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Chikuminuk LakeThe wilderness of Chikuminuk Lake and Wood-Tikchik State Park displays an untouched nature that has mostly vanished from the lower 48 states.These images are from the new National Geographic book Hidden Alaska, which focuses on endangered Bristol Bay. The bay holds the world's greatest deposits of copper and gold—and its pristine waters are the world's biggest salmon spawning ground. Photographer Michael Melford and noted environmental storyteller David Atcheson take a look at the conflict.
Photograph by Michael Melford

Hidden Alaska

See photos of Alaska's hidden landscapes and wildlife by Michael Melford in this photo gallery from National Geographic.

Published November 5, 2009