Where is Alaska Located in the United States?

Alaska, the largest and northernmost state in the United States, is known for its vast wilderness, rugged landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. It is geographically distinct, separated from the contiguous U.S. by Canada and surrounded by the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Unlike most states, Alaska does not share borders with any U.S. states, but it does share a long international border with Canada. Alaska’s state facts include: state name: Alaska, postal abbreviation: AK, population: approximately 733,000 (2024 estimate), area: 663,300 square miles, capital: Juneau, largest city: Anchorage, year of statehood: 1959, time zones: Alaska Time Zone and Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (for parts of the Aleutian Islands).

Bordering Countries and States

Canada

Alaska’s only land border is with Canada, which stretches for 1,538 miles (2,475 km) along the eastern edge of the state, making it the longest international border between a U.S. state and a foreign country. This boundary separates Alaska from the Canadian territories of Yukon and British Columbia. The border passes through rugged, mountainous terrain, much of which is sparsely populated, and follows the peaks of the Saint Elias Mountains and the Coast Range.

The proximity to Canada influences trade and tourism, with towns like Skagway and Haines serving as gateways for overland travel between Alaska and Canada. In the north, the border follows the Arctic region, separating Alaska from the Yukon, while the southern boundary follows the coastal mountains of British Columbia, leading down toward the southeastern panhandle of Alaska.

Russia (Maritime Border)

Although Alaska doesn’t share a land border with Russia, it is separated from Russia by just 55 miles (88.5 km) at the narrowest point of the Bering Strait, between Alaska’s Little Diomede Island and Russia’s Big Diomede Island. This proximity has historical significance, as the two regions were once connected by the Bering Land Bridge during the last Ice Age. The waters between Russia and Alaska are crucial for shipping routes, and historically, this region was a significant trading area for indigenous groups.

GPS Coordinates of Alaska

Alaska lies between 51.2097° N to 71.5388° N latitude and 130.0105° W to 172.4158° E longitude, placing it in the far northwest corner of North America. These coordinates make Alaska the northernmost and westernmost state in the U.S., as well as the easternmost, because the Aleutian Islands stretch across the 180th meridian, crossing into the Eastern Hemisphere. The state’s extreme latitudinal span places much of Alaska within the Arctic Circle, contributing to its polar climate and unique environmental conditions.

Anchorage, the state’s largest city, is located at approximately 61.2176° N, 149.8997° W, while Juneau, the capital, is situated at 58.3019° N, 134.4197° W. Alaska’s vast territory and diverse geographical coordinates contribute to a wide range of climates, from temperate rainforests in the southeast to tundra in the north. Its maritime position on both the Pacific and Arctic Oceans also influences its weather patterns, with coastal areas experiencing mild, rainy climates, while the interior regions, such as Fairbanks, can see extreme temperature fluctuations.

Levels of Elevation in Alaska

Alaska’s topography is incredibly varied, with elevations ranging from sea level to the highest peak in North America. Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is the highest point in both Alaska and the U.S., standing at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. Denali is part of the Alaska Range, a major mountain range that dominates the south-central region of the state. The towering heights of Denali and other mountains in the range create a stark contrast with the low-lying coastal plains and wetlands found in the southern and western parts of Alaska.

In contrast, the lowest point in Alaska is at sea level along its extensive coastlines, which span the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. These coastal regions are characterized by flatlands, fjords, and glaciers. Southeast Alaska, including the Inside Passage, features a rugged coastline with mountainous terrain that rises sharply from the sea.

The central and northern parts of Alaska have more moderate elevations, with rolling hills, broad river valleys, and tundra landscapes that dominate the vast interior and the North Slope. The Brooks Range, located in northern Alaska, also features significant peaks, although not as high as those in the Alaska Range. The diverse elevations across the state result in a wide variety of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to alpine tundra and polar ice caps.

Most Extreme Points of Alaska

Alaska’s geographical extremities are notable for their vast distances and dramatic differences in climate and topography.

• Northernmost point: The northernmost point of Alaska is Point Barrow, located at 71.3875° N, 156.4811° W. Point Barrow, also known as Utqiaġvik, is situated on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, where the climate is characterized by long, frigid winters and continuous daylight in the summer months.
• Southernmost point: Alaska’s southernmost point is found on Amatignak Island in the Aleutian Islands, located at 51.2097° N, 179.9066° W. This part of Alaska lies near the Pacific Ocean and is known for its volcanic activity and maritime weather, with cool temperatures and high winds.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point of Alaska, and of the entire United States, is on the island of Attu, which is part of the Aleutian Islands. Attu is located at approximately 52.8959° N, 172.9068° E, and because it crosses the 180th meridian, it is technically in the Eastern Hemisphere.
• Easternmost point: Surprisingly, Alaska’s easternmost point is also part of the Aleutian Islands, on Semisopochnoi Island, located at 179.7720° E. This makes Alaska unique in that it spans both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, with the Aleutian chain extending far west into the Pacific Ocean.

These extreme points highlight the immense size of Alaska, spanning vast distances and multiple time zones, making it geographically unique among U.S. states.

Major Mountains in Alaska

Alaska is home to some of the most significant mountain ranges in North America, each contributing to the state’s dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

• Denali (Mount McKinley): As the highest peak in North America, Denali is part of the Alaska Range, towering at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). It is known for its massive size and challenging climbing routes, drawing mountaineers from around the world.
• The Alaska Range: This mountain range stretches across southern Alaska, encompassing Denali and many other peaks over 10,000 feet high. The range is characterized by glaciers, alpine tundra, and a cold, harsh climate, especially in the winter months.
• The Brooks Range: Located in northern Alaska, the Brooks Range is a significant mountain range that extends for about 700 miles. Although the peaks are not as high as those in the Alaska Range, with the highest point being Mount Isto at 8,976 feet (2,736 meters), the Brooks Range forms a natural barrier between the Arctic Coastal Plain and Alaska’s interior.
• The Chugach Mountains: These mountains surround the city of Anchorage and stretch for about 250 miles along the Gulf of Alaska. The Chugach Mountains feature sharp peaks, glaciers, and a coastline that is heavily indented with fjords. The highest peak in the Chugach range is Mount Marcus Baker, standing at 13,176 feet (4,016 meters).
• The Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains: This range is located in southeastern Alaska, within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It contains some of the tallest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias, which rises to 18,008 feet (5,489 meters), and Mount Wrangell, an active volcano.

These mountain ranges contribute to Alaska’s reputation as one of the most rugged and beautiful places on Earth, offering a range of outdoor activities, including mountaineering, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Alaska

Alaska’s vast wilderness is crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers and lakes, many of which play crucial roles in the state’s ecosystems, transportation, and local economies.

• The Yukon River: As the longest river in Alaska, the Yukon stretches for 1,980 miles (3,190 km), flowing from British Columbia, through the Yukon Territory, and across the entire width of Alaska before emptying into the Bering Sea. The river has historically been a vital transportation route and remains important for fishing and tourism today.
• The Kuskokwim River: The second longest river in Alaska, the Kuskokwim flows for 702 miles (1,130 km), winding through southwest Alaska before reaching the Bering Sea. It is a crucial waterway for remote communities in the region and is known for its salmon fisheries.
• The Copper River: Located in south-central Alaska, the Copper River is famous for its salmon runs, particularly Copper River salmon, which are prized for their high-fat content. The river flows for 290 miles (467 km) through a steep canyon before reaching the Gulf of Alaska.
• The Kenai River: One of Alaska’s most popular rivers for sport fishing, the Kenai River flows for 82 miles (132 km) through the Kenai Peninsula and is renowned for its king salmon runs.
• Lake Iliamna: As the largest lake in Alaska, Lake Iliamna covers an area of 1,012 square miles (2,621 km²). Located in southwest Alaska, the lake is a key location for fishing and is believed to be home to a mysterious creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster, often referred to as the Iliamna Lake Monster.
• Becharof Lake: Located on the Alaska Peninsula, Becharof Lake is the second-largest lake in the state, covering 458 square miles (1,186 km²). It is a vital habitat for salmon and other wildlife, including bears and migratory birds.
• The Susitna River: Flowing for 313 miles (504 km), the Susitna River is one of the major rivers in south-central Alaska. It is a key source of hydroelectric power and supports a wide range of fish species, including salmon.