby King Salmon.
Flickr - Christoph Strässler
Flickr - NPS CulturalLandscapes
In fact, this was the largest eruption by volume in the entire 20th century.
The ash-filled valley covers roughly 40 square miles of land and is around 700 feet in depth.
Just be sure to watch before you leap and use extreme caution in this very unforgiving part of the great 49th state.
Whatever you do, just be sure to put this on your 2017 Alaska bucket list ASAP.
If you thought that the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes was incredible, be sure to check out these seven wonders of the world that are located right here in Alaska. Also, here is the perfect weekend itinerary if you love exploring Alaska’s renowned waterfalls.
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