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.

Explore by Planning Stage

Latest Stories

Best Alaska Experiences: What to Book and What to Explore Independently
Inspiration, Planning, Comparison Mary Jacquel Inspiration, Planning, Comparison Mary Jacquel

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.

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Humpback Whale Breaching in Juneau, Alaska | Wildlife Photography
Juneau, Inspiration, Itinerary, Whale Watching Mary Jacquel Juneau, Inspiration, Itinerary, Whale Watching Mary Jacquel

Humpback Whale Breaching in Juneau, Alaska | Wildlife Photography

One of the biggest surprises of my life has been how much I have enjoyed photographing Humpback whales. Going into my summer in Juneau, Alaska, my goal was to capture landscape photographs. However, when I was spending time on the water fishing for halibut and salmon, I started noticing humpback whales coming up for air and found myself gazing at them until they showed their flukes and dived to the depths of the ocean. These gentle giants grabbed my heart and ever since, I have been hooked trying to photograph them in an effort to tell their story.

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