8 days in Alaska Itinerary

The narrow city of Ketchikan clings to the bluffs that form Revillagigedo Island's southwestern shore.

On the 11th (Sat), discover the deep blue sea with Snorkel Alaska, learn more about the world around you at Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, then view the masterpieces at The Rain Barrel, and finally take an in-depth tour of Tongass Historical Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: surround yourself with nature on Ketchikan Helicopters, examine the collection at Dolly's House Museum, appreciate the extensive heritage of Creek Street, then take an in-depth tour of Totem Heritage Center, and finally hike along Deer Mountain Trail.

For photos, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Ketchikan trip planner.

Seattle to Ketchikan is an approximately 4.5-hour combination of flight and ferry. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone difference when traveling from Seattle to Ketchikan is minus 1 hour. In September, Ketchikan is slightly colder than Seattle - with highs of 60°F and lows of 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Juneau.

Juneau is an unusual state capital in many respects.

Step out of the city life by going to Dolphin & Whale Watching and Nugget Falls. Discover out-of-the-way places like Alaskan Brewery and Bottling Company and Glacier Smoothie Soaps LLC. The adventure continues: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, get all the information you need at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, trek along Mount Roberts Trail, and don't miss a visit to Mendenhall Glacier.

To find out how to plan a trip to Juneau, use our trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by combination of ferry and flight from Ketchikan to Juneau takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. In September, daytime highs in Juneau are 57°F, while nighttime lows are 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Skagway.

The Municipality and Borough of Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska on the Alaska Panhandle. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to State Street and Broadway Street and Gold Rush Cemetery. Do some cultural sightseeing at Arctic Brotherhood Camp No. 1 and Skagway Museum and Archives. Go for a jaunt from Skagway to Haines to see Chilkoot River about 38 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: let the river carry you with Skagway Float Tours, don't miss a visit to Lower Reid Falls, trek along Yakutania Point, and contemplate the long history of Moore Cabin.

To see where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Skagway travel itinerary planner.

Fly from Juneau to Skagway in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. In September, daytime highs in Skagway are 58°F, while nighttime lows are 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.