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
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.
How Many Days Do You Need in Denali? What I’d Actually Recommend
How many days should you spend in Denali? If you are planning your first trip, here’s the honest answer: two nights is the minimum, three is often the better call, and rushing Denali is almost always a mistake.
Is Denali Worth It in 2026? An Honest Take for First-Time Alaska Travelers
Is Denali worth it in 2026? Yes, for many travelers, but not for everyone. Here’s what Denali actually offers right now, what it does not, and how to decide if it belongs on your Alaska trip.
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.