Places to Visit in Ketchikan
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Misty Fjords National Monument
A protected area in the Tongass National Forest, located approximately 20 air miles from Ketchikan. Known as "The Yosemite of the North" for its similar geology, visitors can wonder at the towering mountaintops, rushing waterfalls, fjords, glaciers and lakes. Light-colored granite, about 50 to 70 million years old, has been sculpted by glaciers that gouged deep U-shaped troughs throughout the monument. Many of the glacial valleys are filled with sea water, the walls of which are near-vertical and often rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level, and drop 1,000 feet below it. Only accessible by floatplane or boat.
Ketchikan Visitors Bureau
Located at the cruise ship dock, and offering maps, local visitor information, pics, contacts for local tour companies and details of area attractions.
Website
Totem Heritage Center
The Totem Heritage Center was established in 1976 to preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan. Those magnificent, original poles are displayed at the Center in conjunction with other totems and Native Alaskan artifacts. Guided tours are available.
Website
Saxman Totem Park
Features 26 beautifully-sculpted, multi-colored totems, a tribal house where authentic dance performances can be viewed, a carving center, a culture hall and a gift shop. Located two miles from Ketchikan.
Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center
Considered to be one of the best hatchery tours in Alaska, visitors can see salmon climb against the current and have their eggs removed. Also featuring exhibits on native fishing, and a great chance to see bald eagles up close. The wooden buildings overlook Ketchikan Creek.
Shopping
A wonderful place to shop, offering a host of exclusive gifts and Native American handicrafts. Including totem carvings, hand-carved masks, hand-painted drums, cedar bark baskets, sculptures, and prints.
Creek Street
This historic street featuring picturesque wooden buildings that stand on stilts above Ketchikan Creek was once a red-light district featuring 30 brothels. Nowadays it's home to a museum, shops and a restaurant. Visitors may be lucky enough to see spawning salmon from the Creek Street Footbridge in summer.
Other Fun Things to Do
Other things to do in Ketchikan include:
Alaska Canopy Adventures - fly on a zipline course
Alaska Seaplane Tours - Misty Fjords Tours, Bear Viewing Tours,
Glacier Tours, Fishing Tours and Air Charters
Taquan Air - Includes tour flights to the Misty Fjords or Bear Viewing.
Exclusive Alaska Fishing and Wilderness Excursions
