Tongass Nat’l Forest Sights & Attractions

Tsimshian master carver Stan Marsden led the community of Pelican in designing, carving and raising totem poles to symbolize the spirit of Pelican – an independent, close-knit fishing community. You can see their handiwork in the Unity pole in front of City Hall and in the raven and bear poles in front of Pelican High School.

This 1898 house was the home of Judge James Wickersham, a legend in Alaska who brought civility and law to the wild gold-rush towns of Eagle, Fairbanks, and Nome. After climbing Denali (Mt McKinley), he also helped lobby for the creation of Denali National Park, and was a force in Washington, where he persuaded the federal government to build universities and railroads in Alaska  More...

Juneau is one of only two capitols in the United States that isn’t accessed by roads—only boats and planes can reach the city. But there is a stretch of paved road that runs north from town, past Auke Bay and towards Berner’s Bay. You’ll pass the University of Southeast Alaska and the ferry terminal before getting “out” of town. It’s a great  More...

This 1255-foot-long bridge has reserved its place in history by being America's first cable-stayed girder spanned bridge. Today, it connects Sitka, on Baranof Island, to the town's airport, which is on Japonski Island. Finished in 1972, it was named after a former mayor of Sitka.

The causeway connects Japonski, Sasedni, Kirushkin, and Makhnait Islands. There are many beaches scattered along the route and beach-combing for shells is good here, but the probability of finding glass fishing floats is slim. There are underground bunkers that remain from WWII and they can be explored but use caution because they are very old. If you do plan on exploring these bunkers, use a good flashlight because within them, there are some sudden drop-offs. There is no land access to the trail, but you can access the area by hiring a water taxi or sea kayak.

After four years of worshiping in the Presbyterian Chapel, Episcopalians finally had their own church in 1899, with the construction of St. Peters-by-the-Sea. Complete with stained glass windows, modified flying buttresses, and wooden pews, this small chapel is open to the public 24/7. The church and the adjacent See House (1905) are both on the National Register of Historical Places,  More...

Once the administrative headquarters for an empire stretching from Asia to California and Hawaii, Castle Hill today is little more than a grassy hill with a few interpretive signs, a modest stonewall, several old cannons, and a few flagpoles. But when you visit the top of this hill, you’re standing on rich historic grounds. Archeological excavations have unearthed over 300,000  More...

The highlight of this big downtown building is not the exterior, but rather the large atrium, which has great views of Douglas Island and a 1920’s pipe organ that was used in movie theaters before being moved here in 1976. Today it’s played every Friday at noon. Off the lobby, you’ll find historic photos and displays from the state library, which is located on the  More...

Open for a few hours every day but Monday and Friday, the public library in Tenakee offers Internet access, children’s programming and many books and DVDs for check-out. It’s located conveniently on West Tenakee Avenue, above the community center.

Clan houses line Beaver Trail Road in Angoon, an area that hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years. The weather-beaten, wood-framed buildings are outward signs of a culture that has been maintained through generations.

This bridge, connecting downtown Juneau with Douglas Island, was built in 1981, though the original bridge dates to 1935. Today you can walk, bike, or drive across this bridge for a very scenic view.

Kake’s modest public library, located at the high school, offers public wi-fi, computers, and limited programming such as story time and yoga. When open, it’s a great place to stop and check your email or chat with Kake’s residents.

Drive out north of Kake a few miles to find a local hot spot for picnicking and watching for humpbacks in Keku Strait. This is the best place near Kake to view whales. You can see their spouts in the waters pretty close to the Point.

Elfin Cove Museum has preserved artifacts that illustrate how past residents lived and thrived in this remote community. A stroll through the collection turns up a treasure trove of memorabilia: from clothing and household items to fishing tools and old World War II field telephone.

Want to experience a little piece of rustic, old-timey Ketchikan? Head to the Main Street Gallery at 7 p.m. every second Friday of the month for a night of square dancing. Popular year-round (but especially in the summer), this is a great way to socialize like the pioneers did 100 years ago. Never square danced before? No worries. The regular dancers are a friendly, inclusive crew, ready to teach you how it’s done.

After Finnish laborers completed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, they asked Russian authorities if they could build a Lutheran church for themselves. The Russians allowed it, but only if the building didn’t look like a church. That building was torn down in 1888, but you can still see what it looked like: the current Lutheran church (which looks like a church) has  More...

Soak your cares away while surrounded by dramatic views of the wilderness and the Pacific Ocean. White Sulphur Springs offers both indoor and outdoor warm pools and is just a short boat ride from Pelican. This is a favorite hot spot (literally!) for kayakers, boaters, local residents and fishermen and women.

The first few weeks of each year are a time of renewal. In Kake each January 8, residents and guests gather at the Community Hall to commemorate the anniversary of the city's 1912 incorporation (it was the first Native village to do so). Kake Day celebrates the city’s self-governance, as well as its Tlingit roots.

A short boat ride to George Island brings chances to see whales and marine life along the way, followed by invertebrates at low tide and a lovely walk through a beautiful temperate rainforest to an historic site that still has gun emplacements left over from World War II.

No buses come by the Tenakee Bus Stop, just folks looking to trade a book or some clothing at the “take one, leave one” trading shop. The Bus Stop name is an insider’s joke in this community, where it takes just a few minutes to walk wherever you need to go.

4th of July is Elfin Cove’s biggest community event, with everyone turning out for some patriotic fun that includes a pancake breakfast, games and even a banana slug race!

Large collection of Central Yup'ik objects, part of Sam Fox (Yup'ik carver) collection, Truman Emberg papers, original Constitution of State of Alaska (with Emberg's signature), large basket collection, skin sewing & fur exhibit. Dave and Mary Carlson collection.

Mo-Fr 10am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-2pm

No admission fee, donations  More...

The biggest community party of the year in Pelican is the 4th of July celebration, which starts a day early with a big fireworks display late on July 3rd. Live music, quirky contests, a parade and a community picnic round out the festivities.

Housed in the circa 1898 White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Depot, the historic Moore house and the Mascot Saloon. Collections consist of over 200,000 archaeology artifacts associated with the Klondike gold rush and 3,000 copies of historic photographs of the gold rush period. Library and 100-seat auditorium. Guided tours, interpretive programs, films and permanent  More...

Located in the historic compressor building associated with the former Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company which operated in Juneau from 1912 until 1944. The museum features one of the world's largest air compressors and other industrial artifacts associated with hard rock gold mining. The site also includes electric locomotives and rail cars which hauled men to the mine and ore to  More...

Held in a modern traditional Tlingit clan house, these dances are powerful performances that kids love. The booming echo of a drum, the smell of burning cedar, the lively chanting, and the energetic dance moves make for a memorable experience. The 30-minute performances include a story and five traditional songs. The dance troupe includes performers of all ages, dressed in colorful  More...

The Shamrock Building is a must-see spot in Tenakee Springs. Built in 1902, it is listed on the National Register of Historic places and has been everything from a jail, pool hall, dance hall, and senior center. These days it’s home to a local bakery that serves breakfast and lunch items. You can also browse a fine selection of local and regionally-made art.

This Russian Orthodox church was built by and for Serbian miners and Tlingit Indians—not Russians. Tlingits were attracted to the religion because of the church’s acceptance of their language and culture; Protestant missionaries attempted to erase their customs. Now, more than 110 years later, the church continues to serve the community, with services sung in English,  More...

Take a walking tour through the historic district in Marine Park. Pick up a free map at the kiosk and just go! South Franklin Street is the main tourism district and one of the best shopping areas to find everything Alaskan, from cute and furry faux creatures (like iceworms) to handmade native crafts and expensive fine art. To ensure authenticity, look for the polar bear symbol for  More...

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Ketchikan Arts & Humanities Council (KAAHC) is the powerhouse of Ketchikan’s arts community; if there’s an arts event in Ketchikan, this organization is on it! Located at the Main Street Gallery, KAAHC produces dozens of art events annually, such as summer’s Blueberry Arts Festival and February’s famous Wearable Arts Show.