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
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.
A First-Timer’s Guide to Skagway, Alaska
Planning your first visit to Skagway, Alaska? This first-timer’s guide covers what Skagway feels like, what to do, what’s walkable, whether you need an excursion, and why White Pass is one of the most iconic experiences in port.
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.
What to Do in Ketchikan Without an Excursion, Even From Ward Cove
Ketchikan can be an easy town to enjoy on your own unless your day gets tangled in weather, timing, or Ward Cove shuttle logistics. Here’s how to plan a calmer, more realistic day in port.
Getting to Ketchikan: Flights, Ferries & Cruise Arrivals
A thoughtful guide to getting to Ketchikan by cruise ship, ferry, or flight, including airport transfers, Milk Run flights, and what makes arrival in this Southeast Alaska town feel so distinct.
First-Timer’s Guide to Ketchikan, Alaska
Planning your first trip to Ketchikan? This first-timer’s guide covers what to prioritize, what makes Ketchikan distinct, and how to experience Alaska’s rainy waterfront town with more depth and less guesswork.
Best Time to Visit Alaska: By Month, Season, Cruise, and Northern Lights
The best time to visit Alaska depends on what kind of trip you want. This guide breaks down the best time to visit Alaska for cruises, northern lights, wildlife, fewer crowds, and first-time visitors plus what to expect month by month.
If you are trying to figure out the best time to visit Alaska, the answer is less about one perfect month and more about the kind of experience you want.
How to Get to Juneau: Air, Ferry, or Cruise?
Planning your first trip to Juneau? Here is how to get there by air, ferry, or cruise ship and which option is best depending on the kind of Alaska trip you want to have.
Juneau on a Cruise vs. Overnight: Which Is Better for First-Time Visitors?
Trying to decide between seeing Juneau on a cruise stop or staying overnight? Here is how the two experiences differ and which is better for first-time visitors.
A First-Timer’s Guide to Juneau
Visiting Juneau for the first time is unlike visiting almost anywhere else in the United States. Tucked between mountains and ocean, Alaska’s capital feels wild, dramatic, and deeply tied to the natural world. This guide is designed to help first-time visitors experience Juneau well: from what to prioritize and what to skip, to the landscapes, wildlife, and small details that make this place unforgettable.
The Alaska Daypack System: What to Bring for Alaska Weather, Warmth, and Everyday Adventure
A practical guide to what to pack in an Alaska daypack, including layers, footwear, weather essentials, and the small things that make Alaska days more comfortable.
How to Choose Your Alaska Cruise Itinerary (Using the Alaska Travel Compass)
Choosing an Alaska cruise shouldn’t feel like a part-time job. In this guide, I use my Alaska Travel Compass framework to help you match your why, when, and where to an itinerary that feels like you not just whatever happened to be on sale.
Perfect 1-Day in Juneau (Cruise Port Itinerary 2026): Map, Mendenhall & Photo Stops
Cruising to Juneau? Use this local’s 2026 hour-by-hour plan with map, Mendenhall options, realistic timings, and photo tips.