Alaska remains one of the last places in the United States where you can truly explore the vast and grand wilderness in all its glory. With so many gorgeous and exciting natural wonders, it can be difficult to create an itinerary for your Alaska sight seeing journey. One idea: grab a ferry in Juneau and head south to Angoon, located on the western half of Admiralty Island. Using this quaint village as your base, you’ll have access to some of the most beautiful sights that Alaska has to offer.
CHATHAM STRAITS
Whale watching in Alaska is one of the country’s greatest outdoor activities, and the rich and vibrant waterways of Chatham Straits offer plenty of food for migrating pods of humpback whales, killer whales and even porpoises.
PACK CREEK
Nothing symbolizes the power and majesty of the Alaska wilderness better than the brown bear. The annual salmon runs on Pack Creek draw large numbers of brown bears looking to feed, making this spot within the Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary one of the best places in the state to see these magnificent creatures.
TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST
Surrounding Ketchikan, Tongass National Forest–the United States’ largest national forest with 17 million acres of temperate rain forest–is filled with breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers and hidden lakes as well as incredible wildlife such as sea lions and bald eagles.
ADMIRALTY ISLAND NATIONAL MONUMENT
Encompassing much of the island, Admiralty Island National Monument has one of the most awe-inspiring natural environments in the world, with almost a million acres of rainforest alongside alpine tundra and soaring mountains.
ANGOON TRIBAL COMMUNITY HOUSES
While the natural beauty of southeastern Alaska is undeniable, its indigenous heritage is also stunning and worth exploring. Angoon’s 16 traditional tribal homes with beautiful painted facades pay homage to the area’s native Tlingit tribe.
