Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Skagway's KlondikeGold Rush Stories
I spent the day exploring Skagway's history, starting at the excellent Skagway Museum and ending with the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park film. Along the way I learned about Soapy Smith, the White Pass railroad, Buffalo Soldiers, and the hardships faced by thousands of stampeders heading for Dawson City. A stop at the historic Mascot Saloon and an evening hike around Lower Dewey Lake rounded out one of the most interesting days I've had in Alaska.
Skagway, AK
An early morning ferry ride carried me from Juneau to Skagway through the mountains and waterways of Southeast Alaska. Along the way I reflected on my time in Juneau, photographed coastal scenery, and listened to a colorful family announce wildlife sightings from across the ferry. After arriving in Skagway, I spent the afternoon walking through town, reading historic plaques about Captain William Moore, the Klondike Gold Rush, the SS Princess Sophia disaster, and the transformation of the town from frontier gateway to cruise ship destination. The day ended with Thai curry from a food truck, quiet streets beneath bright evening skies, and an unexpected encounter with hundreds of crows gathering for the night.
Alaska State Museum
After another rainy morning in Juneau, I set out in search of coffee and ended up spending most of the day at the Alaska State Museum. Exhibits on Alaska Native cultures, Russian settlement, mining, whaling, the Exxon Valdez disaster, and the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands offered a deeper understanding of Alaska's history. An unexpected highlight was a collection of clothing by Haida designer Dorothy Grant, whose work blended Indigenous art with contemporary fashion.
Mendenhall Glacier Nugget Falls Trail
A cold, wet day in Juneau eventually led to one of Alaska's most famous landscapes. When the rain finally eased, I headed to Mendenhall Glacier and followed the trail to Nugget Falls. Along the way I photographed fog-covered mountains, learned how dramatically the glacier has retreated, met visitors from France and India, and captured one of my favorite images of the trip.
A Day in Juneau, AK
My first full day in Juneau began with a visit to the Alaska State Capitol and ended photographing Celebration 2026, the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people in the world. Along the way I explored Alaska history, discovered the story behind the territory's Liberty Bell, wandered the waterfront, and met locals who made the city feel far more personal than the cruise ships and souvenir shops would suggest.
Haines to Juneau
What began as an uncertain morning on the ferry standby list turned into a scenic crossing from Haines to Juneau aboard the Alaska Marine Highway. The journey included mountain views rising from the sea, hours on deck with a camera, gulls following the ferry, abstract patterns in the water, and a scramble to find a campground after arriving in Juneau.
Haines, AK
A slow drive from Yukon to Haines, Alaska turned into one of the most memorable days of the trip. Along the way I photographed snow-covered mountains, discovered two black bears while shooting a panorama, crossed a nearly empty border, explored the surprisingly friendly town of Haines, and watched hundreds of birds feeding on Pacific herring just offshore.