Carved by glaciers and blanketed with majestic hemlock and spruce, the Alaskan coastline is a region of pristine water, snow capped mountains, deep fjords, and forested islands. With its wet, mild, maritime climate, this area is prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoise, and whales. Much of Southeast Alaska is part of the Tongass National Forest, a 16.8 million acre rainforest. Glacier Bay National Park has 16 active tidewater glaciers. Misty Fjords National Monument near Ketchikan has 3,000 foot cliffs rising directly from pristine ocean channels.

The picturesque coastal communities are rich in history and Native traditions. The capital city of Juneau was founded during the Gold Rush, while Sitka was originally the capital of Russian America. Petersburg is rich in Norwegian heritage. The Gold Rush "Days of ’98" are alive in Skagway. Ketchikan boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles. In Haines, a Native cultural center is housed in historic Port Chilkoot.