For those who call Alaska home, summer is why were are here. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, there is virtually no end to the outdoors that can be enjoyed by winter weary Alaskans.The landscape is alive with color during the short summer season. The delicate blue forget-me-nots, our State flower, and the bright pink fireweed are the most iconic of Alaskan blooms. Meadows teem with purple iris and lupine. Lesser known florals such as the Sitka rose, shooting stars and chocolate lilies also make a brief appearance.

 

The woods are dense with leafy birch trees, and devils club carpets the forest floor. Arctic cotton and cotton grass dance in the wind. Alpine lakes are mirrored in calm reflection and mountains stretch out in the summer sun.