There are vacation spots that offer some of Southeast Alaska's best attributes: mountains, rivers, scenery. But no other place promises such easy and overwhelming immersion in the wild world. Within a hundred miles of Juneau is one of North America's largest concentrations of brown bears and bald eagles. Here, too, are moose, glaciers, and adventure. Even if you stay only 10 days, this is the biggest summer vacation you can imagine. Full story »

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Juneau is the base for this Alaska trip (Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau; 888/581-2201). It's served by Alaska Airlines; smaller regional airlines (including L.A.B. Flying Service and Wings of Alaska) connect to Haines and Gustavus. The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (800/642-0066) connects Juneau and Haines. New this season: ferry service between Juneau and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve aboard the Fairweather Express II; 888/229-8687.

Southeast Alaska is rain-forest country. June is usually one of the drier months — with high temperatures averaging about 60° — but you should still bring rain gear.

ADMIRALTY ISLAND

Pack Creek Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Alaska Department of Fish & Game, the coastal brown bear refuge can be visited by joining guided or unguided tours with transportation by boat or floatplane. Day-use permit ($50) required; www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass; 907/586-8800; contact Juneau CVB for boat- and air-tour information.

David Fenton
On Glacier Bay cruises, you can see 250-foot-tall Margerie Glacier as it flows into the bay.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Within the park, Glacier Bay Lodge (49 rooms from $150) has a comfortable 1970s vibe; nearby Gustavus offers B&Bs. Park information: 907/697-2230. Lodging and catamaran tours (from $160): Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours; 888/229-8687. Gustavus Visitors Association; 907/697-2454.

HAINES

Alaska Indian Arts Across from Fort Seward's Parade Ground. INFO: Closed Sat–Sun; Historic #13 at Fort Seward; 907/766-2160.

Bamboo Room Restaurant and Pioneer Bar Great halibut and chips. INFO: 11-13 Second Ave.; 907/766-2800.

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Fort William H. Seward Bed & Breakfast A nice, small inn occupies the fort's former commanding officer's house. INFO: 7 rooms from $89; 800/615-6676.

Hotel H[SPECIAL_CHAR {228}]lsingland A trio of officers' quarters in Fort Seward is now a sprawling hotel, rustic but welcoming. Its Commander's Room Restaurant ($$$), is one of the best places to eat in Southeast Alaska. INFO: 60 rooms from $69; 800/542-6363.

David Fenton
Stroll downtown Juneau, with Mt. Roberts looming behind it.

Wild Iris Handcrafted jewelry. INFO: 22 Tower Rd.; 907/766-2300.

JUNEAU

Fireweed House Bed & Breakfast A cozy retreat on 4 wooded acres on Douglas Island, across the channel from Juneau; superb breakfasts. INFO: 3 rooms and guest house from $199, including breakfast; 800/586-3885.

Westmark Baranof In downtown Juneau, a 1940s-era hotel with small but comfortable rooms. INFO: 196 rooms from $139; 800/544-0970.