Totem Bight State Historical Park: Ketchikan is home to several notable totem pole collections, but Totem Bight takes the prize with a gorgeous waterside setting, historic clan house, and lush forests.

Misty Fiords National Monument: Almost always encased in clouds, this wilderness has spectacular cliffs that plummet into deep fiords. Tours by air and boat are offered from Ketchikan.

The Stikine River: Jet-boat trips from Wrangell are the main attraction for visitors to this mighty river with its hidden glaciers and relaxing hot springs.

Sitka National Historical Park: This gem of a park encompasses Sitka’s rich Tlingit and Russian heritage with historic buildings, totems bordering a wooded trail, and the chance to watch Native Alaskan artisans at work.

Mendenhall Glacier: Southeast Alaska’s best-known drive-up glacier, Mendenhall has fine hiking trails and a fascinating visitors center. It’s just a few miles north of Juneau.

Tracy Arm–Fords Terror Wilderness: Almost unknown outside Alaska, this wilderness area is a popular destination for day tours by boat from Juneau. It’s a great place to watch ice calving from the glacier or to see seals resting atop icebergs.

Glacier Bay National Park: Made famous by John Muir, this national park has towering mountains, thundering glaciers, abundant wildlife, fun day trips, and memorable sea kayaking adventures.

Fort Seward: Looking more like a New England village than a fort, this picture-perfect collection of historic Haines buildings now houses a variety of artistic, commercial, and cultural endeavors.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: The town of Skagway’s gold rush heritage is preserved in a dozen classic — and immaculately restored — downtown buildings that now hum with visitors all summer.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: Originally built to haul miners into the Klondike and gold back out, this narrow-gage railroad now fills with travelers and hikers. It may be the most scenic train ride in the country.