Southeast Alaska, commonly referred to by locals as “Southeast,” is situated in Alaska’s Panhandle. This region extends from Dixon Entrance at the U.S.–Canada border south of Ketchikan to Icy Bay, located northwest of Yakutat. It consists of a narrow strip of mainland nestled against the Coast Mountains and Canada, along with numerous islands belonging to the Alexander Archipelago. Collectively, Southeast comprises the all-water route to Alaska known as the Inside Passage.
The mainland section of Southeast Alaska is characterized by the Coast Mountains. It experiences a coastal climate, with comparatively mild winters compared to other parts of Alaska, and generally cool, overcast days during the summer.
The region’s geography influences its distinctive transportation system, which primarily relies on ferries. The rugged mountains and numerous islands make constructing roads between many communities nearly impossible. This geography also lends the region its alternate name, the Inside Passage, referring to the protected waterways utilized by boats, cruise ships, and ferries to connect major port towns such as Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, and Skagway, along with smaller communities like Metlakatla, Coffman Cove, Hollis, Kake, Angoon, Pelican, Gustavus, Tenakee, and Hoonah.
The area is steeped in Native and Russian history. The Tlingit (KLINK-it), Haida (HI-duh), and Tsimshian (SHIM-shian) are the indigenous peoples of the region. Russians arrived in 1799, when Alexander Baranof established a fort at Sitka for the Russian-American Company.
Today, approximately 71,000 people inhabit the Inside Passage, with 75% living in five major communities: Juneau (33,064), Ketchikan (City 8,313; Borough 13,856), Sitka (9,084), Petersburg (3,200), and Wrangell (2,448).
Southeast Alaska is known for numerous major attractions, partly due to the influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving by cruise ship.
A standout attraction in this region is the Ketchikan Totems, which refer to the examples of this Native art form found throughout Ketchikan. The Totem Heritage Center showcases 33 totem poles and fragments, making it the largest collection of original totems in the country, all salvaged from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages. Saxman Totem Park, located 2.5 miles south of town, features 21 totems and a clan house that hosts carving demonstrations. Additionally, Totem Bight State Historical Park, situated 10 miles north of town, includes a community house and a park with 14 totems.
Meanwhile, Sitka also draws visitors with its Russian Church—St. Michael’s Cathedral—constructed between 1844 and 1848 and restored after a fire in 1966. The local New Archangel Russian Dancers perform traditional Russian dances in authentic costumes. Sitka National Historical Park is home to a notable collection of totem poles displayed along a self-guided trail, alongside the Russian Bishop’s House, one of the last four Russian log structures remaining in North America.
Additionally, the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, located 13 miles northeast of Juneau, the largest city in Southeast and the state capital, is also a popular attraction. The glacier can be accessed by road and features an excellent visitor center with educational exhibits. The expansive Juneau Icefield, covering 1,500 square miles, is a popular spot for flightseeing trips out of Juneau, and on clear days, the views are simply breathtaking.
