Stop by the visitors center on the dock to pick up the Historic Ketchikan walking-tour map and guide to area attractions. The 2-mi/3-km tour is an excellent way to see many of Ketchikan's sites. Even if you stray from the map, don't worry: The town isn't big enough to get lost in. The city has also put up signage to make it even easier for visitors to find sites of interest and then return to the docks.
The walking tour will take you past the turreted, Victorian-style Burkhardt House; the 1954 tunnel on Front Street, which claims to be the only tunnel that you can go over, around and through; and E.C. Phillips & Sons, one of the few remaining cold-storage and fish-processing plants in the city.
You might also want to drop by the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, one block inland from the cruise docks. It provides interpretive exhibits about the rain forest, wildlife and native cultures, a film about the Tongass National Forest, and information on public lands, area hiking and local ecosystems.
Along with the prosperity brought by salmon and mining came a red-light district built on the pilings above Ketchikan Creek. The community had as many as 30 bordellos before prostitution became illegal in 1953. Most of the women moved on; one who didn't was Dolly Arthur, whose bordello is now a museum, Dolly's House.
Strolling along the rest of Creek Street and checking out the various shops can be great fun. There are also a few cafes where you can eat outside if the weather is nice. Or just hang over the railings and watch the fish and kayakers go by. While you're on Creek Street, catch the tram up to Cape Fox Lodge. From there you'll be treated to one of the best views of Ketchikan.
| Historic Sites | Top  |
Ketchikan has one of the world's largest collections of totem poles. Cedar totem poles are symbolic storytellers, characterized by creatures such as eagles, killer whales, beavers, bears and wolves. They are carved for a variety of reasons—from mortuary poles that hold ashes of the deceased to celebrations. During the early 1900s, as Alaska Natives moved closer to towns where employment could be found, whole villages were abandoned and the totems were left. In 1938, the U.S. Forest Service began a rescue program to preserve and repair many of these monuments.
Each pole has a name, such as Thunderbird and Whale, Man Wearing Bear Hat, Sea Monster Pole and Halibut Pole. Two parks outside of town feature large collections of totem poles: Saxman Native Village, about 2.5 mi/4 km south of town; and Totem Bight State Park, about 10 mi/17 km north of town. Many of the totem poles around Ketchikan are replicas; older poles require regular maintenance and repair.
Built in 1913 as the Libby, McNeill & Libby Cannery, it employed labor from China and the Philippines. Closed in 1958, it reopened in 1996 as a historic landmark, with guided tours of the early cannery operations and equipment. Open May-September. Tours are US$48 through local tour operators. 13194 S. Tongass Highway (12 mi/19 km south of downtown), Ketchikan. Phone 907-24-1840.
This village, named after a Presbyterian teacher who was lost at sea, has a collection of 24 totems planted in the ground. In addition to the poles, there's a cedar replica of the Beaver Clan House and a carving shed. Open Monday-Friday. Free admission. Tours, demonstrations and performances have fees. 2706 S. Tongass Highway, Saxman, Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-4166.
This popular bordello from 1903-53 was owned by Creek Street's famous madam, Dolly Arthur. The distinctive sea-green house with red trim can't be missed. Costumed ladies stand at the front door and the second-floor window beckoning visitors in for a tour. May-September daily. US$5. 24 Creek St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-2279. http://www.dollyshousemuseum.com.
Explore the exhibits on native culture, the rain forest, natural resources and ecosystems. The museum is also an information center for camping facilities, outdoor activities and public lands. Gift shop and bookstore on-site. May-September daily 8 am-5 pm; October-April Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm. US$5. 50 Main St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-228-6220. http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/discoverycenter.
Stop by this museum to learn about the town's fishing heritage. Exhibits on Ketchikan history, native culture and art rotate every three months. May-September daily 8 am-5 pm; October-April days and times vary. Admission US$2. 629 Dock St. (in the Library Building, near the intersection of Dock and Bawden streets), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-5600. http://www.city.ketchikan.ak.us/departments/museums/tongass.html.
This museum collects and preserves totem poles retrieved from abandoned Alaska Native villages. The center contains 33 poles and pole fragments, many of which are more than 100 years old. A 15-minute tour is available May-September daily 8 am-5 pm. US$5. 601 Deermount St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-5900.
Pods of orca whales go into Tongass Narrows for salmon—tour boats often encounter them along with seal colonies on rocks. Floatplane tours flying to and from Misty Fjords often spot whales moving along Behm Canal. Bears usually visit streams where salmon go to spawn during early-morning hours or late afternoon. Occasionally, they are seen on the Creek Street boardwalk.
The sheer rock walls, towering above coves, are overwhelming. Visitors can opt for a flightseeing day trip over Misty Fjords or boat tours. During these tours, you may see bald eagles in the air, brown and black bears on the ground, and whales and sea lions in the ocean. 3031 Tongass Ave. (within Tongass National Forest), Ketchikan.
| Neighborhoods & Districts | Top |
Newtown
This was the first part of Ketchikan to develop after downtown in the early 1900s. It is undergoing a revitalization because of a cruise-ship dock built in the area. It features many historic buildings and older stores, as well as a working harbor and colorful live-aboard boats.
Nobb Hill
The area features many of Ketchikan's stateliest homes from the early 1900s. The roads are steep, but the views are worth it.
Stedman-Thomas
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was once the home to Alaska Natives and other minorities who worked in the canneries. It features many historic buildings and is located between downtown and Thomas Basin.
This marina was a baseball field until the 1920s. The city installed pilings and expanded it over the mudflats. There are viewing areas, decks and picnic tables around the marina—worth the walk past the red-and-white Potlatch building and along the breakwater. Often, eagles flock there. Thomas Basin is Ketchikan's second-largest boat harbor, home to a portion of the local fishing fleet. At the end of Ketchikan Creek, Ketchikan.
| Parks & Gardens | Top |
This park was once home to holding ponds for salmon in the early 1950s. It is now a tranquil spot with a fountain, brooks, benches and picnic tables. At the northern end of Ketchikan Creek, Ketchikan.
This park features
Thundering Wings, a huge eagle by renowned Tlingit carver Nathan Jackson. Front Street (near the docks), Ketchikan.
This park has 14 poles, most of which are more than 50 years old. You can also stop by a Tlingit clan house. To reach the site, walk along a path through the rain forest to a clearing covered with wildflowers. The totems and the scenery are truly spectacular—if you really want to appreciate the view, take along a picnic lunch and spend an hour or more there. Kiosks near poles interpret the carvings. Free, but donations are accepted. 9883 N. Tongass Highway, Ketchikan. Phone 907-247-8574.
Designed in the shape of a whale, this park is full of flowers and contains the Chief Kyan Totem Pole (a replica of a pole first erected in Ketchikan in the 1880s). It is also home to the antique Billingsley Clock—said to be the oldest timepiece in the city, it still keeps accurate time. The clock once stood by the Knox Brothers Curios Store on Mission and Tongass streets. Mill Street, downtown, Ketchikan.
| Other Options | Top |
The show is a rowdy re-creation of logging competitions from Alaska's past. You can watch chopping, sawing, axe-throwing, pole-climbing and log-rolling events from a heated, covered facility. The 90-minute performances take place May-September one to three times a day, depending on the number of ships in port. US$34 adults, US$17.50 children. Behind the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Mill Street, Ketchikan. Toll-free 888-320-9049 for show times. http://www.lumberjackshows.com.
Maps and information on bike trails are provided at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show behind Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Mill Street. Phone 888-320-9049.
| Bird Watching | Top |
During salmon season, white-tailed eagles are everywhere. With their distinctive chirp, they'll gather in trees, fly around fishing boats and processing plants, and perch on jetties. Bird-watchers won't want to miss seeing them dive and seize prey out of the water.
Other birds such as ravens, hummingbirds, Steller's jays and Canada geese are abundant in the area. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center offers comprehensive brochures, guides and maps for viewing birds.
The center features scenic paths around what were once the native holding ponds for salmon, and a beautiful fountain. Photographers and bird-watchers can get up close to eagles, and visitors can feed the salmon that will be released to the wild on reaching adulthood. Sample Alaska smoked salmon in the Interpretive Center. Open 8 am-4:30 pm in summer. Admission US$9; children younger than 12, free. 1158 Salmon Road (near Ketchikan Creek and City Park), Ketchikan. Phone 907-228-5530.
| Boating & Sailing | Top |
This company rents kayaks for one to four days. You can also contact the staff to lead you on a four-hour trip to explore Orca's Cove. Rental rates start at US$45. Half-day guided trips start at US$149, or US$399 for a full-day trek through Misty Fjords. 1007 Water St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-1258. Toll-free 800-287-1607. http://www.kayakketchikan.com.
Ketchikan bills itself as the "Salmon Capital of the World," and exploring the waters around the town while casting for fish is an exhilarating experience. Several charter firms offer trips. The visitors center has a complete list of operators. Expect to pay about US$175 for a half-day trip. Fishing licenses cost extra: US$10 per day for nonresidents, and US$10 for a king-salmon sticker (if you catch a king but don't have a sticker, you'll have to release it).
Processing of caught fish is done at dockside for an additional charge (by the pound) and is shipped via FedEx to whatever address you provide.
This spot over Ketchikan Creek is great for adults and children. During the season, visitors can rent poles and get a fishing license from a little blue shop next to the bridge. Fish can be processed and vacuum-packed for shipment home.
| Hiking & Walking | Top |
Deer Mountain Trail
The 3-mi/5-km Deer Mountain Trail begins at the base of Deer Mountain (behind City Park). It's about a four-hour hike. The trail is very steep, so wear your hiking boots. Also take insect repellent and water with you. The first overlook is about 1 mi/1.5 km up—you can always turn around there after you're done gaping at the incredible views.
There are plenty of opportunities for hiking in the surrounding Tongass National Forest, although most trails are not accessible from downtown. There is a public trail and bike path along Ketchikan's waterfront from downtown to the village of Saxman, a distance of approximately 2 mi/4 km. The path is being extended out to Mountain Point, an additional 3 mi/5 km.
Most other trails require transportation or a guide, so check the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Mill Street for a map and the names of tour guides (phone 907-228-6220).
Rainbird Trail
This trail is located less than a mile/kilometer from downtown. It begins and ends on the Third Avenue bypass road. It is not as strenuous as the Deer Mountain Trail and much shorter, but offers spectacular views of both downtown and Ketchikan's West End. The beginning and the end of the trail are fairly steep, but the majority of the trail is flat and easy to walk. A map of the trail is available at the Visitors Center.
Wayward Lake Trail
One of Ketchikan's most scenic trails is the mile-/kilometer-long trail at Ward Lake, which goes through old-growth forest. It is approximately 9 mi/15 km from downtown.
| Scuba & Snorkeling | Top |
Discover colorful marine life and historic remains of ships. Trips last three to five hours. 4705 N. Tongass Highway, Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-4667. http://www.alaskadeepsix.com.
As recently as a decade ago, Ketchikan had more than a dozen bars in its downtown area alone. Most were kept going by the large numbers of fishermen and loggers in town during the summer. But with those industries in decline and tourism growing, economics have driven most of the bars out. There are still a few longtime bars left, such as the Potlatch in Thomas Basin and the Arctic in Newtown, but Ketchikan's days as the nightlife capital of Alaska are gone.
Nightlife in Ketchikan can include anything from pizza at the Ketchikan Entertainment Center & Roller Bay Bar, to dancing at First City Saloon. Nights are long (seeing as the state doesn't get much daylight for most of the year), and many bars are open late.
During the off-season, the Saxman Native Village Bear Clan House hosts open-mike nights. Anyone in the community who wants to perform can do so. Admission is US$5 and tickets must be purchased in advance from the Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council.
| Bars, Taverns & Pubs | Top |
This bar features 20 beers on tap, a dance floor, TV screens, pool tables and live entertainment. The First City Grill serves the original halibut taco. Locals like this place. Nightly till 2 am. No cover. 830 Water St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-1494.
This smoke-free sports bar on the dock has a great marine photo gallery. 301 Front St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-2217.
| Performing Arts | Top  |
Programs include performances by traveling orchestras, opera, folk music, ballet and dance companies. The Ketchikan Arts Council & Mainstay Gallery puts on shows throughout the year (http://www.ketchikanarts.org). The Ketchikan Theatre Ballet puts on three programs annually.
The Monthly Grind is a local talent show that occurs the third Saturday of the month at the Saxman Tribal House September-May. Admission is US$5 but will be refunded if you bring a dessert. Contact the Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council for more information at 907-225-2211.
Alaska Native performances in dance, music and storytelling are put on throughout the year at the Totem Heritage Center. Phone 907-225-5900.
Ketchikan Community Concert Band and Concert Choir
The Ketchikan Community Concert Band and Concert Choir puts on performances in the fall and spring. Phone 907-225-3650.
This group offers Broadway-style productions at the Kayhi High School Auditorium and other venues. 2610 Fourth Ave., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-4792.
| Spectator Sports | Top |
Locals gather on Wednesday afternoon to watch the sailboat races of the Ketchikan Yacht Club on Tongass Narrows.
In the winter, local high school sports dominate. In the summer, Ketchikan has five athletic fields that are booked by local baseball, softball and soccer groups. Call the Rec Center at 907-225-9579 for schedules.
There's a wide variety of shopping in Ketchikan, especially for Alaska-made items. The best shops are along Front Street and on nearby Dock, Mission, Mill, Spruce Mill and Main streets. Creek Street, off Stedman Street in the old red-light district, is home to many quaint stores.
Visitors should keep in mind that some of the Alaskan-themed items for sale are imported from Asian countries. However, Ketchikan does offer excellent Alaska Native and native-made goods such as carvings, jewelry, pottery and crafts. There are also excellent books written by Alaskans about totem poles, the area's history and native culture, as well as cookbooks.
If you are purchasing local arts or crafts, you should look for a little silver-and-black sticker on the item. The one with a polar bear designates the item was made in Alaska; the one with a hand indicates the item was made by an Alaska Native. Although this is meant to guarantee the item is an Alaskan original, not all Alaskan artists pay to have the stickers on their items. Often, a store proprietor will tell you about the artist of a piece you admire, or the item will have a tag with information about the artist.
| Shopping Hours | Top |
During cruise-ship season (May-September) most shops are open daily. The rest of the year, hours are generally Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm.
This cozy bookstore has been in the same location for decades. It carries an excellent selection of books on Alaskan history, culture, cooking, cards, music and gifts, as well as children's books. 5 Creek St. (Star Building, upstairs), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-7690.
This gallery carries Alaskan and Alaska Native art, as well as handcrafted pottery and jewelry from artists on Prince of Wales Island. 123 Stedman St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-1982. http://www.blueheronalaska.com.
This studio carries items by Tsimshian artist Ken Decker. His specialty is drums, along with paddles, carved argillite figures, totem poles and bentwood boxes. 607 Mission St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-9653. http://www.crazywolfstudio.com.
Located at the entrance to Creek Street, this gallery features Alaskan and locally made pottery, as well as jewelry, maps and prints. 633 Mission St. (across from Whale Park), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-4278. http://www.explorationgallery.com.
This frame shop is one of the finest art galleries in the city, carrying the works of artists such as Rie Munoz and Barbara Lavellee with their colorful depictions of Alaskan life, as well as glass, books, clothing and jewelry. 318 Mission St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-247-4730. http://www.scanlongallery.com.
This contemporary arts-and-crafts gallery is the headquarters of artist Ray Troll, famous for his fantastical fish art. The shop also carries the works of other local artists in jewelry, photography and handmade crafts. 5 Creek St. (Star Building), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-5954.
| Shopping Areas | Top |
The mall has a Safeway Foods, Hallmark Cards, Waldenbooks, Sears, a beauty salon, Wells Fargo Bank and a variety of gift shops. 2417 Tongass Ave., Ketchikan.
The market features shops that sell quilts, beads, clothing, tea, Alaskan souvenirs and T-shirts. There are also restaurants and a coffee shop. The south end of the docks, downtown, Ketchikan.
This is one of Ketchikan's oldest businesses. The three stores are along Front Street downtown: Two are on opposite street corners at Dock and Front streets, and the other is on the corner of Mission and Front streets. They carry a variety of clothing, from T-shirts, seasonal fashions and formal wear to all-weather sports gear and equipment, luggage, salmon products, collectibles and souvenirs. 201 Dock St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-5101.
| Specialty Stores | Top |
Go there for fine jewelry and gems, fossilized walrus- and whale-bone carvings, designer watches, jade sculpture and Armani porcelain. Open May-September only. 216 Front St. (across from the docks), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-8833. http://www.alaskan-heritage.com.
This shop sells mining artifacts and historic photos. You can even buy a chunk of gold. 18 Creek St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-3252.
This shop features a large collection of Russian-made items, such as hand-painted nesting dolls, Faberge-style egg pendants, amber jewelry and Lomonosov porcelain. 55 Main St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-8042.
Salmon and seafood lovers can purchase the Alaskan delicacy canned or vacuum-packed to ship home. Of the five varieties of salmon, the three most popular are king, sockeye and silver. Items are shipped FedEx. 1705 Tongass Ave., Ketchikan. Toll-free 800-478-9865.
To
Prince of Wales Island. This is the third-largest island in the U.S. You can get there via a 25- to 45-minute flight, or a three-hour Inter-Island Ferry Authority ride (phone 866-308-4848; http://www.interislandferry.com). US$39 one-way. The island has small fishing villages, logging camps and Alaska Native communities. Evidence suggests that the island has been inhabited for a very long time: Human bones dating back more than 9,000 years have been found.
Today, it offers access to world-class fishing and hunting areas and has several totem parks. El Capitan caves is another highlight, part of the island's massive karst (eroded limestone) cave system. Prince of Wales Island is part of a volcanic chain, and there are hot springs near the caves (too hot for swimming). Logging on the island has been restricted, and visitors will see clearings where forests are slowly returning. Marble quarries exist from the island's mining days. A number of lodges offer sportfishing packages. For more information, contact the Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce. Phone 907-755-2626. http://www.princeofwalescoc.org.
From Prince of Wales Island, the Inter-Island Ferry Authority ferries also connect to Wrangell (two-hour, 45-minute ride) and Petersburg (one hour from Wrangell). The terminal is 25 mi/40 km south of the community of Petersburg. If you don't have a car, arrange for transportation with the Petersburg visitors center. Phone 907-772-4636. http://www.petersburg.org.
To Annette Island. On the island, located 15 mi/24 km from Ketchikan, you'll find Metlakatla, the only native preserve in Alaska. There you can see a Tsimshian traditional dance performance at the clan house, tour the Duncan House Museum, visit a cannery and cold-storage facility, and explore the community. Get there by floatplane (15 minutes) or ferry (one hour). Prices vary, depending on transportation. For information, phone 877-886-8687. http://www.metlakatlatours.com.
Several reputable tour operators offer excursions in Ketchikan. Be aware that because Ketchikan is so small, the cruise lines may monopolize some operators. Most tour operators have sales booths and courtesy phones in the visitors center, which also has lists of operators who offer guided fishing, wildlife and other tours.
Flightseeing tours of Misty Fiords National Monument, LeConte Glacier (near Petersburg), the Stikine River (near Wrangell), Hyder on the border with British Columbia, and Prince of Wales Island are popular. Among those offering the trips are:
Tacquan Air (phone 907-225-8800 or toll-free 800-770-8800. http://www.taquanair.com).
Promech Air (phone 907-225-3845 or toll-free 800-860-3845. http://www.promechair.com).
Island Wings Air Service (phone 907-225-2444 or toll-free 888-854-2444. http://www.islandwings.com).
Pacific Airways (phone 877-360-3500. http://www.flypacificairways.com).
Southeast Aviation (phone 907-225-2900 or toll-free 888-359-6478. http://www.southeastaviation.com).
In addition to flightseeing tours, bush runs are also available. Tours include just you and the pilot taking supplies and mail to outlying towns on the border with Canada or Prince of Wales Island. Available through Tacquan Air (phone 907-225-8800) or Pacific Airways (phone 877-360-3500).
Lighthouse Totems and Eagles Excursion
This water-related tour features sightseeing in Tongass Narrows, Loggerville (a floating logging camp), Ward Cove and the historic Guard Island Lighthouse at the north end of Tongass Narrows. The three-hour tour also features water views of some of the mansions on the Ketchikan rural waterfront. Phone 907-225-6919. http://www.lighthouseexcursion.com.
The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and Bear Creek Ziplines
This tour and sighteeing location features a nature walk along an estuary where bears feed on returning salmon in August and September. It also features a tour of a historic lumber mill and native carving demonstrations. Zipline tours are available at a nearby mountain. Prices start at US$80. Herring Cove (8 mi/13 km south of downtown), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-5503. http://www.alaskarainforest.com.
This company offers sightseeing tours in "duck" vehicles that can drive on land and float in the water. Tours last 90 minutes. US$38 adults. The visitors center on the docks, Booth 10, Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-9899. Toll-free 866-341-3825. http://www.akduck.com.
Zip through the rain forest from 10 treetop platforms on seven zip lines and cross three suspension bridges (sky bridges) for a unique perspective on nature. US$165. Phone 907-225-5503. http://www.alaskacanopyadventures.com.
This company offers tours of Ketchikan's scenery via unusual modes of transportation. US$149 per hour. Phone 907-225-9899. Toll-free 866-253-8257. http://www.akhummer.com.
See what's under the waves without getting wet in this 60-ft/19-m vessel. Large glass windows allow you to see spectacular sea life. Tours last 90 minutes. US$49 adults, US$29 children ages 3-12. Phone 907-247-8889. Toll-free 877-461-8687. http://www.alaskaunderseatours.com.
Take a mountainous back-roads tour, canoe on a lake and add a nature hike for a four-hour, fun-filled expedition. May-September. US$139. Ward Cove, Ketchikan. Phone 907-247-5295. Toll-free 877-461-8687. http://www.alaskaadventures.com.
Tour Ketchikan in a horse-drawn trolley. Tours leave from the docks. Phone 907-225-2279.
Try a narrated floatplane tour of Misty Fjords National Monument. You'll see spectacular scenery with snow-capped mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and lakes, mountain goats, orcas and other wildlife in a 90-minute tour. US$229 per person. 1716 S. Tongass Highway, Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-5155. Toll-free 877-228-4656. http://www.mistyfjordsair.com.
Tour the area on a Harley Davidson. Phone 907-225-2031. http://www.panhandlemoto.com.
With an experienced guide, ride a 37-ft/11-m canoe on a remote mountain lake. Includes nature hike and snacks. US$85. Ward Cove, Ketchikan. Phone 907-247-6295. http://www.alaskaadventures.com.
Tour the town in a horse-drawn trolley. A history of the town and sites is a part of the tour, along with several photo stops. Tours leave from the docks. Phone 907-225-3672. http://www.horsetrolleytours.com.
Travel to a remote location from George Inlet Lodge to crabbing grounds. Learn about Alaska's crabbing industry and help haul pots filled with Dungeness crabs. Enjoy a crab feast back on land. Tours leave from Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan. Toll-free 888-320-9049. http://www.catchcrabs.com.
To help you make the most of your time in Ketchikan, we've designed the following itineraries.
PLAN A
Go Fish
Follow Ketchikan Creek up to City Park to the Deer Mountain Salmon Hatchery and Eagle Center. Take the tour. Afterward, try the amphibious-vehicle ride for a land-and-sea tour of Ketchikan. Grab lunch and walk down to the docks where the charter boats come in and unload the catch. Spend the afternoon fishing off Stedman Street Bridge. (Don't forget to purchase a license.) Then take the tram to Cape Fox Lodge for a spectacular view of Ketchikan and Tongass Narrows with dinner at Heen Kahidi.
PLAN B
Misty Fjords Majesty
Take a leisurely boat ride to Misty Fjords National Monument (about five hours). The captain will show you sea lions, harbor seals, orca whales and eagle nests. The tour includes a lecture by a naturalist and a gourmet lunch. Spend your afternoon exploring the park. On your return, catch a sunset at Steamers on the Dock with an amber brew and fresh crab legs.
PLAN C
Native History and Natural Scenery
Spend the morning at the Totem Heritage Center, which houses 19th-century totem poles from remote Alaska Native villages. Afterward, hit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center with its award-winning film and exhibits on native culture and natural resources. Grab lunch and rent a car for the drive to Totem Bight Park and Settler's Cove on the northern end of Ketchikan. Spend the afternoon hiking up Perseverance Trail at Ward Cove. Finish your day with an outstanding meal at the Salmon Falls Resort.