Alaska
8 Of The Quietest Alaska Towns
Alaska is home to some of the most remote and quietest communities in the US, where year-round populations are often well under 3,000. Their isolation has shaped communities along fjords and glaciers, with hundreds of Alaskan communities accessible only by air or water, including Tenakee Springs on Chichagof Island and Sitka on Baranof Island. Girdwood is another tranquil spot right in the heart of the wilderness, but it is home to Alyeska Resort, for those travelers who want comfort during their trip. Tour historic fishing villages on the Kenai Peninsula and ferry-linked communities in the Inside Passage, in these quietest Alaska towns.
Girdwood
Girdwood is a mountain valley community in the Chugach Mountains and a haven for nature lovers seeking a quieter environment. Despite its size, Girdwood supports a concentrated outdoor recreation sector, including guided hikes, kayaking, flightseeing, ATV rides, and seasonal dog-sledding adventures. Only a one-hour drive from Anchorage, this small town is defined by its mountain setting and glacier-fed rivers.
One of the biggest drivers of traffic to Girdwood is Alyeska Resort, a luxury resort at the base of Mount Alyeska. The resort features alpine ski slopes in winter and meadows of wildflowers in summer. For visitors wanting to explore beyond the resort itself, Alyeska also coordinates guided excursions into nearby wilderness areas.
Girdwood also sits near the Chugach National Forest trail system, where forest hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities are widely available. Chugach is the second-largest national forest in the United States, covering 5.4 million acres and offering more than 60 trails through temperate rainforest, alpine terrain, and glacial valleys. Another scenic way to experience the area is aboard the Alaska Railroad. The railway runs through coastal and alpine landscapes and connects travelers to excursions such as Kenai Fjords cruises, Resurrection Bay wildlife tours, and other regional sightseeing trips.
Haines
Haines sits between fjords and snow-covered peaks. Its mountain-enclosed coastal setting, laid-back pace, and frequent wildlife sightings make it a notable destination for outdoor recreation. Glacier-fed waters support activities such as fishing and kayaking, while nearby trails allow hikers to explore the surrounding landscape.
Haines is home to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which protects roughly 48,000 acres of habitat supporting the world’s largest recorded population of bald eagles. The preserve also safeguards the salmon run and supports other wildlife, including mountain goats, moose, swans, and bears. Visitors are asked to remain in designated viewing areas to minimize disruption to wildlife.
The town also preserves a historic military site. Fort William H. Seward, built in 1902 during a border dispute period between the United States and Canada, is the last remaining Gold Rush-era military post in Alaska. Located only a ten-minute walk from downtown along the waterfront, the site includes preserved barracks, officers’ homes, and parade grounds that can typically be explored in one to two hours.
The surrounding waterways further define Haines’ landscape. Lutak Inlet and Chilkoot Lake sit at the foot of the Takshanuk Mountains and provide opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The ten-mile drive to Chilkoot Lake features several scenic pull-offs overlooking the inlet where birds and marine life are often visible.
Ninilchik
This fishing village on the Kenai Peninsula is known for its coastal sunsets and quiet beaches. Located 180 miles south of Anchorage and 35 miles north of Homer, Ninilchik is a historic settlement and an active fishing village. A prominent local landmark is the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel, an iconic Russian Orthodox church often photographed by visitors. Built in 1901, the bluff-top structure features five golden onion domes and stands beside a historic Russian Orthodox cemetery. From the site, there are sweeping views across the Cook Inlet toward volcanoes on the western horizon.
For outdoor recreation, the Ninilchik River and Cook Inlet provide fishing areas and beach access. Tide-walking and coastal fishing are common activities, and the beaches offer clear views of the volcanoes across the water.
Ninilchik also hosts Salmonfest each summer. The three-day event features more than 60 bands across four stages along with camping, food vendors, local brews, and salmon-themed artwork, while also supporting educational programming and conservation initiatives focused on Alaska’s salmon fisheries.
Sitka
The seaside community of Sitka on Baranof Island, known for its Indigenous heritage with visible Russian historical influence, is only accessible by air and sea. The town is surrounded by fjords, boreal forest, and glacial landscapes along Alaska’s Inside Passage. Marine wildlife viewing is a common activity in Sitka’s coastal waters. Whale-watching tours, sea kayaking excursions, and guided boat trips provide opportunities to see humpback whales, sea otters, and other marine species. Visitors who prefer to stay on land can visit Whale Park, where shoreline viewpoints sometimes offer glimpses of whales offshore.
One of Sitka’s most recognizable landmarks is St. Michael’s Cathedral. Constructed between 1844 and 1848, the Russian Orthodox cathedral features traditional onion domes and gold-colored crosses, reflecting Russia’s cultural presence in Alaska during the 19th century.
Another well-known site is the Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds of prey before releasing them back into the wild. Located on a 17-acre campus bordering Tongass National Forest, the facility includes a large flight-training aviary where visitors can watch eagles, hawks, and owls during rehabilitation.
Petersburg
Often called “Little Norway,” Petersburg maintains strong Scandinavian cultural traditions alongside its active fishing industry. Each year, the community hosts the Little Norway Festival, celebrating Norwegian Independence Day with parades, folk dancing, traditional costumes, and food booths featuring local seafood and Norwegian dishes. Local history is also preserved at the Clausen Memorial Museum, where exhibits highlight the town’s fishing heritage through historic gear and artifacts such as a traditional Tlingit dugout canoe and the largest king salmon caught in the region.
This is another town this is only accessible by air or water. Just outside town lies LeConte Glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier in Alaska. Located at the end of a 12-mile fjord roughly 20 miles by boat from Petersburg, the glacier can be viewed through flightseeing trips, kayaking excursions, or charter boat tours that travel through the fjord.
Tenakee Springs
Located on Chichagof Island, Tenakee Springs is accessible primarily by water or small aircraft. Its remote setting and small population contribute to a slower pace of life along the waterfront community. Despite its size, Tenakee Springs maintains two long-standing institutions that draw seasonal visitors. The first is the Hot Springs Bath House. Construction began in 1900 around the natural hot spring that originally attracted settlers, and residents and visiting boaters still gather here for communal soaking.
Tenakee Springs is also home to the Tenakee Springs Market, founded in 1899. The store serves as the town’s main supply hub and carries groceries, household items, and locally made goods. Across the street, the Tenakee Museum displays photographs and household artifacts that document daily life in the community’s early years.
The town is surrounded by Tongass National Forest, which spans roughly 17 million acres and is recognized as the largest intact temperate rainforest in the United States. The forest supports abundant wildlife, including eagles, bears, and spawning salmon.
Skagway
Skagway developed during the Klondike Gold Rush and remains closely tied to that period of frontier history. The town sits between steep mountains and coastal waterways at the northern end of the Inside Passage, where transportation routes first built for stampeders still shape the landscape.
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway is one of Skagway’s defining attractions. Built in 1898 during the Gold Rush, the railroad climbs steep mountain passes above town. The popular White Pass Summit excursion passes landmarks such as Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch while traveling through alpine scenery.
Six blocks of downtown Skagway form a designated Historic District. Private, city, state, and federal organizations have worked together to preserve many late-1890s buildings, including former saloons, hotels, and storefronts now interpreted by Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Visitors can learn more about this history at the Skagway Museum, located in the historic McCabe Building, constructed in 1899. Exhibits include historic photographs of early Skagway streets and personal belongings from stampeders who traveled the Chilkoot and White Pass trails. Documents and photographs of early life in Skagway provide visitors with a look into the town’s rich history.
Whittier
At the head of Prince William Sound, steep mountains and tidewater glaciers surround the small community of Whittier. About 90 minutes from Anchorage by car, the town serves as a gateway to the surrounding marine environment. Day cruises departing from Whittier travel through Prince William Sound and often pass tidewater glaciers such as Blackstone Glacier and Beloit Glacier. These trips frequently provide sightings of marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, and harbor seals.
Although small, Whittier has a history tied to World War II and the Cold War. A self-guided walking route highlights preserved military buildings and explains the town’s role as an ice-free port and logistics hub during those periods.
Access to Whittier is controlled by the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America at roughly two and a half miles. Built in the mid-20th century, the tunnel alternates traffic direction on a timed entry schedule and was engineered to withstand the region’s extreme weather conditions.
Alaska’s scale often draws attention, but in these smaller communities, the landscape becomes part of everyday life. Fjords, forests, and rivers shape how people travel, work, and spend their time. With small populations and limited development, these towns maintain a slower pace that stands apart from busier destinations.
For travelers hoping to experience a quieter side of Alaska, these communities offer something increasingly rare: space, quiet, and a close connection to the surrounding environment. Many also preserve historic districts, cultural traditions, and working waterfronts that continue to define local life.
WHEREAS, on June 3, 1942, six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, World War II arrived in Alaska when Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island was bombed by Japanese – the first aerial attack by an enemy on the continental United States; and
WHEREAS, the Japanese pilots expected little resistance; but because of an intercepted message three weeks earlier, the installation was on high alert, and Navy and Marine personnel were prepared with anti-aircraft defenses; and
WHEREAS, encountering unexpected resistance at Dutch Harbor, installation, Japanese forces shifted their focus to the Margaret Bay Naval Barracks, where the attack claimed the lives of 25 servicemen; and
WHEREAS, following the initial attack on Dutch Harbor, Japanese forces launched additional assaults on Dutch Harbor, Adak, Kiska, and Attu, resulting in the Aleut people being evacuated and held in internment camps in Southeast Alaska for three years, through which many did not survive; and
WHEREAS, the brave soldiers of the United States Armed Forces and allied Canadian Forces fought valiantly for more than a year to reclaim the remaining Aleutian Islands. The battle of Attu stands as one of the most costly American assaults in the Pacific, with hundreds of servicemen making the ultimate sacrifice to liberate Alaska; and
WHEREAS, on the 84th anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor, we remember and honor all who were affected by the attack, paying tribute both to the military personnel who served and died to defend our Nation and to the Aleut people who died while imprisoned.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 3, 2026, as:
Dutch Harbor Remembrance Day
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to join with the people of Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, and the Aleutian Islands to honor all who were lost in Alaska during World War II, and I order the Alaska State Flag to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of those who perished.
Dated: June 3, 2026
A plane belonging to the Alaska National Guard appears to have been damaged during operations connected to Operation Epic Fury as part of American military efforts against Iran, according to online reports. Defense officials have so far declined to confirm whether Alaska National Guard personnel or equipment are taking part in the campaign.
Last week, defense industry news outlet The War Zone published photos of a KC-135 Stratotanker transiting through a British airbase. In the pictures, made by photographer Andrew McKelvey, the rear bottom of the fuselage and wing stabilizers are “peppered with temporary shrapnel damage repairs‚“ according to The War Zone’s article. The plane also appears to be missing its refueling boom, the proboscis extending from under the tail to pump off fuel to other aircraft.
In the photographs, the Stratotanker’s tail number is visible, identifying the refueling plane as belonging to the Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing, based at Eielson Air Force Base outside of Fairbanks. The wing’s mission includes aerial refueling. That’s the tactic of large planes unloading vast quantities of fuel to aircraft, ranging from fighter jets to rescue helicopters, in midair.
Pictures from a different photographer published last week by another blog, The Aviationist, show the same plane. The tail includes the letters “AK” painted above a white polar bear.
In addition to the photographs, the reporting from The War Zone is based on publicly available flight data and social media posts scraped from a variety of sources.
According to information from Flight Radar 24, the Stratotanker left Eielson on March 5, just days after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began bombing Iranian targets on Feb. 28. Through March, according to public flight records, the plane was based at Ben Gurion Airport southeast of Tel Aviv, where, according to The War Zone, dozens of American refueling aircraft were staged as part of Operation Epic Fury.
There are no public flight records connected to the Stratotanker through April and most of May, until it appeared to fly through England on the way to the United States at the end of last month.
It is not clear how many Alaska Air National Guard planes, personnel or units are currently deployed in connection to the war effort against Iran.
A spokesperson for the Alaska National Guard referred all questions about Operation Epic Fury to the U.S. Central Command.
A spokesperson for CENTCOM, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, declined to answer questions on the record or provide any specific information about Alaska National Guard units deployed as part of ongoing military operations, citing the need to protect service members and operational security.
The Alaska National Guard has posted no informational releases or pictures connected to an overseas deployment during the last few months.
Much of Operation Epic Fury has been waged by military aircraft, and aerial refueling is critical to keeping planes supplied during long flights. A May 12 report from the Congressional Research Service composed of public damage reports to U.S. military aircraft noted that among the 42 records of damage or losses were seven KC-135 Stratotankers, though the findings were published before photos emerged of the Alaska-based plane. The report noted that the Defense Department “has not published a comprehensive assessment of combat losses” from Operation Epic Fury.
The tail number is associated with a Stratotanker manufactured in 1964, the year before Boeing ceased making them. All of the nearly 400 KC-135s currently in operation within the American military date back to that era of the Cold War.
The aircraft has the word “Tetlin” painted on the top of its tail. The name is an homage to the Interior Alaska village, one of several selected to honor longstanding bonds between military aviators and Alaska Native communities, according to photographs of a dedication ceremony posted by the Alaska National Guard last summer.
The 168th Wing currently has 12 Stratotankers attached to the unit. That number bumped up in April after a long campaign by Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan to allocate more tankers to the state’s portfolio given its vast geography and high number of advanced fighter jets.
- Alaska Airlines is opening its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport, featuring thoughtfully designed spaces with twice the square footage and seating of the current space
- The new Lounge reflects the airline’s appreciation for its loyal guests and comes as Alaska continues to expand its service in Portland, offering more flights and more options for guests
- The investment to modernize the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing portfolio to elevate its global guest experience and expand its Lounge footprint, including new spaces in Seattle, San Diego and Honolulu
PORTLAND, Ore., June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines is set to welcome guests to its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) when it officially opens on June 4, underscoring its continued investment in premium travel and one of the carrier’s key West Coast hubs.
After more than two years of construction, the approximately 14,000-square-foot Lounge will welcome guests with a warm, thoughtfully designed Pacific Northwest aesthetic, featuring an inviting fireplace and a striking wooden Mt. Hood mural by artist Ben Butler. At twice the size of the current Portland Lounge, it offers more than 230 seats, including Alaska’s Signature Loungers, along with high, open ceilings that bring in natural light and views of PDX’s new terminal. Guests can relax, enjoy fresh, regionally inspired food, sip barista-crafted beverages or cocktails from West Coast partners, or take advantage of ample power plugs and privacy booths for calls and meetings.
“Portland guests have chosen Alaska for years and played an important role in our growth in the Pacific Northwest,” said Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, products and guest experience. “This new Lounge is our way of thanking them and a reflection of our growing portfolio of premium guest experiences. We look forward to opening our doors this week and welcoming guests with the signature hospitality and thoughtful touches Alaska is known for.”
Alaska is the largest carrier serving Portland, operating more flights than any other airline, including more than 100 daily departures. Portland is a critical hub in Alaska and Hawaiian’s network with expanding service to over 60 destinations across North America and beyond. This summer, Alaska will launch year-round service to Everett/Paine Field and Pasco–Tri-Cities, along with seasonal service to Jackson Hole. Last month, new service began to Baltimore, Bellingham, Idaho Falls, Philadelphia and St. Louis. By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.
“Our strong partnership with Alaska has helped to elevate the new PDX as a world-class destination that showcases the Pacific Northwest and makes everyone feel at home,” said Chris Czarnecki, PDX business and properties director. “We’re thrilled their new PDX Lounge is here for the long-haul, offering travelers a stunning spot to relax, recharge, and experience a taste of our region.”
The nearly $18 million investment in the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing Lounge footprint and broader commitment to enhancing the guest experience as it expands globally. Building on this investment, Alaska just announced its plans to open a landmark, more than 41,000-square-foot Lounge in 2027. The Lounge, which will be located in Seattle – home to the airline’s main hub – will be the largest in its network and among the largest airline lounges in the country. The airline is also designing its first Lounge in San Diego along with a new, expanded Lounge in Honolulu, both slated for early 2028.
Alaska Airlines Lounge members can access eight premium Lounges across the Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines network, including its largest Lounge in Seattle and additional locations at its hubs in Anchorage, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alaska Lounge+ membership unlocks access to all Alaska Lounges, plus nearly 90 partner Lounges worldwide, including select oneworld and partner Lounges. To learn more or sign up to become an Alaska Lounge member, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Alaska Airlines opening at Portland International Airport?
A: Alaska Airlines is opening a newly redesigned Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) on June 4, 2026, offering a larger, more modern space with premium amenities, regional food and beverage options, and enhanced comfort for guests.
How big is the new Alaska Lounge in Portland?
A: The new Lounge is approximately 14,000 square feet—about twice the size of the previous Portland Lounge—and features more than 230 seats.
What amenities are available in the new Alaska Lounge at PDX?
A: Guests can enjoy:
- Barista-crafted coffee and specialty beverages
- West Coast-inspired cocktails
- Fresh, locally inspired food
- Signature Lounge seating and private booths
- Ample power outlets and workspaces
- Relaxation areas with premium finishes
Who can access Alaska Airlines Lounges?
A: Access is available to:
- Alaska Lounge members
- Alaska Lounge+ members
- Eligible First Class guests
- Eligible oneworld and partner airline passengers
What is the difference between Alaska Lounge and Lounge+ membership?
A: Alaska Lounge+ membership includes access to all Alaska Lounges plus nearly 90 partner Lounges worldwide, while standard Alaska Lounge membership provides access to all eight Alaska-operated Lounges.
Why is Portland important to Alaska Airlines?
A: Portland is one of Alaska Airlines’ key West Coast hubs, with more than 100 daily departures and nonstop service to over 60 destinations across North America. By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.
How is Alaska Airlines expanding its Lounge network?
A: Alaska Airlines is investing in multiple new and expanded Lounges, including:
- A 41,000+ square feet landmark Lounge in Seattle opening in 2027
- A new Lounge in San Diego
- An expanded Lounge in Honolulu
How much did Alaska Airlines invest in the new Portland Lounge?
A: Alaska Airlines invested nearly $18 million in the new Portland Lounge as part of its broader investment in premium travel as the airline continues to grow globally.
About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld alliance. Members of our Atmos Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”
SOURCE Alaska Airlines
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