Ketchikan, Alaska’s fourth largest city, is on the waterfront, with much of its 3-mile long business district suspended above the water on pilings driven into the bottom on Tongass Narrows. It clings to the steep wooded hillside and has many homes perched on cliffs that can only be reached by climbing long wooden staircases or narrow winding streets. The Waterfront, the center of the city, consists of docks, stores, seaplane floats and three boat harbors.
Ketchikan supports four public grade schools, four parochial grade schools, a junior high, two high schools and the University of Alaska Southeast campus. Also it has nine hotels/motels, numerous Bed & Breakfast establishments, five campgrounds and several Hostels.
Worth a view is the mural on Stedman Street that was created by 21 Native artists in 1978 entitled "The Return of the Eagle". It is 125 feet wide by 18 feet high.
A walk on Creek Street, viewing local artisans and their beautiful creations, admiring the brightly colored flowers, which adorn the exterior of the downtown businesses, or fishing for salmon makes for a beautiful day in Ketchikan.
Quick Tips:
There are many, many tours offered. We chose a private guide with a mini-van who personalized our tour. Born and raised in Ketchikan, our guide had lots of entertaining stories to share with us.
Best Way To Get Around:
Walking is the best way to get the real flavor of Ketchikan.