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Deer Mountain Trail

A steep forest-and-alpine climb that starts at the edge of downtown and tops out above 3,000 ft.

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By Greg Peters, editor · Updated October 2026

Illustrative photo
WhereTrailhead off Ketchikan Lakes Road (via Deermount Street)
SeasonNo season published; the upper trail is exposed, so check conditions
CostFree
AccessWalk or drive from downtown: south on Stedman Street over Ketchikan Creek, left on Deermount Street to its end, right on Ketchikan Lakes Road, straight at the stop sign at the top of the hill, then a quick right into the gravel lot (alaska.org).

A steep forest-and-alpine climb that starts at the edge of downtown and tops out above 3,000 ft.

Highlights

  • Summit 3,001 ft; about 2.75 miles and 2,600 ft of climbing from the trailhead (Wikipedia)
  • First viewpoint about a mile up looks over town and the Tongass Narrows
  • Passes through rainforest, muskeg and alpine meadows
  • Forest Service A-frame shelter a quarter mile off the trail

Facts checked October 18, 2026 with en.wikipedia.org, alaska.org. Hours and prices change, so confirm before you go.

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