Ketchikan Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Clinging to the shores of the Tongass Narrows and backed by steep, forested slopes, Ketchikan is a city that embraces the elements. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” this vibrant island community is the first stop for many travelers heading north along the Inside Passage. Here, the scent of salt water mixes with cedar smoke, and eagles perch atop spruce trees watching the fishing boats return with the day’s catch.

It is a place where history is painted in the vivid colors of totem poles and the weathered wood of historic boardwalks. Whether you are watching a floatplane touch down in the harbor or hiking through the moss-draped rainforest, Ketchikan offers an immediate and immersive connection to the wild heart of Alaska. It is a working waterfront town that has seamlessly blended its rough-and-tumble logging past with a welcoming spirit for modern explorers.

The Spirit of the Totems

Ketchikan possesses the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. This isn’t just history behind glass; it is a living culture. At places like the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center, visitors can watch master carvers turning massive red cedar logs into intricate storytelling monuments. The art forms here are specific and complex, with every figure on a pole representing a specific clan story, historical event, or shaming of a rival.

Beyond the poles, the town’s history is rooted in the resources of the land and sea. From the dizzying height of the logging boom to the legendary salmon runs that fill the creeks every summer, Ketchikan’s identity is forged by nature. The famous “Liquid Sunshine”, the local term for the frequent rain, keeps the surrounding Tongass National Forest a vibrant, neon green, creating a lush backdrop that makes the colorful buildings of downtown pop even on cloudy days.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Misty Fjords National Monument - A 2.3-million-acre wilderness area of shear granite cliffs and glacial lakes. Most easily accessed via floatplane (approx. $300-$400/person) or day cruise (approx. $200/person).

Creek Street - The historic boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek. Once the red-light district, it is now filled with local artisans and shops. Free to walk; located just a few blocks from the cruise docks.

Totem Bight State Historical Park - Located 10 miles north of downtown, this park features a clan house and numerous restored poles in a stunning oceanfront setting. Entry is $5 per person.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center - An excellent first stop to understand the ecology and culture of the region, located right in downtown. Admission is $5 (free with National Parks pass).

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Ketchikan usually involves a flight into Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), which is located on a separate island; you will take a short ferry ride across the narrows to reach the city. Alternatively, many visitors arrive via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system or cruise ships. Once in town, the downtown area is very walkable, but you will need a taxi, rental car, or tour bus to reach trailheads or parks located north or south of the city center.

When packing, think layers. The weather can change rapidly from sun to pouring rain. A high-quality waterproof rain jacket is non-negotiable, and waterproof footwear is highly recommended. Even in summer, temperatures rarely exceed the mid-60s, so a fleece layer and a warm hat are always good to have in your day pack. Don’t let the rain stop you; the locals certainly don’t!

Ketchikan is more than just a stopover; it is a community deeply connected to the rhythm of the tides and the seasons. Whether you come for the adrenaline of landing a King Salmon or the quiet awe of a rainforest hike, the First City leaves a lasting impression of wild, untamed beauty.