Activities in Ketchikan
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George & Carroll Inlets
From Hole in the Wall Bar & Marina, 7½ miles southeast of Ketchikan down the S Tongass Hwy, you can start an easy one- to four-day paddle north into both George & Carroll Inlets. Each inlet is protected from the area's prevailing southwesterlies, so the water is usually calm (although north winds occasionally whip down George Inlet). From Hole in the Wall to the top of George Inlet is a 26-mile paddle.
While not on the same dramatic scale as Misty Fiords, the two inlets are scenic. Highlights include Herring Bay, a mile north of Hole in the Wall, which attracts lots of salmon and seagulls; and Mahoney Inlet, 8 miles north, which has beautiful waterfalls.
reviewed
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B
Dude Mountain Trail
Ketchikan's Dude Mountain Trail is an alpine trek reached from Revilla Rd by turning right on Brown Mountain Rd, 5 miles from N Tongass Hwy. At the end of Brown Mountain Rd is the trailhead for Dude Mountain Trail, which begins as a boardwalk through stands of old-growth spruce then becomes a trail as you follow a narrow ridge to the 2848ft peak.
It's a mile's trek and a gain of 1200ft to the top, but once there you're in open alpine and can easily ridge-walk to Diana Mountain (3014ft) or Brown Mountain (2978ft). Plan on two hours for the round-trip to Dude Mountain.
reviewed
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Upland Way Stairs
All over Ketchikan there are stairways leading somewhere higher. Sure, they're knee-bending climbs, but the reward for your exertion is great views from the top.
Heading back west along Dock St, just past the Ketchikan Daily News Building, is Edmond St, also called the Street of Stairs for obvious reasons. Heading down Park Ave from the hatchery, you'll pass the Upland Way Stairs that climb to a viewpoint. Nearby is a bridge across Ketchikan Creek, the site of a fish ladder and one end of Married Man's Trail - a delightful boardwalk leading back to Creek St.
reviewed
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Street of Stairs
All over Ketchikan there are stairways leading somewhere higher. Sure, they're knee-bending climbs, but the reward for your exertion is great views from the top.
Heading back west along Dock St, just past the Ketchikan Daily News Building, is Edmond St, also called the Street of Stairs for obvious reasons. Heading down Park Ave from the hatchery, you'll pass the Upland Way stairs that climb to a viewpoint. Nearby is a bridge across Ketchikan Creek, the site of a fish ladder and one end of Married Man's Trail - a delightful boardwalk leading back to Creek St.
reviewed
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E
Married Man's Trail
All over Ketchikan there are stairways leading somewhere higher. Sure, they're knee-bending climbs, but the reward for your exertion is great views from the top.
Heading back west along Dock St, just past the Ketchikan Daily News Building, is Edmond St, also called the Street of Stairs for obvious reasons. Heading down Park Ave from the hatchery, you'll pass the Upland Way stairs that climb to a viewpoint. Nearby is a bridge across Ketchikan Creek, the site of a fish ladder and one end of Married Man's Trail - a delightful boardwalk leading back to Creek St.
reviewed
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F
Deer Mountain Trail
Most Ketchikan-area trails are either out of town or must be reached by boat. The major exception is Deer Mountain Trail, a well-maintained 2½-mile trail that begins near downtown. The trailhead is near the southeast end of Fair St and the route climbs to the 3000ft summit of Deer Mountain. Overlooks along the way provide panoramic views - the first is about a mile up the trail. Toward the top of the mountain is a free-use shelter and more trails into the alpine region.
reviewed
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Bike Hire
The only place to rent a bike downtown is the gift shop at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which has mountain bikes. Ketchikan has two bicycle trails along Tongass Ave. The most scenic is the 2½-mile trail that follows the water from the downtown area to Saxman Totem Park. The other trail follows N Tongass Hwy to Ward Lake Recreation Area, a one-way ride of 6.4 miles.
reviewed
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Southeast Exposure Kayaks
Ketchikan serves as the base for some of the best kayaking in Southeast. Possibilities include anything from an easy paddle around the waterfront to a weeklong trip in Misty Fiords National Monument. Rent kayaks from Southeast Exposure Kayaks, 14 miles north of town, convenient if you're paddling out of Settler's Cove State Park, a logistic headache if you're not.
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Ward Lake Nature Walk
The easy 1.3-mile Ward Lake Nature Walk , an interpretive loop around Ward Lake, begins near the parking area at the lake's north end. Beavers, birds and the occasional black bear might be seen. To reach the lake, follow N Tongass Hwy 7 miles from downtown to Ward Cove; turn right on Revilla Rd and continue up 1½ miles to Ward Lake Rd.
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Southeast Sea Kayaks
The 3-mile Deer Mountain Trail begins near the city center and provides access to the alpine world above the timberline and wonderful views of the town. There are more trails in the Ward Lake Recreation Area. Southeast Sea Kayaks offers rentals and guided trips.
reviewed
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Alaska Dive & Snorkel Tours
Takes out groups no larger than six people for a snorkeling encounters with the marine life on the bottom of the Narrows: sea anemones, starfish and whatever happens to come swimming along. The three-hour snorkel tours include all the equipment, most importantly a wetsuit to stay warm in Alaska's frigid waters.
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Perseverance Trail
The 2.3-mile (one way) Perseverance Trail from Ward Lake to Perseverance Lake passes through mature coastal forest and muskeg. The view of Perseverance Lake with its mountainous backdrop is spectacular, and the hiking is moderately easy. The trailhead is on Ward Lake's east side just past 3C's Campground.
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Alaska Amphibious Tours
Using three amphibian vehicles that double as a bus and a boat to provide 90-minute tours of the downtown area and the harbor. The top-heavy vehicle puts you 8ft above anything on the road for a great view, but sharp turns have you gripping the seat in front.
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Alaska Canopy Adventures
Alaska Canopy Adventures, uses eight zip lines, three suspension bridges and 4WD vehicles so you can zip 4600ft down a mountain. Afterwards you can watch bears feast on a salmon run.
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Alaska Undersea Tours
From top of the water to below it, this 90-minute tour puts you in a semisubmersible vessel with underwater viewing windows so you can see the marine life and seascapes in the Ketchikan harbors.
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Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Lighthouses, Totems and Eagles Cruise
3 hours (Departs Ketchikan, Alaska)
by Viator
The Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Lighthouses, Totems and Eagles Cruise takes you to the most important sights necessary to make your visit to Ketchikan memorable.…Not LP reviewed
from USD$99.00 -
Rainbird Deluxe Tours
Offers the standard city tour, which is a two-hour outing in vans or minibuses and includes Saxman Native Village, Creek St, Dolly's House and the boat harbors.
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Northern Tours
Offers the standard city tour, which is a two-hour outing in vans or minibuses and includes Saxman Native Village, Creek St, Dolly's House and the boat harbors.
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Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk in Tongass National Forest
3.5 hours (Departs Ketchikan, Alaska)
by Viator
When your cruise ship docks at the Ketchikan port, leave modern luxuries behind and explore Ketchikan the way the natives did on this rainforest canoe and natur…Not LP reviewed
from USD$104.94 -
Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Off-Road Jeep and Canoe Safari
by Viator
Fill your need for adventure and excitement while in Ketchikan on this four-hour off-road Jeep and canoe tour ! Take control of a four-wheel- drive Jeep Wrangle…Not LP reviewed
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Ketchikan Super Saver: Off-Road Jeep and Canoe Safari Combo
4 hours (Departs Ketchikan, Alaska)
by Viator
Fill your need for adventure and excitement while in Ketchikan on this four-hour off-road Jeep and canoe tour ! Take control of a four-wheel- drive Jeep Wrangle…Not LP reviewed
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Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk
by Viator
Explore Ketchikan the way the natives did on this rainforest canoe trip and nature walk. On this 3.5-hour Alaskan tour, paddle through a pristine lake in the …Not LP reviewed
from USD$104.94
