Ketchikan

THE PLACE THAT HAS EVERYTHING!

Ketchikan is more than the second largest cruise port in the state; it’s a popular destination for independent-minded travelers, as well. Visitors to Ketchikan can enjoy superb fishing and other outdoor recreation, not to mention the area’s flourishing Native culture, amazing scenery and abundant wildlife. The bounty of wild Alaskan seafood offerings at local dining establishments is a delicious reason to visit. As one of “America’s Top 100 small arts communities,” Ketchikan’s impressive variety of shops and galleries feature work by many of the area’s resident artists.

Featured Activites

Misty Fjords Tour

Misty Fjords National Monument is a pristine locale featuring some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery. Massive glacier action carved out its present landscape thousands of years ago, as the ice carved grooves through the rock that later filled with seawater to form natural canals — long saltwater fjords hemmed in by cliffs that soar as high as 3,000 feet into the air.

Native Culture

Ketchikan is home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles, which can be viewed at public venues such as Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight State Park and the Totem Heritage Center. Traditional Native dance performances are scheduled regularly at the Saxman Tribal House and the Totem Bight Clan House.

Fishing

Fish the ocean for all five types of Pacific salmon, plus halibut, red snapper, ling cod and rock cod, and several species of shrimp and crab. Additionally, numerous freshwater lakes and streams provide opportunities to fish for steelhead, Dolly Varden, grayling, rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Kayaking

Kayak down Ketchikan Creek and enjoy the antique boardwalk of historic Creek Street, or head out of town and experience the beautiful wilderness and abundant wildlife in remote settings like Misty Fjord National Monument.

Local Art

Browse Ketchikan’s galleries and shops which showcase locally produced jewelry, carvings, paintings and photography. Books authored and/or illustrated by locals are also widely available in the small shops that line Ketchikan’s streets.

Featured Wildlife

Black Bears

Black bears are common sights among boaters and hikers, especially near salmon spawning streams throughout the Ketchikan area, and in the remote areas afforded by Misty Fjords National Monument.

Killer Whales

Killer whales are commonly seen hunting for prey in the waters near Ketchikan.

Bald Eagle

The iconic bald eagle thrives in the Ketchikan region and can often be spotted perched in shoreline trees or near salmon spawning streams.

Explore Ketchikan

Plan Your Trip

Alaska Coastal Quest — Schedule cruises and charters aboard our 60' 12 passenger charter yacht designed specifically for eco-tours in Southeast Alaska. The vessel, Misty Fiord, has five staterooms, each with its own toilet and shower. The owner/operator, Dale Philman, is an Alaskan Native and lifetime mariner. His background includes 15 years of commercial fishing and 10 years with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as a captain and fisheries biologist. Trips focus on wildlife, scenery, Native culture and history. Shore boats include a zodiac and kayaks.

Alaska Hummer Adventures — We provide custom Hummer tours in Ketchikan, Alaska. Tour Ketchikan in rugged luxury and live the Alaskan adventure of a lifetime!

Alaskan Aqua Marine Experiences — Family owned and operated, we offer charter fishing, Misty Fiord tours, camping rentals and outfitting.

All Aboard Yacht Charters — Our Alaska Cruise will provide memories that will last a lifetime. With our years of experience we will take you to the out of the way places few people ever see. Our Alaska Cruises are designed for all ages and abilities and for those people who would really like to experience "Alaska up close and personal."

Big Fish Charters — A United States Coast Guard-licensed captain, Rick Dale grew up in Ketchikan and has over 30 years of sport fishing experience in the Ketchikan area. Rick specializes in salmon and halibut charters and enjoys providing you with a successful trip and a really great time. We offer fishing charter packages in southeast Alaska including fully guided trips, lodging and cabin rentals as well as self-guided trips.

Black Bear Inn — Elegant waterfront inn with accommodations for up to 14 guests. Short-term and extended stays available year round. Fireplaces, cable television, high-speed wireless Internet, covered porches, refrigerators and private baths. Complimentary breakfast and snacks are served in the bed and breakfast. Two vacation rentals are available for guests who desire more privacy and space. The property has a large open spa and barbecue at water’s edge. Beautiful sunsets, summer gardens and whale watching are also available. Free pick up and drop off at Ketchikan’s ferries and docks

The Cedars Lodge — The Cedars Lodge offers complete saltwater and freshwater fishing packages for just about any budget and angler. We are located on the waterfront in historic Ketchikan.

Clover Pass Resort — Clover Pass Resort is proud to provide affordable guided and self-guided fishing vacations that allow fishing enthusiasts, as well as first-timers, to live their Alaska dream.

Ketchikan Kayak Co. — Let us show you the real Alaska, as we get you away from the crowds for a genuine Alaskan experience. We offer daily eco-tours and multiday kayak trips on the protected waters of the Inside Passage.

Naha Bay Outdoor Adventures — We are a small remote wilderness lodge that provides fishing, hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching activities. We cater to individuals as well as small groups of one to six guests.

Silverking Lodge — Silverking Lodge's six day/six night, self-guided fishing packages are the most affordable and convenient fishing excursions in the state of Alaska! Silverking Lodge is the longest continually operated self-guided fishing lodge in southeast Alaska.

Southeast Exposure Zipline and Kayak Co. — Unique among ziplining experiences, you can swing, scramble, climb and zip your way along this giant jungle gym in Alaska’s forest canopy. This adventure park offers eight ziplines in addition to kayak tours in Misty Fjords National Monument and Clover Pass North of Ketchikan.

Tongass Rainforest Expedition — TREX takes you into the Alaskan wilderness on an excursion hike in through the Tongass National Forest, where you’ll walk among giant Sitka spruce and Alaska’s unique yellow cedar. See how the local Native art and culture is woven and carved from the forest environment. It’s an easy walk along the well groomed Ward Creek National Forest Service trail, which is appropriate for all ages and great for family groups. The guided expedition crosses over lush meadows, through ancient groves and lands above a rushing waterfall where salmon, eagles and bears all gather during the annual salmon run.

See more outfitters in the Tongass