Inside Passage Region
Shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, Alaska’s Inside Passage stretches 500 miles along the Pacific Ocean and boasts wildlife-filled fjords, tidewater glaciers, and lush island scenery. The Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the United States and the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world — covers the vast majority of the Inside Passage.
The Inside Passage is home to Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Alaska Native peoples whose history is reflected in towering totem poles and whose vibrant culture can be seen today through art, song, and dance. Russian settlers left their legacy through onion-domed churches gleaming with icons.
Today, the Inside Passage is the most popular route for large and small cruise ships departing from the Seattle, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, B.C. from May through September. For those that want to travel at their own pace, the Inside Passage is also accessible on the state ferry along the Alaska Marine Highway System, which stops in 35 ports of call from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
Both cruisers and independent travelers are awed by the lush beauty of top Inside Passage destinations including Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Wrangell, and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. There’s no shortage of adventures to be had, including kayaking, hiking, fishing, experiencing Alaska Native culture, glacier viewing, and searching for wildlife including whales, bears, and eagles.
Map of Inside Passage Alaska
Plan Your Trip
We are the premier provider of wilderness brown bear viewing in Southeast Alaska! Imagine watching bears catch salmon, forage along the beach...
Expedition Hiking Tour with Tongass TreksExplore the wilds of the Tongass National Forest on a private 4 to 5-day yacht-supported hiking...
Our premier summer offerings are our bear viewing tours at Lake Clark National Park or Katmai National Park. We leave Homer in the mornings and...
The Gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus offers a microcosm of all the natural beauty of Alaska. Gustavus is not too big -- no industry interfering...
Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest...
History, beauty and adventure meet in Alaska's first incorporated city. Nestled at the northernmost reaches of the Inside Passage, North Americas...
From breathtaking scenic coach tours to the iconic Alaska Rail Road and self-drive packages – we have every option covered to complete your dream...
Located in the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff (APK) building, the Alaska State Museum is a great way to experience the history, art, and culture of...
Spirit Walker Expeditions is a locally guide-owned and operated company with over 35 years of experience leading sea kayaking trips throughout...
We've hand-picked the participating vendors. Frankly, most of them are personal friends--and we have a vested interest in making sure you have a...
Fly Out Travel takes the guesswork out of planning a trip to Alaska. We provide first-hand, honest and un-biased travel information with one goal...
See more of the real Alaska! Alaska is big, beautiful and logistically challenging! Make sure you have someone that knows the intricacies of...
Welcome to Tongass Teague LLC’s guided backcountry hiking and driving tours! We are a summer shore excursion that offers driving tours and...
Are you ready to explore Alaska up close and in style? Want to go where the big ships can’t? Then you will love our award-winning Alaska small...
Immerse yourself in Southeast Alaska's breathtaking underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point.
You'll stay...
Alaska Wildland Adventures operates vacation packages and wilderness lodges on the Kenai Peninsula and in Denali National Park. Our Alaska...
The Alaska Campground Owners Association (ACOA) represents campgrounds throughout Alaska and is a member owned non-profit. Our vision is to...
The ultimate trip planning tool, it unfolds to 27 x 36 inches and is packed with great information on Alaska's top destinations, activities...
Local Climate & Weather
For Alaska's day-to-day weather, it’s best to plan for a bit of everything. Learn more about weather in this area.
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