Southeast Alaska Map Southeast Alaska in Region 1, known simply as "Southeast" to Alaskans, is the portion of the state that juts from the southeast corner of the state's main land mass. Also known as the "gateway to Alaska," Southeast can be reached from Seattle in less than two hours by plane, and in two days by ferry or a combination of car and ferry. Because of its relative accessibility, it is a common destination for greenhorns pursuing summer employment.

The climate of Southeast is very different from the rest of the state. The warmer ocean currents that mediate both summer and winter temperatures provide for a climate more akin to coastal Oregon and Washington than to most of Alaska. Temperatures average a balmy 65 degrees in the summer, and sub-freezing temperatures are rare - even during the long Alaska winters. Rain is predominant in the region, and many newcomers are often discouraged by the daily showers, which locals call "liquid sunshine."

All the rain is not without benefits, however. Southeast is home to some of the most scenic rain forests in the world and consists of gorgeous waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, fjords, and even occasional glaciers. Wildlife and marine life including whales, sea lions, harbor seals, salmon, and bald eagles abound, and wilderness areas such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Misty Fjords National Monument, and Admiralty Island are among Alaska's most awesome sights.

Although people drive cars locally, Southeast is comprised of nearly 250 islands, and regional travel is exclusively by plane and ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway System (the state-run ferry system) is inexpensive for pedestrians, dependable, and quite comfortable. Most locals and tourists use it as their primary means of transportation.

Until the Alcan Highway was completed during World War II, most of Alaska was almost completely inaccessible to all but Natives and the hardiest of explorers. Southeast was the most populated and most important region in the state. Most of Alaska's population growth and industry is now centered around Anchorage and Fairbanks; nevertheless, Juneau has managed to remain the state capital. Due to the historical significance and charm of Southeast's coastal towns, tourism has also become a major regional industry.

Fisheries employment abounds in Southeast. The region regularly produces annual catches of between 70 and 80 million salmon (but only 29.5 millions fish in 2006), up to 49 percent of the total state-wide catch. Because the salmon migrate from north (Region 5) to south (Region 1), this region has the latest season, starting about the second week of July and peaking in mid-August.

Halibut, herring, black cod, and crab are also heavily fished in the region. Southeast dominates Alaska's halibut fishery, accounting for about 70 percent of Alaska's total. Most towns have at least one processing plant, if not more.

***More up-to-date and detailed town profiles and specific employment information about employment in Region 1 (including up-to-date town profiles) can be found at Alaska Job Finder.com. Unfortunately, our licensing agreement with AlaskaJobFinder doesn't allow us to use the most current version of their Alaska Job information. Please use this town profile only for general information, as some of the information may be outdated.

Ketchikan >>>