Welcome to Ketchikan, Alaska! This vibrant port of Southeast Alaska is packed with things to do and see. Whether you are in town for a day or a week, this ultimate guide has you covered.
11 Top Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska
- Visit Saxman Village Totem Park
- Stroll Historic Creek Street
- Walk the Married Man’s Trail
- Salmon Ladder Viewing
- Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
- Visit the Totem Heritage Center
- Hike the Rainbird Trail
- Explore the Ketchikan Salmon Walk
- Stroll Downtown & the Waterfront
- Grab a Sweet Snack at Jellyfish Donuts
- Enjoy Local Seafood at the Alaska Fish House
What to Pack, Getting Around & Where to Stay in Ketchikan
- The Essential Packing List for Southeast Alaska
- Where to Stay | Why You Should Book Lodging Downtown
- Getting Around | How to Ride the Ketchikan Bus
- Getting Around | How to Take the Ketchikan Airport Ferry
Highly-Rated Tours & Excursions in the Ketchikan Area
Ketchikan is a great walking town, with many top attractions right downtown. In fact, most of our top things to do are within walking distance of the Cruise Ship Dock! However, there are some worthwhile tours and excursions in the surrounding area. The tours below are all highly-rated by other travelers, offering a variety of experiences to match a range of interests.
- OUR TOP TOUR: Saxman Totem Park, Tlingit Dance Performance, & Carving Center ($69/person)
- Highly-Rated Tour: Rainforest Hiking in the Tongass National Forest ($175/person)
- Highly-Rated Tour: Half-Day Private Salmon Fishing ($750/per person)
- Highly-Rated Tour: Visit Historic George Inlet Cannery ($119/person)
10 TOP THINGS TO DO IN KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
1. Visit Saxman Village Totem Park
If you only have time for one thing in Ketchikan….visit Saxman Village Totem Park.
The park offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people, featuring the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. Visitors can walk freely among the poles, which include both historical and contemporary totems, each telling unique stories and legends. You can also witness master carvers at work at the Park’s Carving Center and stroll around the Saxman Beaver Clan House, emblazoned with the Beaver Clan Crest. Stop by the Park Gift Shop to pick up a brochure Saxman Village Totem Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in Native Alaskan art, history, and cultural experiences, making it a truly enriching destination.
We highly recommend booking this specific guided tour to the park (cost $69/person). This tour allows you to enter the Beaver Clan House to witness a dance performance by the Tlingit Cape Fox Dancers. It also allows you to enter the Carving Center, where you learn more about the traditional uses of red cedar, and have the opportunity to speak with master carvers at work. Only cruise passengers on an official cruise excursion and those that book this tour are allowed to do both these things. All other Saxman Village tours can only look view the Carving Center from outside, and they are not allowed inside the Clan House.
- Hours: Always Open
- Admission: Free for self-guided visitors (does not include entrance to Clan House for Carving Center). Many local tour companies offer guided tours of the park, but only this tour includes entrance to the Carving Center and entrance to the Clan House for the Tlingit dance performance.
- Getting There: Saxman Village is located 2 miles south of downtown Ketchikan. Guided tours and cruise excursions are provided transportation to the park. If you are traveling independently, you can Uber or Lyft it, or ride the bus. View on Google Maps.
2. Stroll Historic Creek Street
Any visit to Ketchikan must include a stroll down Creek Street, renowned for its charm and picturesque setting. Perched on stilts over Ketchikan Creek, this vibrant street offers a glimpse into the town’s past, once serving as the bustling red-light district during the early 20th century. Today, Creek Street features beautifully colorful historic buildings that house unique shops, art galleries, and museums, all connected by scenic wooden walkways. Visitors can enjoy the serene views of the creek, often spotting salmon swimming upstream, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Ketchikan.
- Getting There: Creek Street is conveniently located downtown. It is a 1-minute walk from the Cruise Ship Dock. View on Google Maps.
3. Walk the Married Man’s Trail
Right next to Creek Street sits the beginning of Married Man’s Trail. This trail was historically used by men seeking discreet access to Creek Street, Ketchikan’s former red-light district. Today, it provides a scenic and peaceful walk through lush forested areas, with an intriguing stop mid-way up the trail: the Ketchikan Salmon Ladder. The trail is .20 miles long (.32 km) one way, with an elevation gain of 100 feet (30m). It is comprised mostly of stairs and boardwalks.
- Getting There: Married Man’s Trail starts at the northeast end of Creek Street. It is a 1-minute walk from the Cruise Ship Dock. View on Google Maps.
4. View the Salmon Ladder
Built along a particularly challenging section of rapids, the Ketchikan Creek Salmon Ladder was designed to help salmon reach their upstream spawning grounds. As visitors stroll along Married Man’s Trail, they can witness the remarkable sight of salmon leaping up the ladder during spawning season, adding an exciting and educational element to the hike. Please note that it is not required to hike Married Man’s in order to see the Salmon Ladder. The Salmon Ladder can also be accessed via Park Avenue, right across from Harris Street.
Getting There: The Salmon Ladder is a 3-minute walk from the Cruise Ship Dock, at the intersection of Park Avenue and Harris Street. View on Google Maps. It can also be accessed halfway along the Married Man’s Trail.
5. Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day. The center provides an immersive educational experience, offering a comprehensive look into the region’s unique ecosystems, cultural heritage, and history. Through its engaging exhibits, visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Tongass National Forest, learn about the rich traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, and gain insights into the area’s logging and fishing industries. Interactive displays, a life-sized eagle’s nest, and a recreated Native fishing village bring the stories of Southeast Alaska to life. Additionally, the center features a theater showing films about local wildlife and conservation efforts, making it a valuable resource for understanding the natural and cultural landscapes of this stunning region.
- Hours: Everyday 8am-4pm (May-Sept) | Closed (Oct-Mar)
- Admission: $5 per person or America the Beautiful Pass; 15 years or younger free
- Getting There: The Discovery Center is conveniently located in the heart of downtown. It is a 2-minute walk from the Cruise Ship Dock. View on Google Maps.
6. Visit the Totem Heritage Center
The Totem Heritage Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the artistry and cultural significance of Alaska Native totem poles. The center houses an impressive collection of original 19th-century totems retrieved from abandoned Tlingit and Haida village sites, preserving these masterpieces of indigenous craftsmanship. Alongside these historic totems, the center showcases contemporary Native art, including carvings, weavings, and other traditional crafts, emphasizing the vibrant living culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.
- Hours: Everyday 8am-4pm (May-Sept) | Closed (Oct-Mar)
- Admission: $5 per person or America the Beautiful Pass; 15 years or younger free
- Getting There: The Totem Heritage Center is a 16-minute walk from the Cruise Ship Docks. It can be accessed via the Free Downtown Shuttle, which passes by the Cruise Ship Dock. The shuttle runs every 20-minutes. The Heritage Center is also a stop along the Ketchikan Salmon Walk.
7. Hike the Rainbird Trail
Ketchikan has a rare treat for nature lovers – a beautiful hiking trail located a stone’s throw from downtown. The Rainbird Trail is a scenic 1.3-mile hike through lush rainforest that offers a refreshing escape into nature. Winding through the towering forest, the trail provides hikers with a taste of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. As you traverse the trail, you encounter diverse flora, including towering spruce and hemlock trees, as well as various bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. The relatively short distance and well-maintained path make the Rainbird Trail accessible for hikers of all skill levels, offering a peaceful and rewarding outdoor experience near the heart of Ketchikan.
- Getting There: The Rainbird Trail has three trailheads.
- The first trailhead is located at the University of Alaska Campus (View on Google Maps).
- The second trailhead is located at the Third Avenue Bypass/Rainbird Trail Parking Lot (View on Google Maps). The second trailhead requires a climb up a 300-step ladder. The Green Line bus will drop you off right at the trailhead. Learn how to use the Ketchikan Bus System here.
- The third trailhead is located near the beginning of the Third Avenue Bypass (View on Google Maps). The bus will not drop you off at this trailhead. Instead, take the Green line bus to the Ketchikan Library then walk 10 minutes along the Third Avenue Bypass to reach the trailhead. Learn how to use the Ketchikan Bus System here.
8. Explore the Ketchikan Salmon Walk
The Salmon Walk is a 1.5-mile loop through the heart of Ketchikan, offering a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles: the salmon run. This self-guided walk follows the path of Ketchikan Creek, where thousands of salmon return each year to spawn. As you stroll along the creek, you can observe salmon navigating the challenging upstream currents, leaping up waterfalls, and resting in calmer waters. Informational plaques along the route provide fascinating insights into the life cycle of salmon and the ecological significance of this annual migration. The walk is accessible and family-friendly, making it an educational and enjoyable outing for visitors of all ages.
Getting There: A great place to start the Salmon Walk is at Creek Street, a 1-minute walk from the Cruise Ship Dock (View on Google Maps) or at the Salmon Ladder, a 3-minute walk from the Cruise Ship Dock (View on Google Maps).
9. Stroll Downtown & the Waterfront
Ketchikan is a perfect strolling town, especially for cruise passengers who conveniently disembark right in the heart of downtown. The downtown area offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, with a vibrant waterfront lined with colorful buildings, art galleries, and local shops that showcase the town’s unique charm and artistic heritage. Visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and waterways, and there is no shortage of cute side streets and dockside shops to explore. Historic Creek Street is a short 1-minute from the Cruise Ship Docks, as well as the deeply-enriching Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. This combination of convenience, history, culture, and natural beauty makes a stroll through downtown Ketchikan and its waterfront a quintessential experience.
10. Grab a Sweet Snack at Jellyfish Donuts
Jellyfish Donuts is well worth a visit. Colorful and cheerful, the shop offers a delightful array of gourmet donuts, each crafted with care and creativity. Complementing the donuts is a selection of hot, freshly brewed coffee, perfect for warming up on a crisp Alaskan day. What sets Jellyfish Donuts apart is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring fresh flavors and supporting local producers. The shop also features artwork from local artists, adding to its vibrant and community-focused ambiance. We highly recommend the salmon donut!
- Getting There: 910 Water Street, right across from Cruise Ship Berth 4. View on Google Maps.
- Hours: Everyday 7am-3pm (Closed in Off Season)
11. Enjoy Local Seafood at the Alaska Fish House
Perched right along the water’s edge, the Alaska Fish House is a great spot to try out local seafood and Alaskan brews. The restaurant specializes in fresh, locally sourced seafood, including salmon, halibut, crab, and cod dishes. The Fish House has a warm and inviting vibe, with great waterfront views, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal. We particularly enjoyed the back viewing deck, where visitors are allowed to take meals (and brews) outside to eat while watching the cruise ships come and go.
- Getting There: 3 Salmon Landing, right down the street from Cruise Ship Berth 1. View on Google Maps.
- Hours: Everyday 10am-8pm
WHAT TO PACK, GETTING AROUND & WHERE TO STAY IN KETCHIKAN
The Essential Packing List for Ketchikan & Southeast Alaska
Ketchikan is nestled in the heart of a full-on temperate rainforest. The town receives 13ft (~4m) of rain per year! It’s also chilly; summer temperatures average between 55-65 °F (~12-18 °C). Knowing this, we highly recommend layers. Layers are your best friend in Southeast Alaska. You can always remove a layer if you feel too warm, but the layer system we outline below will ensure you stay warm and dry no matter what weather conditions you encounter.
Here is our list of highly recommended gear for enjoying Ketchikan and the rainforest environment of Southeast Alaska:
- A lower thermal base layer
- An upper thermal base layer
- A fleece layer
- A rain jacket or shell layer
- Rain pants with pockets
- Warm socks
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- A light winter hat
- Light gloves
- A neck buff
- Binoculars
- An umbrella
- America the Beautiful Park Pass
*Please note the above links are affiliate links, meaning we will receive a small commission from sales. We only list clothing and gear that we own, use, and highly recommend.
Where to Stay | Why You Should Book Lodging Downtown
We highly recommend staying downtown! We stayed in the heart of downtown, a block away from Creek Street, and the convenience was unmatched. Ketchikan is such a great walking town, and most of the top things to do are right within the city center. If you stay outside of the downtown area, you will waste time and money riding the bus, using rideshares, or renting a car. You save that money and time by simply finding lodging downtown.
We highly recommend using TripAdvisor to search for Downtown Ketchikan lodging. Conveniently search and compare prices here. TripAdvisor makes this process extremely easy, please the unbiased reviews from other travelers are super helpful.
Getting Around | How to Ride the Ketchikan Bus
The Ketchikan Bus System is pretty darn convenient, once you get the hang of it. The system has two lines (the Green Line & the Silver Line), plus a free downtown shuttle (the Orange Line). Here is how to get around using the bus:
- Find the most current map & schedule here, or at any bus stop in town.
- Download the Token Transit App and buy a single-use ticket. View current fares here. You can also pay on the bus, with exact change only.
- Use the current map & schedule to plan your trip. OR….Download the Transit App. Place a pin on your destination, and press “Go!” The app will tell you which bus stop to get yourself to, and which bus line to take. It will tell you how long until the next bus arrives. The map will even show you the realtime location of that next bus as it inches closer to you. Once you board, the app will tell you how many stops until you disembark, and it will tell you the name of your stop.
We had nothing but good experiences riding the Ketchikan Bus. The buses are clean and well-maintained. The bus drivers were always very nice, helping us with directions and telling us where we should get off. The locals were also very kind, giving us tips on where to go and which stops to get off at.
Getting Around | How to Take the Ketchikan Airport Ferry
The Ketchikan Airport is located on Gravina Island, across the Tongass Narrows from Ketchikan. Getting to and from the airport requires a quick ferry ride, which may seem daunting at first. But never fear – it’s actually a breeze! Here’s what to do:
- Exit security and follow the signs for baggage claim. This will lead to the airport’s lower level.
- Once you are in the lower level, you will see a sign for “Ground Transportation & Ferry” near the doors to leave the airport.
- Exit the airport through those doors and cross the street.
- Take the flight of stairs down, continuing to follow the signs for “Ferries”.
- Near the bottom of the stairs is a booth where you pay for your fare, cash or credit card. View current fares here.
- From the booth, you can see where the ferry docks. It is a short walk along the covered walkway from the booth to the ferry.
- Hold onto your fare ticket (we weren’t asked to show ours). Stay to the left in the foot passenger area, and enjoy the quick ride across the Tongass Narrows!
View the current ferry schedule here. In general the ferry leaves the airport side every 30 minutes at the top and bottom of every hour (for example, at 1:00 and 1:30). It leaves Ketchikan side every 30 minutes at the quarter hours (for example, at 1:15 and 1:45). The first run of the day leaves the Ketchikan side at 6:15am and the last run of the day leaves the airport side at 9:30pm.
We only took the ferry in the Airport > Ketchikan direction. We do not know the process for buying a fare on the Ketchikan side. If you read this, and you do know that process, please shoot us an email so we can include it in this guide!