Ketchikan Walking Tour:
is a world famous walking tour of historic Ketchikan which includes 25 points of interest within easy walking distance of the downtown area. The two mile walk takes about two hours. Maps are available at the Anchor Inn by the Sea or from many of the local merchants. We are sorry but because we keep a limited supply and because the maps are bulky we do not mail these maps out. The maps are produced by the Ketchikan Daily News. You can request a map from them by calling 907-225-3157.

Creek Street:
a wooden street or board walk in the old "red light district" on which Ketchikan's famous Dolly's House is located. Creek Street today is a collection of museums, historic homes, and shops resting on pilings above Ketchikan Creek. From the board walk you can take a tram up the mountainside to a restaurant for lunch with a wonderful view of the city. The board walk starts at 203 Stedman Street, just upstream from the Thomas Basin boat harbor—another point of interest. (on the walking tour)

Ketchikan's Museum & Library:
is housed in the same building on Dock Street in downtown Ketchikan. The museum has an ever-changing display of Alaskan memorabilia and an excellent collection of Indian artifacts and old photos. In the library you will, of course find—books on Alaska. A wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon! (on the walking tour)

Ketchikan Creek and Falls:
is downtown adjacent to the library, at the end of Creek Street. Enjoy the excellent views of the salmon runs that have made our town famous. (on the walking tour)

Totem Poles:
Ketchikan has one of the world's largest collection of totems.  You will find totems in the Totem Heritage Center, downtown; in Saxman Totem Park, only l.5 miles north of Anchor Inn by the Sea; and at Totem Bight, a State Park 9.5 miles north of town. Additional totems are scattered throughout the city. (on the walking tour)

Saxman Native Village:
The city of Saxman has a display of 34 totem poles, a large clan house and several carving centers. There are master carvers who live in Saxman that are internationally recognized and their work is in demand around the world. Saxman was founded in 1886 and was incorporated as a city in 1929. The city now has about 450 full time residents, most of which are Tlingit. Saxman is located 3 miles south of downtown Ketchikan.

Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center:
adjacent to the City Park between Deermount and Woodland Streets, The center contains some 33 original totem poles or pieces of poles collected from abandoned Tlingit or Haida Indian villages. A craft center provides a workshop for artisans and craftsmen, there are classes at the center that teach native Alaskans such arts as carving, tool making and basketry. A free 15-minute guided tour is available during regular summer hours. (on the walking tour)

Totem Bight State Park:
This park is the result of a 1938 US Forest Service program to salvage and restore Alaskan Native totem poles that had been abandon and left to erode. The program taught young artist the art of carving and painting totem poles and helped to preserve the history of the Tlingit and Haida natives. The park is rich in history with the cedar monuments and Clan House and should be included in any visitor's tour of the Ketchikan area. This park is located 9.5 miles north of Ketchikan.

Deer Mountain Hatchery:
adjacent to the Totem Heritage Center within walking distance of downtown, releases tens of thousands of coho and king salmon smolts (two-year-olds) each year. The $1 million facility has observation platforms and educational displays concerning the salmon's life cycle. It is the only municipally-owned facility of its kind in the state. (on the walking tour)

The Eagle Center:
is located next to the Deer Mountain Hatchery. This is your chance to see eagles up close. Make sure you bring your camera! (on the walking tour)

Liquid Sunshine Gauge:
graphically shows Ketchikan's 162-in. average rainfall—in feet. Located near the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on the dock in downtown Ketchikan.

Deer Mountain Trail:
There are many hiking trails in Ketchikan. One of my favorite hikes is the Deer Mountain Trail. It begins right in town just behind City Park. An easy but very steep hike. The trail is about five miles long and can be climbed at an easy pace in about 4 to 5 hours with the reward of a spectacular view of the city and several of the surrounding islands at the end.

Ward Lake Trail & Perseverance Trail:
A walk around Ward Lake is very refreshing. The one mile long nature trail was developed by the Forest Service. It is the area's easiest hike on mostly level ground. There are signs along the trail identifying trees species and information on animals in the area. Ward Lake is on the Ward Lake Road, which starts on North Tongass Highway about 5 miles north of the city limits. Just past the Ward Lake parking area, in a smaller parking area you will find the Perseverance Lake Trail head. Perseverance Trail is a three mile long trail that is mostly board walk, built and maintained by the Forest Service. It winds through muskeg and forest to a small lake nestled at the base of mountains.

Sea Kayaking:
Experience Alaska’s wilderness and wildlife by kayak. Southeast Sea Kayaks lead you on a journey of discovery through the rain forest islands of the southeast. Guided and unguided trips. All ages - No experience is necessary. Contact Southeast Sea Kayaks at; 800-287-1607.

Misty Fjords National Monument:
is located in the Tongass National Forest and contains some of the most spectacular SE Alaskan scenery within it's 2.3 acres of wilderness. You will experience majestic fjords, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs of granite. This is a protected wilderness area and one of the best areas to view wildlife such as mountain goats, brown and black bear, deer, wolves, whales and many bald eagles. You can visit Misty Fjords National Monument by contacting a local air taxi or by boat tour.

Summer Events...

Ketchikan's King Salmon Derby - MAY
The King Salmon Derby ranks with Alaska's largest and is actually one of four salmon Derbys in town. This derby gets underway in May. Entrants compete for prizes worth thousands of dollars.

Celebration of the Sea Art Walk - MAY
The art walk pays tribute to Ketchikan's waterfront community and the sea. Most of the local galleries participate in this celebration of the sea on the first Friday in May. Participating galleries will provide you with a map of suggested routes to enjoy the celebration which reveals beautiful artwork by local Alaskan artists.

The Fourth of July
The first week in July is the most popular week to visit Ketchikan and the town always seems extra full. Several class reunions occur during this week and it is one of the best weeks to fish for King Salmon. The fourth of July celebration typically lasts about 3 days. Booths of many kinds are set up in the downtown area. The day of the 4th traditionally starts with a parade down Tongass Avenue. Some other events during the day are; a timber carnival, bicycle and foot races, the rubber duck race and a car show. The day ends with a spectacular firework display near the north end of Pennock Island.

Fish Pirate's Daughter - JULY
Local history is told in the "Fish Pirate's Daughter", a melodrama comedy which portrays characters in Ketchikan's early days. This very popular play has been performed every summer since 1966 and usually takes place every weekend during the month of July. The last several years it has been preformed as a "dinner theater" with an all you can eat crab feed. The audience participates with cheers for "Little Nell" and hisses for the villains. The play lasts about 2 hours. For more information and tickets contact First City Players; 907-225-4792.

Blueberry Art Festival - AUGUST
Usually held the first Saturday in August, the festival has a fun blueberry theme. It is easy to find at the north end of Main Street and lasts most of the day. The street is blocked and local artists set up booths and tables displaying their arts and crafts. There is a slug race, pie eating contest, trivia contest and many choices of blueberry cuisine. There is something fun for the whole family.

Giggle Feet - AUGUST
Local and visiting dancers work in a variety of contemporary and traditional styles. This is always a fun evening to enjoy the talent of Ketchikan's artsy community. Giggle Feet is usually preformed on two consecutive nights during the first weekend of August. It is co-sponsored by the First City Players, Ketchikan Area Arts & Humanities Council and the Ketchikan Theatre Ballet. Contact First City Players for more information; 907-225-4792.

Vacation Rentals in Ketchikan
The best way to see Ketchikan is to come and stay a week. Live and enjoy our town like the locals. Check out the assortment of vacation rentals at Alaska Travelers Accommodations call 907-247-7117 or 907-254-2050 or go online to www.AlaskaTravelers.com 

Anchor Inn by the Sea    About Ketchikan