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Physical Map of Alaska - Geographical Features of Alaska

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Alaska showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Alaska physical features.

Alaska Physical Map

Physical Features of Alaska

Alaska is defined by vast wilderness, dramatic mountain ranges, and an extensive coastline along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. The state features some of the highest peaks in North America, including Denali, along with expansive tundra, glaciers, and dense forests. Major rivers like the Yukon and Kuskokwim flow across the interior, while thousands of lakes dot the landscape. Coastal Alaska includes fjords, islands, and rugged shorelines, making it one of the most geographically diverse and remote regions in the United States.

Major Landforms in Alaska

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Alaska RangeMountain rangeSouthcentralHighest peaks in state
Brooks RangeMountain rangeNorthArctic mountain barrier
Aleutian IslandsIsland chainSouthwestVolcanic island arc
Interior PlainsPlainCentralBroad river valleys
Yukon BasinBasinCentralDrainage of Yukon River
Arctic Coastal PlainPlainNorthFlat tundra region
Kenai PeninsulaPeninsulaSouthMountainous coastal land
Seward PeninsulaPeninsulaWestRemote tundra landscape
Alaska PeninsulaPeninsulaSouthwestVolcanic mountainous stretch
Alexander ArchipelagoIsland groupSoutheastDense forested islands

Major Mountain Ranges in Alaska

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Alaska RangeSouthcentralDenali20,310 ft
Brooks RangeNorthMount Isto8,976 ft
Chugach MountainsSouthcentralMount Marcus Baker13,176 ft
Saint Elias MountainsSoutheastMount Saint Elias18,008 ft
Aleutian RangeSouthwestMount Redoubt10,197 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Alaska

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Yukon RiverRiverCentralLongest river in Alaska
Kuskokwim RiverRiverSouthwestMajor drainage system
Copper RiverRiverSouthcentralRich salmon fisheries
Colville RiverRiverNorthArctic drainage river
Susitna RiverRiverSouthcentralGlacial river system
Bering SeaSeaWestCold marine ecosystem
Arctic OceanOceanNorthNorthern coastline boundary
Gulf of AlaskaGulfSouthStormy coastal waters
Iliamna LakeLakeSouthwestLargest lake in Alaska
Becharof LakeLakeSouthSecond largest lake

Elevation and Terrain in Alaska

Alaska has the highest and lowest extremes in the United States, ranging from towering mountains to sea level along its extensive coastlines. Denali is the highest point in North America, while the lowest points lie along the Arctic and Pacific shores. The terrain includes mountains, glaciers, tundra, forests, and coastal plains.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointDenali – 20,310 ft
Lowest PointPacific Ocean – sea level
Average Elevation1,900 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, tundra, glaciers

Alaska Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateAlaska
Total Area665,384 sq mi
Land Area570,641 sq mi
Water Area94,743 sq mi
Highest PointDenali
Lowest PointPacific Ocean
Longest RiverYukon River
Largest LakeIliamna Lake
Major LandformsAlaska Range, tundra plains
Main Water BodiesYukon River, Bering Sea
Terrain TypeRugged mountains and tundra
CoastlineExtensive Arctic and Pacific