With 119 state parks spread across the state and a total of
365 million acres, there's plenty of room for everyone to seek
their own adventure in Alaska. Whether your interest is in bike
trails, secluded coves for kayaking, hiking trails or camping, the
Alaska Marine Highway is the perfect way to experience each region
and the communities that populate Alaska's diverse and scenic
coastline. Due to the vast size of the state and the length of the
ferry route, we present it as three different service regions.
Never traveled by ferry? Let us show you around with our See
More of Alaska ferry handbook. You'll find even more information on
places to visit and not to miss experiences in each region.
Southeast Alaska – The Inside Passage
Alaska's Inside Passage treats you to spectacular natural
beauty made up of mountains, rainforest and glaciers; offering an
unmatched variety of wildlife; and containing a rich mixture of
Native, early Russian, Norwegian, and gold rush history. The
entire region is wrapped in the Tongass National Forest, the
largest National Forest in the United States and the largest
contiguous temperate rainforest in the world.
South Central Alaska – Alaska's Heartland
The coastal communities of South Central Alaska are the
outdoor playgrounds for more than half of the state's population.
Centrally located, the port communities in this region provide
access by ferry to other parts of the state. While aboard the
ferry, thrill to the spectacular sights of ice-blue glaciers,
tranquil fjords, lush forests and unbelievable concentrations of
seabirds and marine wildlife.
Southwest Alaska – Kodiak & The Aleutian Chain
The Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands sweep more than
1,500 miles from Cook Inlet toward Asia. This region sits atop the
"Ring of Fire," a string of volcanoes along the Pacific Rim and is
rich in Native and Russian culture, World War II history, and an
amazing array of wildlife. From gentle coastal grasslands to
rumbling snow-capped volcanoes, Southwest Alaska has a character
and charm all its own.
