Ideas for an Amazing Port Day in Ketchikan

Stopping by Ketchikan on your Alaskan cruise? Here are some great ideas to help you have an amazing and fun port day!

About Ketchikan

Surrounded by the beautiful Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is known for its rich history and incredible totem poles. It’s also one of the rainiest locations in the United States…getting around 140 inches of rain per year! Don’t forget your rain gear!

Location, Location, Location

There are two cruise ship dock locations in Ketchikan. The main docks are located right in town just few blocks from many attractions. The other docks are located at Ward Cove, approximately 7 miles north of Ketchikan (if you’re travelling on Norwegian, this is likely where you’ll find yourself). The only easy way to get into Ketchikan from Ward Cove is by utilizing the cruise line’s free shuttle service. These shuttles run continuously throughout the day while the ship is in port. Just make sure to take note when the last return shuttle leaves. If you miss it, getting back to the ship on your own will be a challenge!

Staying In Town

Totem Heritage Center

The Totem Heritage Center houses a collection of recovered, non-restored totem poles from the surrounding area. Visitors can view the poles and learn more about the tradition and stories behind them. Admission is $6 for the single museum (or you can buy a combo ticket with the Tongass Historical Museum for a total of $9). Located about 1 mile from the main docks, it’s an easy walk…or you can catch a ride on the free downtown shuttle which runs during cruise ship season.

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

Learn about the incredible natural history of the Tongass region at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. With an interactive Junior Ranger program available, this can be a particularly good stop for families with kids. You can also pick up a local hiking guide here if you’re thinking about heading out into the forest. Entry is $5 for adults, with free admission for kids under 15 years of age.

Spend time on Creek Street

Close by the main docks, you’ll find the picturesque Creek Street perched over the water. Check out the shops, learn about the street’s history as the town’s red light district at Dolly’s House Museum, watch salmon run in the stream (and try your hand at catching one by purchasing a fishing license and renting fishing equipment at one of the nearby businesses), or walk Married Man’s Trail.

Eat incredible seafood

Seafood doesn’t get much fresher than this! Popular (and tasty) choices include: Alaska Fish House (try the salmon chowder and cornbread!), Annabelle’s Keg and Chowder House, and Alaska Crepe Co.

Tongass Historical Museum

Just a short walk from the main docks or a quick ride on the free downtown shuttle, the Tongass Historical Museum celebrates the history of the region. Admission is $6 (or $9 for a combo ticket with the Totem Heritage Center).

Venturing Out of Town

Totem Bight State Park

Originally a Civilian Conservation Corps project to help preserve local history and tradition, Totem Bight State Park is nestled in the forest about 10 miles north of Ketchikan. The park houses a clan house as well as a collection of totem poles. Visitors without a car can access the park via the city bus system ($2 each way) and convenient stops are located just in front of the main docks (Ward Cove ships will need to head into town first).

Learn about crab fishing firsthand

Fans of The Deadliest Catch won’t want to miss a chance to head out on the Aleutian Ballad to experience crab fishing up close and personal on the Bearing Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour.

Explore the Misty Fjords

Spend the day enjoying the beauty of the nearby Misty Fjords. There are a variety of ways to see the area with choices for every activity level…including day cruises, kayaking adventures, and floatplane excursions.

Saxman Native Village

If you want to learn more about local indigenous culture, head out to Saxman Native Village. Here you’ll find a clan house and totem poles as well as cultural presentations and totem carvers at work. While you can get there easily via the city bus system, this may be an activity you want to purchase through your cruise line as their tours often have access to special cultural presentations that other visitors do not.

Hike Deer Mountain or Rainbird Trail

Two trailheads are easily accessed from downtown Ketchikan, including Deer Mountain and Rainbird Trail. If you plan on heading out into the forest, consider borrowing a personal emergency locator beacon for the day. You can pick one up for *free* at the Ketchikan Visitor Information Center (just don’t forget to return it when you finish your hike). Also keep in mind that this is bear country! Use bear aware hiking practices when you’re out on the trail.

The Deer Mountain trailhead is located about 1.5 miles from the cruise ship docks (though the last half mile is steep…consider taking a taxi to the trailhead if you want to save your legs for the hike!). This steep and challenging hike offers some awe inspiring views to those who dare to give it a try. If you don’t want to hike the entire 2.5 miles to the summit (5 miles total round trip), there’s an overlook at approximately the 1 mile mark (2 miles total round trip) that makes a good turning around point.

The Rainbird Trail is a less strenuous, but still beautiful, hike. The trail itself is moderate difficulty with a few steep and/or rocky sections. The trailhead is about 2 miles from the main cruise ship docks and, if you don’t want to walk, it is easily accessed by taxi or city bus.

Rainforest Sanctuary

For an easy hike that’s appropriate for almost anyone (while the path is well maintained, a portion is gravel and steep in places…wheelchairs will find the trail exceedingly difficult), head out to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. You can take a guided tour with a naturalist to learn more about Alaska’s diverse flora and fauna. There are also education ambassador birds from the Alaska Raptor Center, an old sawmill, totems, and a totem carver on site as well. If your group includes those that are bit more adventurous, this can be a great option as the sanctuary shares the facility with a zipline experience…those looking for adrenaline rush can take on the ziplines…while those who want a more laidback day can enjoy the rest of the sanctuary’s offerings.