<p>The wilderness of Chikuminuk Lake and Wood-Tikchik State Park displays an untouched nature that has mostly vanished from the lower 48 states.</p><p>These images are from the new National Geographic book <em><a href="http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=6200770&amp;code=NG00125">Hidden Alaska</a></em>, 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.</p>

Chikuminuk Lake

The 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.

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet