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
Explore by Planning Stage
Latest Stories
Best Alaska Experiences: What to Book and What to Explore Independently
Some Alaska experiences are worth booking because they provide access, local knowledge, equipment, or a way into places you could not meaningfully reach alone. Others are better when you leave yourself time to walk, notice, and choose your own pace. Here is how I would decide where to spend and where to explore independently.
Fishing in Juneau for First-Timers: What It’s Really Like and How to Choose a Charter
Thinking about fishing in Juneau? Here’s what to know before you book, from salmon, halibut and rockfish to charter regulations, timing, what the experience is actually like and how to choose the right trip.
Whale Watching in Alaska: How to Choose the Right Experience
Whale watching is one of Alaska's signature experiences, but not every trip feels the same. A Southeast Alaska local explains what actually matters when choosing a whale-watching tour: from boat size and time on the water to private charters, photography and responsible wildlife viewing.
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.
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.
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.
Alaska’s Grandeur and Magnificence: Tiny Humans in a Vast, Wild Place
A quiet story about why I’m drawn to tiny humans in big Alaska places—and how that turned into a limited edition fine art print collection: Alaska’s Grandeur and Magnificence.
Alaska Cruise Photography Guide: 12 Shots To Consider (And How to Capture Them)
Local Juneau photographer shares 12 must-have Alaska cruise photos—whales, glaciers, ports, and quiet deck moments—plus simple tips for phone and camera.
The 10 Most Photogenic Spots in Alaska (That Tourists Often Miss)
Alaska is known for its grand glaciers and wildlife, but beyond the cruise ship ports and national parks are lesser-known locations that offer unmatched photography potential. As a photographer based in Juneau, I’ve spent years chasing the light, the landscape, and the stillness. Here are 10 photogenic spots you might miss on a typical tour—but absolutely shouldn’t.
Alaska Photography Tips | Photographing Orcas in Southeast Alaska
It is always exciting to see Orcas while cruising through the waters of Southeast Alaska. Since they move so quickly and the lighting isn’t always the best, I thought I’d share my top 3 pieces of advice for photographing Orcas.
Alaska Eagle Photography | 4 places to photograph eagles in Juneau, Alaska
If you have visited Juneau, Alaska, then you have probably spotted a few Bald Eagles flying overhead or sitting on lamp posts and have heard their distinctive cries. Their massive wing spans, powerful jaws and impressive talons all add to this bird’s allure.
