Juneau & Ketchikan
Season
Mid-May through mid-September
Visit
Transportation
Why This Trip?
Explore some of the best spots in Southeast Alaska! You can find direct flights from Seattle or Anchorage to the beautiful city of Juneau. Spend some time there discovering glaciers, then continue on to Ketchikan. There you'll find a wealth of Alaskan Native culture, including totems, along with the stunning surroundings of Misty Fjords National Monument.
Itinerary
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Enjoy your direct flight from Anchorage or Seattle into Juneau. Once you get settled, your first outing should be to see Alaska's capital city from above. Hop on the Goldbelt Tram and skim the tops of spruce trees as you ascend to the top of 3,819-foot Mount Roberts and enjoy breathtaking views. A great way to get a lay of the town (and stretch those legs after your flight) is a guided bike tour. You can also go panning for gold (and keep what you find!) and learn about the history of gold mining here.
Enjoy a full day in this gorgeous city that's surrounded by towering peaks. You'll find some fun options for whale-watching, bear viewing, or dog sledding, or a spectacular flightseeing trip! And definitely don't pass up the opportunity to see one of Juneau's main attractions -- Mendenhall Glacier. You can raft or kayak, or hike right on the ice!
Today you'll board a plane for the quick, 1-hour flight to Ketchikan. Then walk or take the free shuttle from downtown to the Totem Heritage Center. Here you can learn about the rich history of the artistic totem poles created by the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes. Then browse the shops, museums, and preserved homes on the historic Creek Street boardwalk.
Prepare yourself: Your full day in Ketchikan will be full of adventure! This stunning city is one of the world's busiest fishing ports because it has some of the best waters in Southeast Alaska for salmon fishing. So take advantage! Book a charter to catch salmon of your own and enjoy the scenery and stories of the local personalities who are dedicated to sustainable fishing.
Other exciting options:
- Go on a guided kayak tour, or a hike and kayak combo!
- Flightsee Misty Fjords National Monument or go on a bear viewing excursion.
- Take a zipline tour. The views are incredible and it's perfect for all skill levels.
- Pilot your own ATV through the forest on a rugged tour where you'll get a little dirty...but that's part of the fun. Make sure to wear clothes that can (and will!) get wet!
After four days of fun, it's time to fly back to Juneau for your connecting flight to Anchorage or Seattle. If you have a little extra time in Juneau before you go, consider taking the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, which is just a mile from the airport. This hour-long tour winds through unique gardens and flora of the Tongass rainforest...the perfect way to end your trip!