Alaska Marine Highway

This classic tufted puffin perches majestically on a branch.

This tunnel in Unalaska's Dutch Harbor testifies of the region's part in World War II.

The community of False Pass lies in the shadow of massive snowy mountains.

The red and green roof of a Russian-Orthodox-style church brings a spot of color to the mountainous winter landscape in this Unalaska scene.

The coastal community of Saint Paul rests on a spit of land jutting out into the bright blue Alaskan ocean.

Placid waters and inspiring scenery provides for a tranquil recreation opportunity for these kayakers.

Seabirds nest at the Kittiwake Rookery, across Portage Pass from Whittier, Alaska.

A young Sitka black-tailed deer emerges from bright green foliage in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Three spring bear cubs, affectionately named Larry, Curly, and Moe, enjoy a meal of fresh salmon in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Enjoying the protection of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, this bald eagle perches momentarily to survey its surroundings.

Frozen temporarily among the constant motion surrounding it, this Sitka black-tailed deer is an example of Alaska's wildlife.

This bald eagle appears to coast effortlessly through the air above Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

You cannot complete your birding life-list until you visit the Aleutian Islands and see a Crested auklet. Found only along this route of the Marine Highway this is typically the last bird on a dedicated birdwatcher's list. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimate that over 40 million birds comprised of 250 species live in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Many of these birds can only be found in this area.

A state ferry cruises past glorious snow-capped mountains.

An Alaska Marine ferry cuts through the waters in Southeast Ketchikan.

An Alaska Marine Highway ferry navigates past wooded mountains near southeast Ketchikan.

Fireweed waves in the foreground as a state ferry passes by in the background.

Passengers disembark after a pleasant journey on Alaska's Marine Highway.

A crowd watches icebergs pass by from the deck of the ferry.

A passenger waves as his bike-laden car drives off the ferry.

A car pulling a camping trailer offloads from the ferry at one of the ferry's many stops, ready to continue its journey by car.

Boats' masts rise from the water as feathery clouds surround jagged peaks in the background.

A couple leans on the railing of the ferry and admires the deep blue water, rolling hills, and towering mountains of the Alaska coastline.

A well-defined bear track left in the sand of Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve reminds visitors to be alert and cautious around these majestic and powerful animals.

Green vegetation exists in dramatic contrast to the snow-topped mountains and glaciers at the Glacier Bay National Park.

The expansive horizon at the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is interrupted by Emperor Geese enjoying a beautiful Fall day.

A curious bear at the Katmai National Park and Preserve investigates the area for food or adventure.

Bald eagle chicks view their surroundings at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

Sunbeams shine through towering trees that populate the majestic Tongass National Forest.

The sun sets on Wrangell Harbor and casts a beautiful pink hue across the water. A small airplane lands on the water's surface and causes the pink hue to dance beneath the wings.

Yellow daffodils welcome visitors to the beautiful town of Bellingham.

A rare sunny day brightens the skies of Cold Bay.

Travelers walk down the pier to the Alaskan Ferry MV Tustamena in Cold Bay.

The Alaska Ferry MV Tustamena rests in port on a rare sunny day in Cold Bay.

Verdant mountain meadows surround Unalaska Bay in the summer.

This photo overlooks the city of Unalaska from Mt. Newhall on a clear fall day.

The Church of the Holy Ascension stands serenely near the shore. One of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska, it is a welcome site for travelers and fishermen returning from sea.

A passenger relaxes on the deck of the ferry and looks out over the calm, clean waters toward green shores backed by snow-tipped mountains.

Alaska brown bears can be found in all three segments of the Highway, including in and around many port communities served by the Marine Highway. The Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Parks all provide safe viewing opportunities with interpretive services to watch a variety of wildlife near many port communities.

The Marine Highway sails along the 'Ring of Fire' providing the opportunity to see a majority of North America's volcanoes. There are over 81 active volcanoes along the Marine Highway with a majority located along the Kodiak and Aleutians route. Pictured is Shilshaldin Volcano on Unamak Island near False Pass during sunset.

The Alutiiq are found in both the Prince William Sound and Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak and the Aleutians segments. Eight Native cultures are found along the Marine Highway route. There are numerous cultural opportunities in many port communities including museums, visitor centers, cultural centers, and performing arts theaters. One of the largest Native cultural event is "Celebration," held every two years in Juneau.

Russian Orthodox churches are typically richly decorated with gold icons and numerous religious symbols. Even in the smallest port communities, the churches are lavishly decorated. Russian Orthodox churches are found in a dozen port communities and include Unalaska, Kodiak, Seldovia, Juneau, and Sitka, to name a few. These churches continue to have active congregations and are a rare glimpse into Russian-American culture that began in the late 1700's. All churches offer cultural tours.

The city of Kodiak lies nestled as a civilized island between endless ocean and wild nature.

Sheer cliffs rise from the placid waters along Kodiak's coastline as deep green mountains rise in the background.

This tranquil ocean vista gives a glimpse of the scenic value the Kodiak area offers.

A variety of boats float on the calm Kodiak waters in front of deep green hills and turbulent clouds.

One of the church's distinctive blue domes rises towards the blue sky in this photo of the Holy Resurrection church in Kodiak.

Anchorage gleams in the moonlight.

The marine highway passes by some of the most active ice fields in the world. The majority of these are along the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound and the Cross Gulf Routes. This image shows passengers looking at glaciers in Prince William Sound as small icebergs float by. All AMHS ships are named after glaciers in Alaska.

Matanuska, onboard outerdeck - Southeast Alaska

Onboard departing Juneau, Southeast Alaska

Matanuska, underway - Southeast Alaska

Malaspina, Passengers onboard in Auke Bay - Southeast Alaska

Onboard departing Cordova - Prince William Sound

Matanuska underway - Southeast Alaska

Malaspina, underway - Lynn Canal, SE Alaska

Malaspina departing Auke Bay in Juneau Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Malaspina passing Eldred Rock Lighthouse in No. Lynn Canal - Southeast Alaska

Malaspina underway in North Lynn Canal - Southeast Alaska

Malaspina underway departing Haines Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Calm Views from the Matanuska - Southeast Alaska

Aurora, sightseeing on deck - Prince William Sound

Kids in the observation lounge - Prince William Sound

Kennicott, onboard - Southwest Alaska

Matanuska with Rainbow Glacier - North Lynn Canal

Aurora, Passengers sightseeing - Prince William Sound

Aurora, kids onboard - Prince William Sound

Tustumena, docked in Seldovia, Alaska - Southwest Alaska

Tustumena, arriving Kodiak - Southwest Alaska

Tustumena, Docked in Port Lions - Southwest Alaska