Ketchikan is a picturesque coastal city located on Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska. As one of the premier destinations in the Inside Passage, Ketchikan offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The city and surrounding area are home to over a dozen parks that showcase the region’s stunning scenery and provide access to the rugged wilderness. From waterfront green spaces to rainforest trails, Ketchikan’s parks offer something for every nature lover.
Saxman Totem Park
Located just south of downtown Ketchikan, Saxman Totem Park is home to one of the largest collection of totems in Alaska. The park features over 30 totems carved by the Tlingit people dating back to the 1800s. Totems depict clan crests and legends while their carvings tell stories of Tlingit history.
A boardwalk winds through old-growth spruce and cedar trees where the majestic totems stand 20 to 50 feet tall. Interpretive signs explain the cultural significance of each totem. In addition to the totems, Saxman Totem Park has picnic areas and beach access providing views of Tongass Narrows. It’s a must-see attraction that showcases Tlingit artistry and the rich indigenous heritage of Southeast Alaska.
Married Man’s Trail
The Married Man’s Trail is a scenic rainforest loop trail located in Thomas Basin just north of downtown Ketchikan. The 3-mile trail meanders through a temperate rainforest populated by towering western hemlock, sitka spruce, and alder trees shrouded in mosses and lichens. Due to the area’s high annual rainfall, the forest is lush and vibrant with greenery.
Hiking the Married Man’s Trail, visitors may spot Sitka black-tailed deer, river otters, bald eagles, and even black bears fishing for salmon in Thomas Creek. Interpretive signs along the way describe the diverse plant life. The trail offers glimpses of Ketchikan Creek and vistas across Thomas Basin as it makes its way through the coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem. It’s a beautiful hike for all skill levels.
Creek Street Pedestrian Mall
In the heart of downtown Ketchikan is Creek Street Pedestrian Mall, a colorful waterfront promenade perfect for strolling. The pedestrian mall follows the shoreline of Ketchikan Creek through the historic downtown area. Visitors can watch salmon battling their way up the creek during spawning season or witness bald eagles perched in the trees eyeing the bountiful fish.
Along Creek Street, shops, galleries, and restaurants line the boardwalk. Murals painted on building exteriors depict Ketchikan’s fishing and Native heritage. Benches provide places to rest and take in the scenic views. During the warmer months, Creek Street comes alive with outdoor concerts, farmer’s markets, and other special events. It’s the lively hub of downtown and the perfect place to experience the charming ambiance of Ketchikan.
Deer Mountain Trail
For those wanting to hike above the trees into alpine meadows with panoramic ocean views, Deer Mountain Trail is the premieroption near Ketchikan. The 7-mile out-and-back trail climbs 2700 feet over mountain ridges covered with berries and wildflowers to reach Deer Mountain’s 4900-foot summit. Along the way, hikers pass through dense temperate rainforest with glimpses of the Tongass Narrows, George Inlet, and surrounding islands.
Near the top, hikers emerge above the tree line into a flower-filled alpine basin. On a clear day, the summit offers 360-degree views of the Lynn Canal, Admiralty Island, Misty Fjords, and many of Southeast Alaska’s iconic mountains and islands. Deer Mountain is a strenuous hike but highly rewarding for those seeking impressive panoramas above the forest.
Creek Street Boardwalk
Running parallel to Creek Street Pedestrian Mall is the scenic Creek Street Boardwalk, providing another way to take in the beauty of Ketchikan Creek. Constructed of heavy timber, the boardwalk winds along the waterfront through Tongass Park between large stands of spruce and cedar. Benches offer anglers spots to cast lines hoping to catch Dolly Varden or cutthroat trout swimming below. Interpretive signs teach about the salmon spawning cycles and other creatures that call the area home.
The boardwalk also passes native totem poles and artisan markets showcasing Southeast Alaskan crafts. Further along, Spruce Mill Walkway branches off over Ketchikan Creek via a footbridge, showcasing one of the only remaining brick mills that once powered much of the city. Both the boardwalk and mill walkway provide lovely waterfront strolls through the heart of Ketchikan.
Deermount Meadows Trail
A more moderate hike near Ketchikan compared to Deer Mountain is Deermount Meadows Trail located in Jennie Stevens Park on Gravina Island. The 4-mile trail climbs 1600 feet through old-growth temperate rainforest into a flower-filled subalpine meadow dotted with ponds and sweeping views of the Tongass Narrows. Along the way, boardwalks help navigate wet areas teeming with berry bushes and diverse wildlife.
Near the top, hikers pass a small glacial lake before emerging into an open basin of knee-high wildflowers, grass, and berry bushes as far as the eye can see. On clear days, the meadow offers amazing vistas of Ketchikan and adjoining islands. Deermount Meadows Trail provides a scenic forest and alpine experience without quite as much elevation gain as Deer Mountain making it more accessible for hiking families with children.
Conclusion
With over a dozen parks showcasing its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Ketchikan offers visitors an abundance of outdoor recreation and scenic exploration. From rainforest hiking trails to coastline boardwalks, each park unveils new aspects of the lush Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaskan way of life.
Whether one’s interests lie in observing totem poles, fishing for salmon, spotting bald eagles, hiking alpine meadows, or simply strolling the historic waterfront, Ketchikan’s park system provides the perfect stage to immerse oneself in the splendors of southeast Alaska. Their collective allure is what makes this picturesque Inside Passage city such a splendid place to connect with both the magnificent natural landscape and vibrant local culture it has to offer.