What Is Southeast Alaska?

Southeast Alaska — often called the Panhandle — is a narrow coastal strip stretching roughly 500 miles from Yakutat in the north to Ketchikan in the south. It is defined by water: the Inside Passage, a protected marine waterway threading between the mainland and a chain of islands including Admiralty, Baranof, and Prince of Wales. There are no roads connecting most communities here; travel between towns is by ferry, float plane, or small aircraft.

This region is home to the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, covering approximately 17 million acres of temperate rainforest. It receives heavy rainfall — in some areas over 150 inches per year — which gives it its lush, emerald character.

Major Communities of the Southeast

Juneau — Alaska's Capital

Juneau is Alaska's capital city and, unusually, one of the only state capitals in the US that cannot be reached by road. It's accessible only by air or sea. Despite this, Juneau is a major port of call for cruise ships and a thriving city with excellent restaurants, museums, and outdoor access. Key attractions include:

  • Mendenhall Glacier: A vast, retreating glacier just 12 miles from downtown, with a visitor center and hiking trails to the ice.
  • Mount Roberts Tramway: Rises from the cruise ship dock to alpine terrain with sweeping views.
  • Glacier Bay National Park: Accessible by ferry or small plane from Juneau, this park protects a stunning tidewater glacier system.

Ketchikan — The First City

Often the first Alaskan port of call for northbound cruise ships, Ketchikan sits at the southern tip of the Panhandle. It's known for its vibrant Alaska Native Tlingit culture, world-class sport fishing for salmon and halibut, and the Misty Fjords National Monument — a remote, cathedral-like wilderness of sheer granite walls and waterfalls accessible by floatplane or boat.

Sitka

Sitka was once the capital of Russian Alaska and retains a fascinating layered history. It sits on the west coast of Baranof Island, facing the open Pacific. Sitka National Historical Park preserves totem poles and the site of the 1804 battle between Russian settlers and the Tlingit people. Sitka is also surrounded by excellent wildlife — sea otters are common in the harbor, and the fishing is exceptional.

Skagway and Haines

At the northern end of the Inside Passage, Skagway is a gateway to the Klondike and preserves a remarkably intact Gold Rush-era downtown. The White Pass & Yukon Route railway climbs dramatically from sea level to mountain passes. Haines, just across the Lynn Canal, is a smaller, quieter community renowned for the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

Getting Around Southeast Alaska

The Alaska Marine Highway System is the primary way to travel between communities. This state-operated ferry service connects communities from Bellingham, Washington all the way to Unalaska in the Aleutians. For Southeast Alaska, it's the backbone of regional transportation — and one of the great slow-travel experiences in North America. Budget travelers often sleep on the deck in sleeping bags under the open sky.

Best Time to Visit

Southeast Alaska's peak season runs May through September. July and August are the driest and warmest months, though rain is always possible. The region is genuinely beautiful in all weathers — fog and mist give it a moody, cinematic quality that many visitors love.

Don't Miss

  • Glacier Bay National Park by boat — one of Alaska's defining experiences
  • Totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park and Ketchikan's Totem Heritage Center
  • Whale watching in Frederick Sound (July–August)
  • A floatplane flight over Misty Fjords
  • Hiking in Admiralty Island National Monument

Southeast Alaska moves at a different pace — shaped by tides, ferries, and weather rather than highways and schedules. For travelers willing to embrace that rhythm, it offers some of the most profound and beautiful experiences Alaska has to give.