From downtown Ketchikan, you can hike in the temperate rainforest: the city is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. This combination of downtown and forest makes nature trails a concrete part of trip planning. Also on offer are cultural history, a historic waterfront district and opportunities to explore the surrounding area from the shore. For your stay, you can choose between hiking trails, exhibits and a walkable area with a history of its own.
Rainforest trails with different profiles
The Carlanna Lake Trail is an easy 3-mile loop. It can be reached from the end of Canyon Road via a gravel road. The Rainbird Trail is 1.3 miles long and has several short, steep climbs; you can start from the University of Alaska Southeast campus or downtown. The routes can be compared by looking at different features: the Carlanna Lake Trail is described as a loop with an easy difficulty level, while the Rainbird Trail is characterized by its climbs. If you’re choosing between the two, consider these trail profiles as well as their respective lengths.
Kayaks can be rented in Ketchikan for paddling trips along the shore. Providers and conditions may vary. This adds a distinct on-the-water option to the hiking trails.
Totem poles and cultural history
Ketchikan is home to one of the world’s largest collections of standing totem poles. Totem Bight State Historical Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The history of the CCC project offers another historical perspective: when World War II slowed the project, the community house and 15 poles were in place. These two details shed light on different points—the state of the project at the time and its later addition to the register.
At the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, interactive exhibits cover the Tongass rainforest, regional wildlife and land use in Southeast Alaska. The exhibit topics thus range from the natural environment of the Tongass to human use of the region.
Creek Street and the waterfront
Creek Street is a historic district on the edge of Ketchikan Creek, just a few steps from the waterfront. Today, it is a walkable area with preserved buildings, local art, restaurants, cafés and small shops. You can get a free map for Ketchikan’s historic walking tour at the Visit Ketchikan visitor centers at berths 2 and 3.
Ketchikan’s Waterfront Promenade runs along the shore and features historical information panels and whale-tail-shaped benches. As you explore the city, you can also look out for the panels and these distinctive places to sit.
Plan your arrival and stay
Ketchikan is accessible only by plane or ship. Factor your route into your plans for your stay and overnight accommodations. Once there, the options described offer different focuses: from hiking in the temperate rainforest to cultural history and paddling trips along the shore. This can help you decide which aspects of Ketchikan matter most for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Gateway
Go to the main travel overview: Ketchikan Gateway Borough.
