Alaska region guide
Southeast / Inside Passage
Rainforest, tidewater glaciers and island towns linked by sea.
- Gateway towns
- Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway
- Nearest major airport
- Juneau International (JNU)
- Best months
- May – September
- Getting there
- Alaska Marine Highway ferry, cruise ship, or jet to Juneau
Overview
Southeast Alaska is a 500-mile archipelago of forested islands and steep mainland fjords pressed between the Gulf of Alaska and the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. Most of it lies within the Tongass, the largest national forest in the United States, a temperate rainforest of Sitka spruce, western hemlock and cedar.
Few towns here are connected by road. Juneau, the state capital, can only be reached by air or sea, and the rhythm of life follows the ferries, floatplanes and fishing fleets. Visitors come for tidewater glaciers, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian culture, whale watching and some of the best salmon water anywhere.
Sub-regions
Inside the Southeast / Inside Passage
Coming soon. Our in-depth sub-region guide for this region is being written.
Mountain ranges
The high country
Coming soon. Our in-depth mountain ranges guide for this region is being written.
Hiking & backcountry
Trails and routes
Coming soon. Our in-depth hiking guide for this region is being written.
Fishing
Species, waters and run timing
Coming soon. Our in-depth fishing guide for this region is being written.
Hunting
Game and terrain
Coming soon. Our in-depth hunting guide for this region is being written.
Wildlife & scenery
What you'll see
- Humpback whales
- Orcas
- Brown and black bears
- Bald eagles
- Sea otters
Getting there & around
Logistics
Ferry
The Alaska Marine Highway links Bellingham, Washington and Prince Rupert, B.C. with most Southeast towns.
Scheduled flights
Jet service to Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and other hubs.
Seasonal guide
What's best, month by month
Coming soon. Our in-depth seasonal guide for this region is being written.
Gallery
In pictures
Keep exploring
