Southwest Region

rom the lush landscape of Kodiak and the Aleutian Islands; to the rocky terrain of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Southwest Alaska is a land of nearly untouched beauty.

The region is known for its brown bear population, and contains two of the world's most popular viewing areas, including the Katmai's Brooks Camp Viewing Area. The region also boasts some of Alaska's best fishing and, as a major hub for commercial seafood harvests, has the busiest commercial fishing ports in the world.

The history and culture of the region are prominent in displays from the Russian era, ruins from World War II, and the presence of the Alutiiq Native people who still reside here.

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The Most Anticipated Upcoming Alaska Events Are: Alaska Day Festival Sitka continuing thru October 18 Iceworm Festival Cordova February 4 thru February 7 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race Fairbanks February 6 thru February 20 Jazz Festival Sitka February 4 thru February 6 Tesoro Iron Dog Big Lake February 21 thru February 27

Other upcoming events include: Nutcracker Ballet Fairbanks December 4 thru December 6 Alaska Ski for Women Anchorage February 7 Winter Solstice Celebration Fairbanks December 21 Wearable Arts Extravaganza "Cirque de Pluie" Juneau February 13 thru February 14 Polar Bear Jump-Off Festival Seward January 15 thru January 17