Ketchikan, Alaska is located on the rocky southweastern shore of Revillagigedo Island (called Revilla), which is part of the Alexander Archipelago, which makes up most the Alaska’s Southeastern Panhandle. Ketchikan is the first port-of-call northbound into Alaska, hence the nickname, “The First City”.
Revillagigedo Island is 35 miles wide and 50 miles long with a community of more than 14,000 residents who work & play in spite of the annual rainfall of more than 160 inches – that’s more than 13 feet! This does not include the average snowfall, which could range up to 32 inches. Ketchikan is located on an isolated island with no bridges to other islands or the mainland. The only highway, which hugs the shoreline, stretches 18 miles north of the city limits and 12 miles south. The only way off the island is by boat or plane. Alaska Airlines is the only commercial airliner that serves the Ketchikan area. A short flight to Seattle is only 679 miles to the south. Juneau, the capitol city, is located 235 miles north of Ketchikan.
Ketchikan is located in the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest. This huge forested area encompasses 90% of Southeast Alaska and was created in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt. About 1/3 of the Tongass National Forest is designated wilderness. The rest of the forest is managed as a working forest with logging and mining operations alongside recreation and fisheries. Timber harvesting is limited.
Southeast Alaska’s jewel – the magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument. Misty Fjords is a 2.3 million acre wilderness preserve only accessible by boat or plane from Ketchikan. This area was declared a national monument by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. An exhilerating floatplane ride in the classic “Alaska Bushplane”, a DeHavilland Beaver, lasts about 1 hour and offers aerial views of the Behm Canal, a hundred mile long body of water that is the gateway to the Mistys. Sitting in the middle of the Behm Canal is the pillar shaped New Eddystone Rock – a volcanic pillar that juts 234 feet towards the sky. Highlights in the Misty Fjords include Rudyerd Bay, which contains dramatic steep cliffs with waterfalls that cascade down 3,000 cliffs. Punchbowl Lake with its dramatic cove of sheer cliffs. Big Goat Lake (visible from the air) is a gorgeous alpine lake containing a waterfall that plunges nearly 1,000 feet. Be sure to include a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument on your visit to Ketchikan.
Make sure to visit Creek Street – Ketchikan’s historic “Red Light District”. Hear the stories and tales of the early days of life in Ketchikan. See the “Married Mans Trail” and other unique features along Creek Street. Visit the famous “Dolly’s House” located at 24 Creek Street. Dolly died in 1975. She was the last of the well-known Girls of Creek Street.
Make a trip to Saxman Native Village – located 2 miles south of Ketchikan. Founded in 1894, the village was named for school teacher Samuel Saxman. This village is said to contain one of the best collections of totem poles in Southeast Alaska. During a shore excursion provided by a cruise line, guests are excorted into the Clan House while Tlingit legends are told and the Cape Fox Dancers perform traditional dances.
Whether you are visiting Ketchikan for a day or a week, whether this is your first or tenth time here, you will leave a small piece of you in Ketchikan. Please visit our Visitors Bureau for more information on Ketchikan and the attractions that we have to share with you. We hope you love Ketchikan as much as we all do!
Ketchikan Visitors Bureau – The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau (KVB) is located in the heart of Ketchikan’s tourism. There are a variety of vendor booths, brochures, maps, and an information desk that can answer miscellaneous questions. Plan a day, two days, or an entire week through their helpful vacation planner or you can simply explore your options online.
www.visit-ketchikan.com
TravelAlaska.com is the State of Alaska Travel and Vacation Information site. This all-inclusive site covers topics such as planning your trip to Alaska, food and lodging listings, activities available as well as sample trip itineraries and travel tips. The “Explore Alaska” section offers regional maps, Parks & Public Land directory and a photo gallery to enjoy. www.travelaska.com
Great websites to view about Ketchikan:
Ketchikan Webcam http://www.earthcam.com/usa/alaska/ketchikan/
Current weather condition in Ketchikan http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=99901
View your ships webcam at http://www.kroooz-cams.com/
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