In Alaska, you may be treated to spectacular natural beauty, an unmatched variety of wildlife and a rich mixture of Native and other history. The Southeast region is wrapped in the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States. The route in the South Central region takes you through beautiful Prince William Sound and into the Gulf of Alaska, around the Kenai Peninsula and into lower Cook Inlet. A journey on the ferry reveals a multitude of islands and coves along the unspoiled coastline that are perfect to explore. We all have a list of personal "must see" places in Alaska where we take our visiting friends and family. This summer, expand your horizons and plan something different like kayaking or fishing in the waters around Ketchikan. A scenic town perched along the shores of coastal mountains and surrounded by protected waterways, Ketchikan is a popular and diverse port.

Go for the gold with a three-day itinerary reliving the Gold Rush. Start in Juneau and then follow the route the pioneers took in 1898. Head to Haines for some gold panning then to Skagway for a walk through a well-preserved Gold Rush town. The Klondike Highway follows part of the White Pass route and connects with the Alaska Highway at Whitehorse, Yukon.

From Juneau take the ferry through Icy Strait known for some of the best whale watching in the state. Spend the night in Pelican, known for its scenery, excellent fishing and wildlife viewing. Then visit Gustavus, the Gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Make reservations in advance to secure lodging or plan on taking your RV or tent and camping.

Situated on the western edge of Prince William Sound, the community of Whittier is conveniently located about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. Drive the tunnel into Whittier and explore the Prince William Sound Museum before catching the ferry to Valdez where you go berry picking or glacier viewing. The crashing glaciers and towering Chugach Mountains rise from the sea making Valdez absolutely picturesque.