This Alaskan coastal town, set against misty rainforests, thrives on wild salmon fishing and Native American art. Local Tlingit and Haida tribes maintain active cultural centers.
Ketchikan sits on Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska, the first stop when traveling north through the Inside Passage. The city's thriving fishing industry and abundant salmon runs have made it the "Salmon Capital of the World." Walk among 80 totem poles scattered throughout the city, explore the wooden buildings of Creek Street perched on stilts above the water, or take a boat trip to see the 3,000-foot granite cliffs of Misty Fjords National Monument.
Getting to Ketchikan
You can reach Ketchikan by air or sea, as no roads connect it to the mainland. Alaska Airlines flies daily from Seattle (2 hours) and Juneau (under 1 hour). Most visitors arrive on cruise ships during their northbound Inside Passage journey. The airport sits on a separate island - take a five-minute ferry ride to reach downtown.
Weather in the Rain Capital
Rain falls 234 days per year in Ketchikan, with an annual average of 162 inches. The maritime climate keeps temperatures mild year-round, rarely dropping below freezing in winter. The wettest year on record was 1949, with 202.55 inches of rain. Pack waterproof jackets and boots - you'll likely need them even in summer months.
Exploring Creek Street
Walk the wooden boardwalk of Creek Street, built on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. From July through September, you can watch salmon swimming upstream beneath your feet. Until 1953, this area was the city's red-light district. Step inside Dolly's House Museum to see original 1920s furniture and personal belongings. Today, more than 20 local artists sell their work in galleries along the street, alongside seafood restaurants and gift shops.
Totem Poles and Native Culture
Visit the Totem Heritage Center to see original 19th-century totem poles rescued from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages. Three additional locations display totem poles: Saxman Totem Park (3 miles south), Totem Bight State Park (9 miles north), and Potlatch Park. Information panels at each site explain the meaning behind the carved figures, family crests, and traditional stories.
Marine Activities and Fishing
Book a charter fishing boat to catch king, silver, pink, chum, or sockeye salmon. Local captains track seasonal fish movements and weather patterns to find prime fishing spots for halibut, cod, and snapper. Rent kayaks downtown for two-hour trips along the waterfront, or paddle through Misty Fjords National Monument on multi-day guided trips past waterfalls and steep granite walls.
Wildlife Viewing
Look for bald eagles at Ward Cove, Herring Cove, and Ketchikan Creek, especially during early morning hours. Eagles gather in groups of 20 or more during salmon runs from April through September. Scan the waters around Ketchikan for harbor seals and Steller sea lions year-round, and watch for humpback whales during their spring and fall migrations.
