France

In response to Captain Cook's voyages, the French organized their own round-the-world scientific voyage. Led by Jean Francois de Galoup de la Perouse, the expedition's two ships explored Alaska waters in 1786. Part of his mission was to determine how far the Russians had spread into the North Pacific and learn the details of the fur trade. Having recently lost their colonies in Canada, France sought new commercial opportunities in the North Pacific.

Perouse landed at Lituya Bay (near Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska). There, the expedition examined the area thoroughly and claimed it for France. A glacier and a mountain named for La Perouse survive to commemorate this French activity in Alaska. 

Ultimately, France could never follow up on Perouse's expedition and compete for trade in the Northwest.

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