How to See the Inside Passage on the Alaska Marine Highway

To experience some of the best that Alaska has to offer, travel like Alaskans do on the Alaska Marine Highway. Extending from Bellingham Washington to Skagway Alaska, the Alaska Marine Highway is a ferry system providing transportation for passengers and vehicles for coastal cities throughout Alaska including the fabled Inside Passage. Riding the Marine Highway ferry system gives you access to places along the Inside Passage that simply aren't available to tourists in the big cruise liners. You'll get a much more intimate Alaskan experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Maps of Alaska
• Travel guide to Alaska
• Travel dates planned
• A sense of adventure

1. Dusk on the Inside Passage Visit the Alaska Marine Highway's website to learn about the ferry system. See the resources section for the web address.
2. Near Wrangell, Alaska Study your maps and travel guides of Alaska to learn more about the Inside Passage and all the destinations and routes of the Alaska Marine Highway system.
3. Dawn breaks on the inside passage Determine your departure and arrival destinations on the Alaska Marine Highway.
4. The good ship Matanuska Determine your travel dates.
5. The Matanuska ready to set sail through the Passage Book your travel on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry for your destinations and travel dates.

Tips & Warnings

• Booking a cabin is worth the expense unless your journey on the Alaska Marine Highway will be a short one.
• When booking a cabin, try to get an "outside" cabin so you'll have a porthole window and a view to the scenery outside.
• Bring along your car or RV to explore interior Alaska.
• Traveling during the "shoulder seasons" of early or late spring and late summer is best to avoid the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience.
• As with most travel to popular destinations, booking your travel early gives you the best chance of reserving your desired travel dates and accomodations.