Ketchikan, Alaska - the last frontier
“To the lover of pure wildness Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.”
Ketchikan Creek running through the old town of Ketchikan, Alaska. The name of the town comes from the Tlingit name "kitschk-hin," meaning creek of the "thundering wings of an eagle."
Arriving by Boat in Ketchikan
We arrived in Ketchikan as part of a NW Explorations flotilla. The final leg of a journey that began in Juneau 10 days before. Our emotions were bitter sweet. The trip was fantastic with glaciers, bears, whales and more. Our adventure was coming to an end.
We carefully piloted our Grand Banks through the narrow straight of water known as the Tongas Narrows with the airport on one side and the town of Ketchikan is on the other. Both airlines and float planes use this body of water to bring people to and from the airport. The airlines use the paved runway and float planes use the water as a runway. A float plane landing right in the middle of our flotilla announced to us that frontier sprit is still kickin in Ketchikan.
Entering Ketchikan by boat. Be careful as seaplanes share the Tongas Narrows with boats.
Fresh Salmon filets
Located at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage is a network of waterways that wind through stunningly jaw dropping wilderness. Ketchikan is world famous for three things: salmon, landscape and Alaska Native culture.
Ketchikan was a fishing village for the Tlingit native people for centuries. According to ExploreNorth, in 1885 Mike Martin came to the area to explore the possibilities of setting up a cannery. He bought 160 acres from Chief Kyan, which later became the township. The first cannery opened in 1886 near the mouth of Ketchikan Creek and four more were built by 1912. The Ketchikan Post Office was established in 1892. In the late 1890s, nearby gold and copper discoveries briefly brought activity to Ketchikan as a mining supply center.
Ketchikan’s nickname is “The Salmon Capital of the World.” Inhabitants are proud of their fishing culture and provide opportunities for visitors to catch and enjoy world class seafood.
Ketchikan offers photographers endless opportunities. Point your camera in most any direction and you’ll capture an image suitable for framing such as images of a frontier town, or a Native American village or breathtaking nature.
Misty Fjords National Monument with brilliant blue lakes and snowcapped mountaintops often shrouded in an ethereal mist, is the most beautiful jewel in their crown. The Misty Fjords National Monument is located in the midst of the Tongass National Forest, a 17M-acre rainforest full of lush cedar, Sitka spruce, waterfalls and wildlife.
Where to stay
The authentic totem park at the Cape Fox Lodge
We stayed at Cape Fox Lodge which is native owned and operated with authentic totems guarding the entrance. It borders the Tongass National Forest and overlooks downtown Ketchikan. It is a “sophisticated retreat for adventurers and those with an interest in history. Cape Fox Lodge offers an inspiring getaway with 69 recently renovated guest rooms and 2 comfortable suites.” Since this is a full service resort, they can assist you with all types of adventures, like sport fishing, sea plane excursions and learning about Native life, arts and crafts.
The Cape Fox Lodge is conveniently located right above the Historic Creek Street and sits high on the bluff with a sweeping view of Ketchikan. Guests can comfortably enjoy this view by the fire in the lobby or from the dining room while enjoying King Crab and white wine. A charming funicular comfortably shuttles guests from the lodge to Creek Street about 100 feet below.
What to do
The boardwalk entrance to Creek Street was the red light district of the old town.
Shopping the Old Town
SOHO COHO features original art for your home as well as an extensive T-Shirt collection.
Shopping in The Captain’s Lady
Creek Street is a historic boardwalk which has a long history of providing guest services. It self identifies as “A former Red Light District where both men and salmon swam upstream to spawn.” As you walk, the sounds of the boardwalk bring a feeling of walking into the past. Stop by the historic plaques to learn about the hearty, brave people that lived and worked here when the town was young.
The back entrance to Creek Street is called the “Married Man’s Trail.” At the top of Married Man’s Trail is a fish ladder for the spawning salmon. If you are lucky enough to visit Ketchikan while the salmon running upstream is quite a sight.
Visit charming shops like the Captain’s Lady, SohoCoho featuring Ray Toll art and Dolly’s House Museum and lose yourself in the unique products that fill their stores.
Saxman Village
Ketchikan is home to Native Americans Tlingit people. Tlingit arts thrive here in Ketchikan. Several museum collections and totem parks showcase both ancient and more contemporary works. The arts in Ketchikan are not limited to Native arts, however; an astonishing number of residents participate in the Ketchikan’s art scene, which encompasses the full spectrum of visual and performing arts. Visiting the Saxman Native Village provides a glimpse into past and present Tlingit life. The Totem Park at Saxman displays as many as 20 totems throughout the grounds. The gift shop is full of native made goods ranging from native herbal cures, art and handmade beaded moccasins. Saxman is about 2 miles south of Ketchikan on the main road. You can easily get there by taxi or bus. It is also a nice walk (depending on the weather).
Food and Beverage
We arrived in Ketchikan after 10 days of being on the water and we were ready for a nice dinner out. The New York Cafe is our top choice. The NYC is located in a historic building right next to Creek Street. You can eat at the hightop bar or tables. The menu is varied and includes everything from kababs to burgers. Of course, we recommend the locally caught seafood.
If you want “fast food” hit the Burger Queen. This is NOT a fast food chain. They feature burgers of course. We recommend getting the Halibut Sandwich with fries and a shake. Seating is limited but the benches across the street offer a nice view.
The bars always are a nice place to enjoy a beverage and people watch. Stop by the Potlatch and Sourdough for an Alaskan Ale or a cup of tea.
Photography in Ketchikan
Leaving Ketchikan
We arrived by water and we left by air. However, you need to take a boat to the airport. A small ferry shuttles people from town across the Tongas Narrows to the airport.
Ketchikan still has that “Western spirit” so if you are up for adventure in the American wilderness, take the time to visit.
Financing Travel
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