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
Denali National Park for First-Timers in 2026: Buses, Road Closure, Where to Stay & How Many Days
Planning your first trip to Denali? Here’s what to know before you go in 2026, from how the park works and where to stay to what is actually worth prioritizing once you arrive.
Skagway Without the Train: What to Do If You Skip White Pass
You do not need to ride the White Pass Railroad to have a great day in Skagway. Here is how to enjoy the town on your own if you skip the train.
The 2 Gold Rush Names That Still Define Skagway
To understand Skagway, it helps to know two names: Soapy Smith and Frank Reid. Their story still defines the town’s most enduring Gold Rush legacy.
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.
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.
Best Ketchikan Excursions for First-Timers: Totems, Wildlife, Lumberjacks, and Crab Tours
Trying to choose the best Ketchikan excursion for your first visit? This guide breaks down popular Ketchikan tours, including totem experiences, wildlife outings, the lumberjack show, and crab-focused excursions, so you can decide what fits your time, budget, and travel style.
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.