Ketchikan Alaska's First City
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Ketchikan is five hundred miles north of Seattle. It is accessible by the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry, Alaska Air, and Delta Airlines. Located on Revillagigedo Island, it is knows as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and is the first or last port of call for international cruise ships.
The historic downtown, wedged between water and forested mountains, attracts thousands of cruise ship passengers, independent travelers, and seasonal workers each summer. The town is built into steep hills and partly propped on wooden pilings, with boardwalks, wooden staircases, and totem poles dotted throughout. By 1886, settlers had opened dozens of salmon canneries in the area. Ketchikan was named after Ketchikan Creek, which flows through the town. The word comes from the Tlingit name for the creek, Kitschk-hin, the meaning of which is unclear. It may mean the river belonging to Kitschk. Other accounts say it means Thundering Wings of an Eagle. The Island has the world's largest collection of standing totem poles and internationally known totem carvers. You can see the Totems throughout the town and at Saxman Village, Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and the Totem Heritage Center.
Bear watching, Eagle, and whale watching are favorite pastimes. Marine and freshwater sport fishing opportunities abound. Sport anglers can stay busy year-round fishing for wild trout, all five species of Pacific salmon, halibut, and a variety of other fish, crab, shrimp, and clams. Roadside salmon fishing opportunities exist around the Island. The Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the area's major attractions. Ketchikan is in the Tongass National Forests. The abundance of streams, lakes, wildflowers, berry bushes, cedar, hemlock, and spruce provide great opportunities for hikers and photographers to view birds and animals. The average annual rainfall is 152 inches (3,900 mm). The annual average snowfall is 37 inches (94 cm). The average high temperature in July is 65 °F (18 °C). The average high temperature in January is 39 °F (4 °C). |
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Baranof Fishing Excursions
Lumberjack demonstration in Ketchikan
Bear family at Herring Cove
Eagles near The Black Bear Inn
Float plane over Misty Fjords
Take a Snorkel Tour with Snorkel Alaska
Nathan Jackson working in his studio
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BLACK BEAR INN ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS
Call Nicole for More Details and to book She will help set up your Activity schedule. There is no charge for this service. Below is a list of some recommended activities. This is only a partial list. If you are looking for something that is not on the list call Nicole. Many of the activities and tours fill up quickly so you should start planning what you want to do several months before you arrive. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour is a 3-hour Adventure on the Aleutian Ballard from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. Tour run Morning & Afternoon. www.alaskacrabtour.com Seaplane trips to the Misty Fjords and other islands are offered year-round. Black Bear Inn will only book you with the best companies. Do not book with any company till you talk to Nicole.. Bear watching sanctuaries seaplane trips, fresh water seaplane fishing trips, helicopter flights, and saltwater guided boat fishing trips are available June through September. These activities must be booked early. You can see the Misty Fjords by large Catamaran with Allen Marine Tours. There are morning and afternoon trips. www.allenmarinetours.com Three are two Ketchikan Zodiac Eco Water Adventures. You Drive your own AMI Inflatable to hidden coves, and rainforest beaches. One goes north and the other one goes south of town. Out To Sea Expedition will take you in their 18 foot Zodiac to observe and photograph the island shoreline, waterfalls, forests, eagles, whales, bears, and other wildlife up close. "Come out and breathe Alaska's fresh Ocean air". www.outtoseaexpeditions.com There are 3 Kayak companies that offer half and full day trips or will let you rent a kayak on your own. One company will take you to the Misty Fjords and leave you to camp and Kayak for several days. Snorkel Alaska offers a great snorkel adventure. www.snorkelalaska.com There are also SeaCycle, Hummer, Hovercraft, Adventure Kart, Jet Ski, & Amphibious tours. You can Zipline through the Rainforest Sanctuary. This is a good place to see black bears and their cubs eating salmon in the creek. www.alaskacanopyadventure.com Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari explores the island's Back Country ending at Harriet Hunt Lake. You can take turns driving the 4 passenger Jeep. www.bestofalaskatravel.com George Inlet Lodge offers an "All you can eat" Crab Feast. It is offered every afternoon and some Saturday evenings during the summer. www.catchcrabs.com Silverking Lodge has a great ‘Seafood feast’ lunch and nature walk. You take a boat ride out to this beautiful wilderness lodge. Everyone should spend at least a day hiking some of the trails and another day visiting the Totem parks, carvers, museums, and native art galleries. If you want to get to know Ketchikan you should take a private tour with Alaska Native Lisa Krieger. You will have a delightful time and will come away with a true understanding of Alaska's First People's history, culture, art, and relationship to nature. To truly experience our Island you should rent a car. Tongass Car Rental is a good local company. Call Dan at 907-821-4899. Tell him you are staying with us to get the best rate. If he is out of cars, try Alaska Car rental or Budget. We have public bus, & taxis but a car is needed to get to many of the lakes, parks, trails, & restaurants and Herring Bay to watch Black Bears eating salmon in creek. |
Fishing in Ketchikan with Baranof Fishing Excursions
Amazing Day of Fishing
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Beautiful Ketchikan Harbor
Explore underwater wildlife with Snorkel Alaska
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