John Muir begins his journey to Alaska in 1879,
traveling up the Pacific Coast from San Francisco
through Puget Sound and the British Columbia coast. He
is captivated by the wild beauty of the forests,
mountains, and water. Along the way, he observes the
interactions between Indigenous communities and
missionaries, and he reflects on the untouched
wilderness and its spiritual significance. Muir is
deeply moved by the rich biodiversity and towering trees
of the Pacific Northwest.
Muir sails through the Alexander Archipelago, exploring
the rugged islands and fjords. He describes the
landscape in vivid, poetic detail—glaciers, waterfalls,
and densely forested mountains. Upon arriving in Sitka,
the former Russian capital of Alaska, he takes note of
the cultural mix of Tlingit people and Russian settlers.
He begins to appreciate the geological forces that
shaped the region and becomes increasingly eager to
explore the interior wilderness.
He continues his voyage to Wrangell Island, where he
hires Tlingit guides and travels up the Stickeen River.
He notes the friendliness and knowledge of the
Indigenous guides, as well as the challenges of
navigating the wild river landscape. The focus shifts
more toward adventure and scientific curiosity, with
Muir observing plant life, geology, and the dynamic
power of glacial activity. This journey further deepens
his admiration for Alaska’s natural grandeur and
Indigenous peoples.