| WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL SOUTHEAST ALASKA |
| Click on the city below for information about that community. Angoon, Auke Bay, Baranof, Craig, Douglas, Elfin Cove, Excursion Inlet, Gustavus, Haines, Hawk Inlet, Hoonah, Hydaburg, Hyder, Juneau, Kake, Ketchikan, Klawock, Klukwan, Lemon Creek, Metlakatla, Mt Edgecumbe, Pelican, Petersburg, Point Baker, Port Alexander, Sitka, Skagway, Tenakee Springs, Thorne Bay, Ward Cove, Wrangell, Yakutat |
Southeast Alaska
Renown for its lush rainforests and coastal charm, the Southeast of Alaska is home
to a rich conglomeration of Native cultures, Russian influences, and Gold Rush
history, each with its own maritime flare. While roadways in this region are scarce,
the Southeast compensates its visitors and residents with the Alaska Marine
Highway System, a unique and extensive waterway connecting village, town, and
city alike. The Marine Highway has played a major role in the development of each
one its coastal ports and continues to be the main artery of transportation for this
region.
Take a step back in time as you begin your nautical adventure past Ketchikan,
home to the world’s largest totem pole collection, and on to Prince of Wales Island,
third largest island in the U.S. Sail on over to Wrangell where you’ll learn about the
local Tlingit culture and the fur-trading industry that lured so many trappers to this
region in the early 1800’s. From Wrangell, head north through the vast maze of
inlets and fjords, each teeming with coastal wildlife, to arrive in Sitka. One of the
Southeast’s earliest Russian settlements, Sitka offers many wonderful opportunities
to really plunge yourself into the pre-American history of the Russian fur trade.
From Sitka, Juneau is your next port of call along the Alaska Marine Highway. As
Alaska’s capital, Juneau holds the distinct reputation for being the only U.S.
Renown for its lush rainforests and coastal charm, the Southeast of Alaska is home
to a rich conglomeration of Native cultures, Russian influences, and Gold Rush
history, each with its own maritime flare. While roadways in this region are scarce,
the Southeast compensates its visitors and residents with the Alaska Marine
Highway System, a unique and extensive waterway connecting village, town, and
city alike. The Marine Highway has played a major role in the development of each
one its coastal ports and continues to be the main artery of transportation for this
region.
Take a step back in time as you begin your nautical adventure past Ketchikan,
home to the world’s largest totem pole collection, and on to Prince of Wales Island,
third largest island in the U.S. Sail on over to Wrangell where you’ll learn about the
local Tlingit culture and the fur-trading industry that lured so many trappers to this
region in the early 1800’s. From Wrangell, head north through the vast maze of
inlets and fjords, each teeming with coastal wildlife, to arrive in Sitka. One of the
Southeast’s earliest Russian settlements, Sitka offers many wonderful opportunities
to really plunge yourself into the pre-American history of the Russian fur trade.
From Sitka, Juneau is your next port of call along the Alaska Marine Highway. As
Alaska’s capital, Juneau holds the distinct reputation for being the only U.S.
state capital accessible solely by air or by sea. While no roads may travel in or out of Juneau this city still manages to be the commercial center for much of
the business in the Southeast and the heart of governmental activity in the state of Alaska.
But, what was it really that drew people to congregate and settle along the chilly waters of the famed Inside Passage? The prospect and lust for the most
precious of minerals: gold. It was the draw of “striking it rich” that caused the great Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 and the subsequent establishment of two
great towns: Haines and Skagway. Visitors to these towns can get a feeling for true Gold Rush culture when they tour a working goldmine, take a ride in an
old-world horse-dawn carriage, pan for gold, or take in a bawdy burlesque show at one of the many classic saloons. Once the desire for gold is satiated
travelers have the option of continuing along the Marine Highway and across the Gulf of Alaska or, through road access, continue up and into Canada and
the Yukon Territories.
The options for adventure in this region of Alaska are endless. So, hop on a plane or sail in by boat to experience the vibrant maritime life that makes up
scenic, coastal, Southeast Alaska.
| ANCHORAGE COPPER BASIN & PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND DENALI FAIRBANKS & INTERIOR KENAI PENINSULA KODIAK & ALEUTIAN ISLANDS MAT-SU VALLEY SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST & BUSH |
