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
Every spring, pacific herring move inshore in the billions to spawn in Sitka Sound. This epic 2-3 week event marks the beginning of spring and...
Put on your hiking boots, fill your lungs with fresh air, and experience a day of world-class hiking in the Tongass National Rainforest. The pace...
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 small ship...
Come Fishing with Us! Rum Runner Charters specializes in affordable, private fishing charters for families and small groups. We offer ½ day, ¾...
From breathtaking scenic coach tours to the iconic Alaska Rail Road and self-drive packages – we have every option covered to complete your dream...
Equinox offers custom, multiday fishing charters based out of Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6 guests on 5...
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...
Are you ready to explore Alaska up close and in style? Then you will love our award-winning small ship cruises and wilderness adventures. When...
Experience Alaska's highest sportfishing catch rates of King salmon & Silver salmon in beautiful Sitka. The highly rated fishing charters are...
Equinox offers custom multiday adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6...
Steamboat Bay Fishing Club is the elite luxury Alaska sport-fishing experience presented by the Waterfall Group. The luxury lodge closest to the...
Equinox offers custom multiday adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6...
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...
Come Experience Alaska exactly as you dreamed it could be. Our all-inclusive lodge, secluded in an unforgettable bay at the far south edge of...
Equinox offers private adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks invite you and 5 friends to join...
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...
Hoonah's Premier Tour Company! Offering a Whale Watch, Wilderness Tour & Brown Search, Saltwater Fishing, Stream Fishing and a Kayak Adventure...
From breathtaking scenic coach tours to the iconic Alaska Rail Road and self-drive packages – we have every option covered to complete your dream...
Discover Alaska's ultimate adventure experience at Talon Lodge & Spa, where Alaska meets 5-star service on an exclusive private island. This is...
Salmon Falls Resort is an intimate full-service resort in Ketchikan, Alaska, situated at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s iconic Inside...
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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