Polar Bears: A Photo Gallery of Everyone's Favorite Arctic Creature

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The unique character of Prince William Sound in Alaska, with its abundant wildlife, natural wonder and position along the edge of the North Pacific's "ring of fire," rank this among the key sea kayaking destinations. Hemmed in by the Chugach and Kenai mountains and their massive ice fields, this 10,000-square-mile area is conveniently close to Anchorage, making it an accessible destination. Whales, eagles, bears, and salmon are among the diverse wildlife that inhabit the area, and its thousands of miles of shoreline provide a plethora of bays, passages, islands and inlets to discover. Prince William Sound is protected by two large islands on its southern perimeter, buffering the effect of the Gulf of Alaska. Because of this sheltering, it is a good place for novice kayakers. Some days the water is as flat as glass and the paddling is wonderfully easy.