The Journal
Stories, field notes and guidance for seeing Alaska more clearly.
ALASKA EXPLAINED
It’s one of the first questions most visitors ask. The answer begins with mountains, oceans and a frontier that shaped the way Southeast Alaska Connects.
Why Is There No Road to Juneau?
Explore by Destination
Explore Alaska by destination through thoughtful guides, local insight, and stories shaped by time spent here. Start with the place calling you north.
Juneau | Ketchikan | Skagway | Denali | General Alaska
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Latest Stories
Best Alaska Experiences: What to Book and What to Explore Independently
Some Alaska experiences are worth booking because they take you somewhere you simply cannot reach on your own. Others are better explored slowly, independently, and without a schedule. This guide helps you decide where to spend, where to save, and how to build an Alaska trip with both access and breathing room.
Best Skagway Excursions for First-Time Visitors: What Is Actually Worth Booking?
Compare the Skagway excursions most worth booking, including the White Pass Railroad, Yukon road tours and sled-dog experiences.
How Many Nights in Denali Do You Need? A Guide to 3 or More Nights
If you’re planning to spend 3 or more nights in Denali, you have options. This guide helps you decide whether 3, 4, or 5 nights makes the most sense for your trip style, priorities, and pace.
What to Book in Advance for an Alaska Trip: A First-Timer’s Planning Guide
Planning an Alaska trip can look simple on paper, but some parts of the experience fill earlier than first-time visitors expect. Here’s what to book in advance, what can wait, and how to avoid overplanning the trip.
Denali Bus Tours vs Transit Bus in 2026: Which One Should You Book?
Denali bus tours and transit buses are not the same experience. Here’s what first-time visitors should know about the difference, what changed in 2026, and which one is more worth it for your trip.
Where to Stay Near Denali: A First-Timer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Base
Where you stay near Denali changes the feel of the trip more than many first-time visitors expect. Here’s how I’d think about the entrance area, Healy, and what kind of base makes the most sense for your trip.
Best Time to Visit Denali: What Changes From May to September
The best time to visit Denali depends on the kind of trip you want. Here’s what changes from May through September, what first-time travelers should know, and why Denali feels different month to month.
Do You Need an Excursion in Skagway, or Can You Explore on Your Own?
Skagway is one of the easiest Alaska ports to explore independently, but that does not mean an excursion is never worth it. Here is how to decide what kind of day fits you best.
Is the White Pass Railroad Worth It in Skagway? How to Decide if It’s Right for Your Day
The White Pass Railroad is Skagway’s most iconic excursion, but that does not mean it is right for everyone. Here is how to decide whether to book it or spend your day exploring Skagway another way.
What Not to Miss in Ketchikan: 7 Experiences Worth Prioritizing
From Creek Street to totem poles and wildlife viewing, this Ketchikan travel guide highlights 7 of the best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska, especially for cruise visitors with limited time.
Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide: Downtown Berths vs. Ward Cove, Shuttles, Walking, and What to Expect
Planning a stop in Ketchikan? This cruise port guide explains the difference between downtown berths and Ward Cove, including how far each is from town, what transportation looks like, and what to expect so you can make the most of your time in port.
Best Alaska Cruise Ports for First-Timers: Skagway vs Ketchikan
If you’re deciding between Skagway or Ketchikan, both offer unforgettable Alaskan experiences — but each has its own personality. Skagway is best for mountain views, historic railways, and sweeping alpine photography, while Ketchikanshines with rainforest trails, totem culture, and wildlife encounters. Whether you crave the drama of the White Pass train or the calm of Misty Fjords, this guide compares tours, weather tips, and photo highlights to help you choose the perfect port for your Alaska cruise day.