Tr ave l A l a s k a .c o m 3 9
Northern Region
In Sitka, the Russian capital of Alaska from 1808 to 1867, the New
Archangel Dancers®, St. Michael's Cathedral and the Russian Bishop's House
keep the Russian spirit alive. Experience Native culture at the Naa Kahidi
dance show, Sheldon Jackson Museum, totem poles and Tlingit artist
demonstrations at Sitka National Historical Park and Southeast Alaska
Indian Cultural Center or view eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center.
Alaska's capital and the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau is
nestled between towering mountains and the tidewaters of Gastineau
Channel. e downtown district is a lively mix of modern architecture and
quaint Victorian homes. Popular attractions include the St. Nicholas Russian
Orthodox Church (1894), Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and the famous
Mendenhall Glacier. Visitors can also flightsee over the magnificent Juneau
Icefield, birthing ground to more than 40 glaciers, or take a scenic boat tour
to Tracy Arm Fjord to view birds, seals and whales.
Near Juneau is Admiralty Island National Monument, home of the largest
brown bear population in southeast Alaska. Angoon, a Tlingit village, shares
the island with the highest concentration of nesting bald eagles in North
America. Visit Elfin Cove, once strictly a commercial fishing village, now
home to several sport fishing lodges. Travel on to the rustic fishing town of
Pelican and walk its popular boardwalk or take a charter boat trip and see
why the town is known for being "closest to the fish."
Haines hosts the Southeast Alaska State Fair every July. Come here to
camp in sight of two glaciers at Chilkat State Park, or to explore a former
Army hospital now used as an Alaska Native arts center at nearby
Fort William H. Seward.
Over 3,000 bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
during fall and winter to feed upon spawning salmon. e Preserve is home
to the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center as well.
History lives on in Skagway, Alaska's first incorporated city. Born of the
Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, the town once teemed with nearly 10,000
prospectors on their quest for gold. Explore downtown, where the era's
history is preserved in wooden boardwalks, restored historical buildings and
nearby Dyea along the 33-mile (53-km) Chilkoot Trail. Visit the Klondike
Gold Rush National Historical Park or take an excursion on the narrow
gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – one of the world's most scenic
mountain railways.
Yakutat, once a winter village for the Tlingit people, offers excellent
steelhead fishing. e village is your departure point for kayak and boat
expeditions to Hubbard Glacier and Russell Fjord. Flightseeing tours also
take you to Malaspina Glacier, the largest glacier in North America. Located
on Chichagof Island, Tenakee Springs has quiet beaches and a rustic
bathhouse fed by hot springs. ere is excellent sport fishing in Hoonah,
a Tlingit settlement which also hosts a world-class 5,330-foot zipline at Icy
Strait Point. Other activities include kayaking, bear viewing, whale watching
and dance performances at the Heritage Center Native eater.
Glacier Bay
Eleven spectacular glaciers flow from surrounding mountains into
the waters of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Departing from
Bartlett Cove or Juneau, enjoy a daytrip, overnight cruise, flightseeing
tour or sea kayaking expedition. Access the national park directly from
Gustavus, a 20-minute flight or three-hour boat ride from Juneau.
Accommodations are available at several locations within town.
Monthly Temperature and Daylight Information
Average High Average Low
Skagway Ketchikan
