Rainforest & Outdoors
Tongass rainforest trails that start at the edge of town, the Forest Service's Discovery Center, and the fjords and bear streams a floatplane hop away.
The Tongass National Forest starts at the edge of town. Married Man's Trail is a quick stair climb from Creek Street. Deer Mountain is the serious hike: a steep climb from a trailhead off Ketchikan Lakes Road to a summit above 3,000 feet, with an exposed upper section, so check conditions first. For the rainforest without the climb, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, a block from the docks, explains the forest, its wildlife and the people who live in it. Bring rain gear whatever you choose: the airport averages about 150 inches of rain a year.
Married Man's Trail
A short climb of stairs and path from Creek Street into the hillside, once a discreet way out for brothel customers.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
A Forest Service center on the Tongass rainforest, Native cultures and local industries, a block from the docks.
Deer Mountain Trail
A steep forest-and-alpine climb that starts at the edge of downtown and tops out above 3,000 ft.
Walking map: the berths and downtown Ketchikan
The four city berths run along Front Street, numbered 1 to 4 from south to north. Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum and the salmon ladder are a short walk south and east, and the Totem Heritage Center is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot or a free summer shuttle ride.
Map: USGS elevation; streets and buildings © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Trail map: walks from downtown
Married Man's Trail climbs from Creek Street into the hillside. The Deer Mountain trailhead is off Ketchikan Lakes Road at the end of Deermount Street, and the trail climbs steeply to the summit above 3,000 feet; check conditions before you go.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
A printable Ketchikan plan for your hours ashore
Leave your email and you’ll go right to a day plan timed to your ship’s arrival and departure, ready to print with the map. We write once a month about berths, busy days and what’s open.