Ketchikan, steeped in a rich history shaped by its Indigenous roots and later European exploration, stands as a gateway to the Inside Passage. Originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, Ketchikan’s name derives from the Tlingit term “Kitschk-hin,” meaning “thundering wings of an eagle,” a tribute to the abundant wildlife in the region.
The city’s modern history began with the arrival of European explorers and traders in the late 19th century, drawn by the area’s lucrative salmon and timber industries. Ketchikan quickly grew into a bustling fishing and logging hub, with canneries and sawmills dotting its waterfront. During the Klondike Gold Rush at the turn of the 20th century, Ketchikan served as a supply and transportation center for prospectors heading to the Yukon. This period of prosperity led to the development of the city’s historic Creek Street, once a bustling red-light district and now a popular tourist destination.
Today, Ketchikan retains its cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting visitors with its totem poles, native arts, and vibrant fishing industry. Its position as Alaska’s southeastern gateway and its status as the “Salmon Capital of the World” continue to define its economy and allure, making Ketchikan a fascinating blend of Indigenous history, frontier spirit, and natural wonders along Alaska’s rugged coastline. Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s First city since it is usually the first stop in Alaska for Cruise ships.
The Same
Both the Dinks and the Family explored Creek Street during their visit to Ketchikan, but their experiences diverged from there.
Creek Street
Creek Street has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it was a bustling red-light district and center of Ketchikan’s bustling fishing and logging industries. Today, it retains much of its historic charm, with colorful wooden buildings lining the boardwalk and historical plaques providing insights into its past. The boardwalk of Creek Street winds alongside Ketchikan Creek, offering scenic views of the waterway, surrounding forested hillsides, and historic buildings. Visitors can stroll along the creek, take in the sights and sounds of the bustling waterfront, and capture memorable photos of this picturesque corner of Alaska. Creek Street is home to a variety of unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries housed in historic buildings along the boardwalk. Visitors can browse for locally made crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, and artwork, or sample Alaskan treats such as smoked salmon and gourmet chocolates.
- Dolly’s House Museum: One of the highlights of Creek Street is Dolly’s House Museum, the former home of renowned madam Dolly Arthur, who operated a brothel here during the early 20th century. The museum offers guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into Ketchikan’s colorful past, including stories of the city’s pioneers, entrepreneurs, and working girls.
- Salmon Viewing: During the summer months, visitors to Creek Street can witness the spectacle of spawning salmon making their way upstream in Ketchikan Creek. The boardwalk provides excellent vantage points for observing the salmon as they navigate the shallow waters and leap over obstacles on their journey to spawn. Be sure to check out the salmon ladder.
Local Cuisine
Ketchikan, Alaska, offers a unique culinary experience influenced by its coastal location and rich seafood resources. Even with a short visit, we were sure to try of of the local cuisine.
- Fresh Seafood: As the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is renowned for its fresh seafood offerings. Visitors can enjoy wild Alaskan salmon prepared in various ways, from grilled to smoked or served as salmon chowder.
- Fish and Chips: A popular dish in Ketchikan, fish and chips feature locally caught fish, typically halibut or cod, battered and fried to crispy perfection. It’s often served with fries and tartar sauce.
- Dungeness Crab: Another local favorite, Dungeness crab is prized for its sweet and delicate flavor. It’s commonly served steamed with melted butter or as part of seafood platters.
- Oysters: Ketchikan offers fresh Pacific oysters harvested from nearby waters. They can be enjoyed raw on the half shell or grilled with garlic butter.
- Burgers and Brews: Many local establishments in Ketchikan serve hearty burgers made with Alaskan beef or seafood patties. These are often paired with craft beers from regional breweries.
The DINKs
We had a day and a half in Ketchikan which was more than enough.
Ketchikan Walking Tour
Ketchikan visitors Bureau is right on the dock so we just had to step in to pick up a map of the walking tour. There are two loops the downtown hits all the main attractions including Totem poles, The famous Ketchikan Welcome Arch, Creek Street & Dolly’s House, Married Man’s Trail, The Totem Heritage Center and City Park and “The Rock” Statue! but we also did the New Town & West End since we had time. As I wandered along the wooden boardwalks and colorful buildings of this iconic street, I couldn’t help but feel transported back in time to the bustling days of the Gold Rush era. we made sure to take Married man’s trail and joked what it would have been like coming back home with muddy boots.
One of the highlights of my visit to Creek Street was exploring the array of eclectic shops and boutiques that line its boardwalks. From locally crafted souvenirs and Alaska Native art to quirky gifts and handmade jewelry, there was something for everyone to discover. I couldn’t resist picking up a few treasures to remind me of my time in this enchanting corner of the world. However, if you are looking for a deal, the shops near the port offer cheap souvenirs, novelty clothing and other stuff most likely produced in China.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
This show takes place in a rustic outdoor arena, surrounded by towering trees and majestic mountains. It vividly brings to life the rich logging history of Southeast Alaska, featuring lumberjacks, clad in plaid shirts and rugged boots, showcasing their incredible skills in a series of thrilling competitions and challenges, including axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw carving.
One of the highlights of the show was the axe throwing competition, where lumberjacks demonstrated their precision and accuracy as they hurled axes at targets with impressive speed and skill. The crowd cheered and gasped as the axes flew through the air, narrowly missing their marks with each throw. Another crowd favorite was the log rolling competition, where lumberjacks balanced on spinning logs in a test of strength and agility. As the logs spun faster and faster, the lumberjacks fought to maintain their balance, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience.
Throughout the show, the lumberjacks regaled us with tales of Alaska’s rich lumberjack history, sharing anecdotes and insights into the challenges and triumphs of life in the wilderness. They really engage the crowd & have everyone cheering for their team. Their passion for their craft was evident in every swing of the axe and every step on the spinning log, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for all who attended.
The Family
In addition to exploring Creek Street we booked a tour.
Seaplane to Misty fjords
We booked a tour to take a scenic flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords National Monument to witness its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Misty Fjords is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, including towering granite cliffs, deep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. Misty Fjords holds cultural and historical significance for the Native Tlingit people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
- Taking a seaplane to Misty Fjords National Monument is an unforgettable adventure that offers breathtaking views of one of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders. Departing from Ketchikan, known as the “Gateway to the Misty Fjords,” the seaplane journey takes you on a scenic flight over pristine wilderness, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
- Our experience in Misty Fjords left us somewhat underwhelmed. It didn’t quite live up to our expectations in terms of its “wow” factor. Surprisingly, the kids didn’t get as enthused about the float plane ride as we had anticipated. We were also mistaken in assuming we’d encounter more wildlife, but sadly, aside from seals, it didn’t quite meet that expectation either.
Summary
In exploring Ketchikan, both the DINKs and the Family embraced unique experiences that showcased the city’s natural beauty and cultural offerings. The DINKs immersed themselves in Ketchikan’s history and entertainment with a walking tour of the town and the thrilling Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, highlighting the area’s frontier spirit and lively performances. Conversely, the Family embarked on an unforgettable adventure with a seaplane excursion to Misty Fjords National Monument, marveling at breathtaking landscapes of towering cliffs, serene fjords, and pristine wilderness.
Comparing who did it better is subjective, as both experiences provided distinct perspectives on Ketchikan’s charm. The DINKs delved into the city’s vibrant culture and entertainment scene, while the Family enjoyed a scenic flight over one of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders. Ultimately, whether strolling through historic streets or soaring above majestic fjords, both perspectives underscore Ketchikan’s allure as a gateway to Alaska’s wilderness and a destination rich in adventure and natural beauty. Each visitor’s journey offers a unique glimpse into the spirit of this coastal Alaskan gem.
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