Inside Passage
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.
Plan Your Trip
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, extraordinary wildlife viewing, exciting outdoor adventure, fantastic fishing, awesome...
Wrangell is the third oldest community in Alaska, rich in history and cultural offerings. It is the only community in the State to be governed by...
Wrangell is located at the mouth of the Stikine River, the largest river bisecting the Coast Mountains linking Southeast Alaska to interior...
The Gateway to Glacier Bay, Gustavus offers a microcosm of all the natural beauty of Alaska. Gustavus is not too big -- no industry interfering...
Sitka offers RV parks, cabins and many camping areas located on and off the island. Travel the Alaska Marine Highway with your RV, camper or...
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...
Sitka is an island community boldly living between the mountains and sea, where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives...
Not only is Wrangell a great location to enjoy your dream Alaska vacation, but Wrangell is the gateway to one of the top 5 places in Alaska to...
Wrangell's calm and protected waters offer excellent fishing opportunities and the perfect place for your angling adventures. Our surrounding...
With short travel times from Anchorage and Seattle, Sitka is closer than you think while still feeling like a true getaway. Meeting spaces...
Wrangell is a charming small Alaskan town perfectly situated in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Our island is the perfect jumping off...
Experience a better way to stay! Forget typical hotels & crowded spaces. Instead, imagine returning each evening to your own beautiful home...
Eat your way through Alaska's capital city! Juneau Food Tours provides tasty culinary adventures. Our summer tour, Tour with Taste, features the...
Juneau’s most luxurious accommodation, The Jorgenson House is an elegant, boutique and exclusive inn with private event space, nestled downtown...
Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest...
Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area is located at 4.5 mile Zimovia Highway. The area features an RV park area along the shoreline with services...
Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest...
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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