The state of Alaska has a lot to offer. In fact, Alaska has more than 75 parks, preserves, monuments, refuges, national forests, and historical sites.

It's no wonder that Alaska welcomed almost 2 million visitors in only five months during 2016. Vacationers can relax and enjoy the great outdoors like nowhere else.

If there's one thing Alaska is known for, it's the state's beautiful wildlife in the form of national parks, preserves, and forests. In fact, more than half (52%) of Alaska's acreage is made up of wilderness.

It's for this reason that Alaska is the hot spot destination for those looking for the ultimate nature vacations the U.S. has to offer. But what exactly can you do to explore the local wildlife while on an authentic Alaska vacation?

It's a good idea to be prepared for any vacation, but especially a luxury Alaska vacation filled with daily excursions into nature. Alaska is a state filled with awe-inspiring wilderness and adventure that you'll want to be dressed and prepared for so you won't miss a minute.

That being said, you'll want to bring some of the following essential items before you head off to one of America's most extreme, but extremely wonderful, climates.

by Beka Thoning

Alaskans are passionate about all things 'wild Alaska salmon'. And we hold a special place in our hearts for wild Alaska salmon skin. We dream about it. We feature it in our art, fashion and food. We use it out of utility. We write songs about it.

So why does the average person not love salmon skin? Also,  what can we do to prevent our sacred, wild Alaska salmon skin from ending up in the landfill?