10/04/2025
About Ketchikan
• Nickname: “The First City of Alaska” (because it’s the first major town you reach when traveling north by sea).
• Location: On Revillagigedo Island, part of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
• Population: About 8,000 to 9,000 people (small but lively).
A Little History
• Tlingit Roots: The area was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
• Established: The town grew in the late 1800s, first as a fishing camp. It boomed during the salmon canning era and later with logging.
• Totem Poles: Ketchikan became famous for its collection of totem poles. In fact, it has the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world.
• Gold Rush Days: Like many places in Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan benefited from the Alaskan Gold Rushes — providing supplies and services to prospectors.
The combination of Tlingit culture, fishing, logging, and tourism shaped Ketchikan into what it is today — a colorful, artsy, proudly Alaskan town.
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What to Do in Ketchikan
(Depending on how much time you have!)
1. Creek Street
• Once Ketchikan’s “red light district” — now a boardwalk of historic buildings, cute shops, art galleries, and restaurants built on stilts over the creek.
• Watch for salmon swimming upstream if it’s the right season (July–September)!
2. Totem Poles
• Totem Heritage Center: See some of the oldest, authentic totem poles in Alaska.
• Saxman Native Village: Just a few minutes away — you can visit a Native village, watch totem carving demonstrations, and learn about Tlingit culture.
3. Misty Fjords National Monument
• If you want spectacular Alaskan scenery, this is it — stunning fjords, waterfalls, cliffs, and lush rainforest.
• Tours: You can do small boat tours, floatplane tours, or even kayaking if you’re adventurous.
4. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
• Fun and touristy, but people love it — lumberjacks show off axe throwing, log rolling, tree climbing. Good for a lighthearted experience.
5. Hiking
• If you like getting outdoors, the Rainbird Trail and Deer Mountain Trail offer beautiful views of the town and ocean.
6. Wildlife Watching
• You might see bald eagles, seals, and even bears (especially during salmon runs).
• Whale-watching tours also run from Ketchikan!
7. Local Art and Gifts
• Ketchikan is known for its Native Alaskan art — carvings, jewelry, paintings, and beadwork.
• Lots of shops sell handmade crafts (not just the usual touristy souvenirs).
8. Try the Local Food
• Fresh seafood is everywhere — salmon, halibut, and crab.
• Salmon chowder, smoked salmon, and fish tacos are popular choices.
• Some spots offer Alaskan king crab feasts if you want a real treat.
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A Few Fun Facts
• It rains a lot — about 140 to 160 inches a year! They call it “liquid sunshine.” Bring a rain jacket even if it looks clear.
• Ketchikan’s name supposedly comes from a Tlingit phrase meaning “the spread wings of an eagle.”
• Many of the buildings downtown are connected by wooden staircases and boardwalks because of the steep hills.
