Alaska is nicknamed "The Great Land," and for good reason: it is wild, rugged and expansive. In a series of articles, Smithsonian magazine explores the history, culture and natural wonders of the 49th state.
Made Possible Through the Support of
A brown bear launches into a river in Katmai National Park to try and catch one of the many sockeye salmon spawning in large numbers.
Charlie Wemyss-Dunn/Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest