Hidden in the heart of Southeast Alaska, Petersburg is a town that feels like a secret whispered by the fjords. Located on Mitkof Island and only accessible by air or sea, it offers a rare blend of rich cultural history and rugged natural beauty that few other destinations can match. For photographers, it’s a playground of texture, color, wildlife, and light—just waiting to be captured.
My first visit to Petersburg was fast - it was a stop along the way to a fishing lodge on a nearby island. However, the charm of the tiny airport, the fresh air and the beauty of the Wrangell Narrows captures my sense of wonder. I’ve been back to Petersburg many times and have had Papa Bear’s pizza almost every trip.
I would highly encourage you to check Petersburg out especially if you enjoy being on the water. The town is along Alaska Airlines route and has jet service 1 or 2 a days. Frederick Sound is close by and I have witnessed so much humpback whale activity in the area.
The Frederick Sound is where I became hooked on photographing humpback whales. So, whether you're building a your own photography portfolio, looking for your next exhibition-worthy shot, or simply hoping to preserve memories from your trip, Petersburg, Alaska photography provides endless inspiration.
Why Petersburg Should Be on Your Photography Bucket List
Petersburg isn’t flashy. You won’t find cruise ships unloading thousands of tourists here. What you will find is authenticity. This is one of the reasons why I loved this area - it felt ‘untouched’.
This is a place where salmon boats still outnumber souvenir shops, and locals still dance in traditional bunads during the Little Norway Festival. The town's Norwegian roots are visible in every corner—from the red, white, and blue trim on the houses to the intricate rosemaling painted on storefronts.
Photographers flock here not just for the scenery, but for the feel of the place. It’s raw. It’s real. And it hasn’t changed much in decades—which makes it all the more special to capture through a lens.
Top 5 Must-Photograph Spots in Petersburg, Alaska
1. South Harbor at Sunrise
Every working fishing town has a harbor, but South Harbor in Petersburg is something else. The stillness of early morning sets the scene—fog curls above the water, gulls hover above the docks, and the first hints of sunlight illuminate the worn wooden hulls of fishing vessels with a golden wash. In the background? The snow-dusted Coastal Mountainsrising like sentinels.
Photography Tip: Arrive just before dawn. Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and deepen the blues of the sky and water. Bracket your exposures if you're shooting directly into the sun for post-processing flexibility.
2. Muskeg Trails and the Raven’s Roost
For a more intimate encounter with the land, head to Ohmer Creek Trail or hike toward Raven’s Roost Cabin. These trails meander through muskeg—a type of peatland that’s common in Southeast Alaska—where you’ll find vibrant mosses, twisted trees, and wild orchids in the summer. The climb to Raven’s Roost is steep, but the view from the top is worth it: an uninterrupted vista over Frederick Sound and distant mountain ranges.
Photography Tip: Carry a lightweight tripod for foggy morning shots and low-light scenes under the dense canopy. Look for reflections in small ponds and capture the layered textures of moss and root.
3. Frederick Sound Whale Watching
Few things thrill a wildlife photographer like the moment a humpback breaches just yards from your lens. Frederick Sound is world-renowned for its summer whale activity, especially bubble-net feeding, a rare and dramatic cooperative hunting behavior. Orcas are also spotted regularly, along with sea lions, porpoises, and a rich array of seabirds.
Photography Tip: Book a smaller, slower-paced tour for better positioning. A telephoto lens (at least 300mm) is essential, and image stabilization can be a game-changer on the water. Keep shutter speeds high to freeze the action.
4. Downtown Petersburg
For cultural storytelling, Downtown Petersburg is bursting with character. Shoot the red-painted store signs, Nordic flags flapping in the breeze, and hand-carved totems that reflect Tlingit influence. During the Little Norway Festival, the town transforms with parades, dancers, and floral crowns—perfect for vibrant, people-focused street photography.
Photography Tip: Early mornings offer quiet, empty streets with soft light. Use a 35mm or 50mm lens for an intimate, documentary style. Don’t be afraid to engage with locals—most are proud of their heritage and happy to be photographed.
5. LeConte Glacier Flyover or Kayak Tour
Accessible by floatplane or a guided boat tour, LeConte Glacier is Alaska’s southernmost tidewater glacier—and one of its most photogenic. Massive icebergs drift through the fjord, seals lounge on floating ice, and the occasional thunderous calving reminds you just how alive the landscape is.
Photography Tip: If you fly, shoot in burst mode from a wide-open window. For kayak tours, waterproof your gear and use manual settings to adjust for light bouncing off ice. Overcast skies often provide the best tonal balance for capturing glacier blues.
When to Visit for the Best Light and Seasonal Photos
May–July: Extended golden hours, calm seas, and active wildlife. Ideal for harbor and glacier photography.
Mid-May: Little Norway Festival—vibrant, cultural, and deeply photogenic.
August–September: Fall colors sweep through the muskeg; great for moody landscapes and rich tones.
Winter (November–February): Aurora borealis potential, especially from Raven’s Roost or fly-outs with clear skies.
Photography Gear Checklist for Petersburg, Alaska
Packing light is smart—but here’s what you don’t want to leave behind:
Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with weather sealing
Lenses:
Wide-angle (16–35mm) for landscapes and glacier scenes
Mid-range (24–70mm) for everyday and cultural shots
Telephoto (100–400mm) for wildlife
Tripod: Carbon fiber preferred for weight and damp resistance
Filters: Polarizer, ND filters for long exposures
Accessories: Extra batteries (cold temps drain fast), microfiber cloths, dry bags, and a waterproof camera cover
Final Thoughts: Capturing Alaska’s Soul in Petersburg
Petersburg isn’t the Alaska you see on postcards—it’s better. It’s the Alaska where puffins nest on rocky shores, where kids ride bikes down fishing docks, and where glaciers still carve the land in real time. For photographers, it’s a destination that offers not just beauty, but truth.
You’ll leave with full memory cards—but more importantly, with a full heart - and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be back many, many times!
