what is ketchikan, alaska known for

The districts false-front commercial buildings and houses, built on wooden pilings, date from the early 1900s. The Totem Heritage Center displays preserved 19th-century poles rescued from abandoned village sites near Ketchikan. Betton Island and several smaller islands nearby are excellent day paddles. 1 min read. Like many destinations in Southeastern Alaska, Ketchikan is only accessible by air or boat. The full show is offered three to four times daily, giving guests plenty of opportunities to add it to their schedule. Charter fishing tours abound and offer the opportunity to hook into all five species of Pacific salmon. Nonstop flights on Alaska Airlines connect the Ketchikan International Airport to Seattle, Juneau, Sitka, and Wrangell, with easy connections to the rest of Alaska and the Lower 48. Exploring the totems at Saxman Native Village. Plenty of tourists take advantage of this time to enjoy Alaska. You'll find activities state-wide that will appeal to, Top Alaska guides know exactly where and when to take you for the best sights and adventures. A major and first port of entry into Alaska, Ketchikan's economy has been based on fishing industries, canneries in particular, tourism, government, and forestry. Where will your Alaska adventure take you? The weather can shift rapidly in the area, so make sure to pack rain gear and share your hiking plan with a friend. Stop by the Totem Heritage Center to get a full appreciation for this unique artistic tradition. Ten miles north ofKetchikanis Totem. View past newsletters here. Ketchikan is home to several restaurants, many featuring the areas fresh seafood, plus coffee shops, bars, and two local breweries. See options All photos (1,821) Youll find these homes fairly close together, so if you want a little more space, you might consider heading down toward Saxman in South Tongass, where youll find homes on larger lots that afford a little more privacy. Finally, to get a full picture of Ketchikans Native history, sign up for a walking tour with Native-owned business Where the Eagle Walks. During the first governorship of Walter Hickel in the 1960s, two members of his cabinet (Frank Murkowski and Robert W. Ward) held strong ties to Ketchikan. Not because it was the first city settled in Alaska, but rather the first city you arrive at while taking the inside passage north. OFFICIAL STATE OF ALASKA VACATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION, Copyright 2023 Alaska Travel Industry Association. With a population at the 2020 census of 8,192, up from 8,050 in 2010,[7][5] it is the sixth-most populous city in the state, and thirteenth-most populous community when census-designated places are included. Ketchikan has the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, found throughout the city and at four major locations: Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and the Totem Heritage Center. Within the Ketchikan community, youll meet Native Alaskans from the Haida Nation, Tlingit Nation, and Tshimsian Nation. Ketchikan, known as "The Salmon Capital of the World," was the largest town in Alaska. Originally from southern California, Jenn pursued a career in marketing that led her from Seattle to Sydney. Most of the totems at Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park are recarvings of older poles, a practice that began during the Roosevelt Administration through the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 2018, Ketchikan Harbour saw 40 different cruise ships making more than 500 stops in the harbour and bringing more than 1,073,000 visitors to Ketchikan. Wed be happy to assist! Escape to the temperate rainforest wilderness of Misty Fjords National Monument just east of Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest. Youll also find an array of inns, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses, and vacation rentals. The most snowfall in one month was 45.1 inches (1.15m) in January 1971. #wynnaroundtheworld #adventure #travelblogger #utah #blogger #adventure #hiking #theinfluencerbootcamp #wunderlust #southernalaska #bucketlist #historytravel #ketchikan #klawock #princeofwales #saxmantotempark #kerchikantotempark #sitka #sitkanationalpark #travelalaska #alaskatotempoles #alaskatotempark #totembightstatehostoricalpark #history #mckinleyville #sitkanationalhistoricalpark #totemheritagecenter, My happy place Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, so named in 1793 by Captain George Vancouver. The mill closed in 1997 in the wake of the passage of the Tongass Timber Reform Act of 1990, which reduced timber harvest targets in the national forest. Ketchikan, Alaska, is truly the beginning of the last frontier. Misty Fjords National Monument, with achingly blue lakes, and snowcapped mountaintops often shrouded in an ethereal mist, is the most beautiful jewel in our crown. Walker served in the territorial Senate for 16 years before losing reelection in 1948 following a feud with territorial governor Ernest Gruening. 8. Tours can be booked same day at our tour center (May - Sept) located inside the Berth 2 building. The Alaska Marine Highway System has its headquarters in Ketchikan.[26]. Totem poles are primarily mainly found in the northwestern part of the United States and British Columbia, Canada. #wilsalaska #thelastfrontier #49thstate #ketchikan #alaska #alaskaphotography #alaskanadventures #gooutside #treelove #natureaddict #tree #naturephotography #treemagic #explorealaska #wild #travelalaska #justgo #alaskalife #nakedplanet #earthfocus #earthpix #hike #hikealaska #natgeo #wildernessculture #wanderlust #nomad, Just a two-hour flight from Seattle, Ketchikan is the entrance to Alaskas Inside Passage. Ketchikan is the third-wettest city in the United States after Whittier and Yakutat.[13]. Still others come to Ketchikan to enjoy much milder winters than Alaskas more extreme destinations. Preserves the battle sight between Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit Home to the picturesque Misty Fjords National Monument, the 2.1-million-acre monument leads guests through cascading waterfalls, steep glaciers, and an abundance of opportunities to spot wildlife. Over the decades, Ketchikan has produced a number of political figures of note to Alaska in general. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.9 square miles (15.3km2). Ketchikan has everything needed to be the zip line capital of Alaska: lush rainforests and elevation. The forest is home to dozens of freshwater lakes and streams as well as access to saltwater fishing. A fisherman and his son got up and close with several humpback whales, and the experience was captured on video. 4. (Ketchikan is bear country, after all!) 1. If youre thinking of relocating to Ketchikan, well show you what to expect once you make the move. The simulation cruise is an optional step that cruise lines can take to assure the CDC that they are ready and willing to adhere to new social distancing and covid guidelines to provide their clients an amazing experience at sea while keeping them and their staff safe. I am so excited to share that Royal Caribbean has offered myself and 6 of my coworkers the opportunity to take part in a simulation cruise to Alaska! THE BEST OF ALASKA AND THE YUKON. In The Young Pope TV series, the character Pope Pius XIII as a punishment sends several cardinals who upset him to Ketchikan, which is depicted as a frozen wasteland. Here Are 13 Things You Should Know! View past newsletters here. The half-mile (800 m) wide channel called the Tongass Narrows separates Ketchikan from Gravina Island, where Ketchikan International Airport is located. Youll find other examples to admire at Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Park, and Potlatch Park. Totem poles are sculptures carved typically from Western Red Cedar or other large trees. Ketchikan has a mild maritime or oceanic climate, characterized by heavy cloud cover and high humidity through much of the year and abundant rainfall throughout the year (even in the driest month), earning it the nickname of the "Rain Capital of Alaska". Further east and away from moderating maritime influence, winters on these parallels in inland North America are much colder. Tallest totem park in the US at 160ft The "Welcome to Ketchikan Sign" in downtown Ketchikan. Read More: Best One Day Itinerary For Ketchikan; The record high temperature in Ketchikan was 96F (36C) on June 25, 1913. Well share some fun facts, delve a little more deeply into the weather, discuss where to live, and share our favorite things to do in the area. The downtown area is the main commercial district and contains two large harbors, several cruise ship docks, and many of Ketchikans main attractions, including historic Creek Street, a picturesque boardwalk path built over Ketchikan Creek on stilts. RVers often depart the Alaska Marine Highway and head north to a handful of campgrounds including Settlers Cove State Recreation Site at the end of the road, 18 miles north of Ketchikan. The average annual rainfall is 162 inches, but it has been known top 200 inches. The most popular house in the 1930s on Creek Street was Dolly's House, the parlor of the city's most famous madam, Dolly Arthur. Ketchikan became known as "Alaska's first city" due to its strategic position at the southern tip of the Inside Passage, connecting the Gulf of Alaska to Puget Sound. The town of Ketchikan was founded as a salmon cannery site in 1885, and for years the city was known as the Canned Salmon Capital of the World. Logging became an important industry as well, and when cruise ships started exploring the waters of the Inside Passage, Ketchikan naturally became a popular port of call. Its picturesque and chock-full of great shopping check out Soho Coho, Niblicks General Store, and Ketchikan Dry Goods for a great selection of Alaska art and gifts and maybe even some Foraged & Found goodies. Scenes from the arrival of the Royal Caribbean International Radiance-class cruise ship Serenade of the Seas on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Berth 4 in Ketchikan, Alaska. Tip: Invest in Some Good Wet Weather Gear. 4.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino (2.6% Mexican) of any race. "Ketchikan" comes from the Tlingit name for the creek, Kitschk-hin, the meaning of which is unclear. 1. Jenn Brown is the founder of Foraged & Found, a specialty food company based in Ketchikan, Alaska, that crafts delicious treats from wild-foraged ingredients. Yes, men came here to work in lumber and fishing, but a few enterprising and bold women made the Last Frontier more hospitable, so those men would stay. There are two zip-line operations with one of them letting you zip 4,600 feet down the side of a mountain via eight lines and three suspension bridges. Photo Credit: Mark Nakamura. Were here for another few days before we hop on another ferry to Juneau. They gear up and go about their business. Totem Bight State Historical Park, Alaska. Ketchikan is a significant hub for several maritime industries, including shipping, seafood, and fishing. [5][6] It is the state's southeasternmost major settlement. Eagle Island Sea Kayak Tour 9. As you view the totems, look for symbols of the raven and eagle moieties, which represent matrilineal groups, as well as different clan symbols such as the frog, bear, and orca whale. In fact, Ketchikan has welcomed more than a million tourists in the summer season, the vast majority of whom arrive by cruise ship. The former Ketchikan Community College became the Ketchikan campus of the University of Alaska Southeast during the late 1980s restructuring of the University of Alaska System. As of 2017, The population density was 1,829.5 per squaremile (714.1/km2). Be sure to visit the Clan House, a replica of a historical Tlingit clan house that would have housed 30 to 50 people. The racial makeup of the city was 60.7% White, 16.7% Native American (8.3% Tlingit-Haida, 1.9% Tsimshian), 10.8% Asian (9.4% Filipino), 10.0% from two or more races, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.3% Pacific Islander, and 0.7% some other race. Totem Heritage Center & Totem Bight State Historical Park The Native arts are thriving here in Ketchikan and there are several museum collections and totem parks that showcase both ancient and more contemporary works. Choose Your Adventure in Ketchikan and Beyond, A Local's Guide to Artistic Inspiration in Ketchikan. . (Save for later ) Wander amid the totems and view traditional items such as baskets, masks, and ceremonial objects at the Totem Heritage Center, located just outside of downtown Ketchikan. The trip from Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan takes 36 hours, and connections can easily be made to other top destinations including Juneau, Wrangell, Petersburg, Haines, Sitka, and Whittier. [51] The National Geographic Channel series Alaska Wing Men in the episode "Fatal Crash"[52] follows a National Transportation Safety Board investigator's site visit of a July 2010 bush pilot fatal crash near Ketchikan.[53]. Alaska's First City Historic Creek Street in Ketchikan. The City of Ketchikan operates under a council-manager form of government. Elevations of inhabited areas range from just above sea level to about 300 feet (91m). This guide offers an excellent list of local trails, plus some useful safety tips. It's also a recreation hotspot, where you can fish Tongass National Forest's shimmering fresh-water lakes one day, then kayak past tumbling waterfalls the next. . Get in on the axe-tion with a group of friends and try your own hand at the axe-throwing competition. . . 1. . As the country's largest state, Alaska serves up some big family-friendly adventures. While this makes for beautiful views, it also makes for excellent (albeit challenging) hikes. Average annual civilian employment in 2017 was 4,070, with a substantial seasonal work force peaking in July. [9], Ketchikan Creek served as a summer fish camp for Tlingit natives for untold years before the town was established by Mike Martin in 1885. Ketchikan is located about 378km south of Juneau and 1,100km northwest of Seattle, Washington. 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.6% were headed by married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. The Ketchikan road system extends both north and south of the city and leads to more parks, attractions, and accommodations. Ketchikan, known as the . Venture into the Tongass National Forest to see millions of fish race upstream to spawn. When you visit Ketchikan, youll likely find yourself wandering the shops and historical buildings on Creek Street. Take a self-guided tour of this former red light district, where bootleggers made midnight deliveries through hidden trap doors connecting the creek to the bawdy houses join a guided walking tour of the city. . The Tongass Historical Museum houses a permanent collection of local artifacts that tell the story of Ketchikan's fascinating history, including Alaska Native artwork, historical photos, and artifacts from the industries that have played a significant role in the area's development. If the rain has you nervous, heres the plus side to Ketchikans wet coastal climate: It doesnt get as cold in Ketchikan during the winter months. The surrounding borough, encompassing suburbs both north and south of the city along the Tongass Highway (most of which are commonly regarded as a part of Ketchikan, albeit not a part of the city itself), plus small rural settlements accessible mostly by water, registered a population of 13,948 in that same census.[7]. Along the trails in and around Ketchikan, youll encounter serene lake views, snowcapped peaks, panoramic vistas, and even a waterfall. These world-champion athletes are sure to impress all ages with 7-pound axes, 6-foot razor-sharp saws, tree-climbing gaffs, and more. [19][20][21], There were 3,259 households. OFFICIAL STATE OF ALASKA VACATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION, Copyright 2023 Alaska Travel Industry Association. 2 KLAWOCK, AK Our first stop is Ketchikan and lets just say within hours of being here we had already seen several whales, one which swam no more than 20 feet from us and the van. The views were mind blowing and this is just the first leg of our Alaska trip. Nope. The good news is that its only a short ferry ride from the airport on Gravina Island to downtown Ketchikan. One of the things that makes the geography of Ketchikan so spectacular is the proximity of mountains to the ocean. Dont miss the Arctic Spirit Gallery, which features one-of-a-kind pieces of Native Art from the Northwest Coast and throughout Alaska. If youre considering coming to Ketchikan for seasonal work, you might consider living near town and using the bus to get around. It is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, which is managed by the United States Forest Service from its headquarters in the Ketchikan Federal Building downtown, and to the south by the Tongass Narrows, a narrow east-west saltwater channel, which is part of the Inside Passage. [17] It returned as Ketchikan beginning in 1900 and in every successive census. Upstairs, the exhibit hall features sections on the Inside Passage's ecosystems and Alaska Native traditions. Climate Normals Quick Access Station: Ketchikan INTL AP, AK", "Report on Population and Resources of Alaska at the Eleventh Census: 1890", "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Ketchikan city, Alaska", "Ketchikan (city) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau", "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Ketchikan city, Alaska", "Selected Economic Characteristics: 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP03): Ketchikan city, Alaska", "Ketchikan city, borough election results certified - KRBD", "Visit Ketchikan Alaska - Visitor Statistics", HR 987, 101st Congress, Tongass Timber Reform Act, "#123 Ketchikan Pulp Co. Locally owned and family-run, this company prides itself on knowing the best up-to-date whale watching locations in the area. By sea []. Ketchikans climate is classified as Kppen Cfb (Marine West Coast). There's a spotting scope trained on Deer Mountain for mountain goats while underwater cameras in Ketchikan Creek let you watch thousands of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. #alaska #blueberries #ketchikan #tongass #tongassnationalforest, OFFICIAL STATE OF ALASKA VACATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION, Copyright 2023 Alaska Travel Industry Association. At the heart of the park is Saxman Totem Park, home to an extensive collection of replica totems as well as a replica clan house and a carving center. Trips into the monument, whether by tour boat, small airplane, or kayak, provide wildlife-sighting opportunities for seals, otters, bald eagles, and whales. If buying gold is too expensive for you, then you can settle for jade. Taking the ferry to Alaska was something several Alaskans we met recommended and we are beyond happy we went for it. Largest collection of authentic totem poles in Alaska You can even view wildlife here. This iconic location is a perfect spot to drop a line right outside of town. A scenic town perched along the shores of southeast Alaska's coastal mountains and surrounded by the protected waterways of the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is a . Shops, restaurants, and museums are nestled between Ketchikans rocky hillsides and the creek that gave the city its name. Famous for its totem poles, float planes and camera-ready beauty, Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "first city" due to its location at the southern tip of Alaska's Inside Passage. Known for its fresh seafood, Native culture, and gorgeous scenery, this small town is often a favorite among those cruising to Alaska. In Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, Uncle Ben must leave Willy to go to Ketchikan, where he presumably made part of his fortune. Follow wynnaroundtheworld for more #historicaltravel You can find some gold and other minerals such as quartz and silver. We are also located in the midst of the Tongass National Forest, a 17M-acre rainforest full of lush cedar, Sitka spruce, waterfalls, and wildlife. Deer Mountain, a 3,001-foot (915m) peak, rises immediately east of the city's downtown area. Downtown Ketchikan is a National Historic District. Scenic, diverse Ketchikan is a coastal island located within Alaska's Inside Passage and surrounded by the magnificent Tongass National Forest Immerse yourself in Southeast Alaska's breathtaking underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point. Holland America Line gives you two incredible ways to experience Alaska's incredible interior. Scattered throughout the park are 24 totem poles moved from abandoned villages around the Inside Passage during the 1930s and restored or re-carved. As of 2010[update], there were 8,050 people, 3,259 households, and 1,885 families residing in the city. Ketchikan has long loomed heavy in Alaska's political landscape, though the increasing population in Southcentral Alaska has led to a diminishment of its influence since the 1980s. Carved out of a single Redwood Anglers will love Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." Go out on one of the many fishing charters to cast for these famous Alaskan fish. Walk Through the Tongass Historical Museum 7. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. #ketchikan #ketchikanalaska #creekstreet #alaska #visitalaska #visitketchikan #historic #sunset #cloudporn #nature #sky #home #mybackyard #happy #grateful #explore #beauty #clouds #landscape #landscapephotography #skyphotography #igers #igdaily, Scroll for a portal into our carb loading adventures in Ketchikan and on the ferry to Prince of Wales Island. Step inside the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and three large totems greet you in the lobby while a school of silver salmon, suspended from the ceiling, beckons you into a re-created rainforest. Its abundant salmon population and nearby mines attracted a few additional arrivals to the area. The area near the mouth of Ketchikan Creek earned Ketchikan a measure of infamy during the first half of the 20th century for a red-light district known as Creek Street, with brothels aligned on either side of the creek. #Alaska #Explore #ExploreAlaska #Travel #Nature #Landscape #mountains #LoveAlaska #TheAlaskaLife #PNWLife #PacificNorthwest #AlaskaSummer #Summer #June #Weather #ItsAmazingOutThere #PNW #Ketchikan #49thState #HikeAlaska #skyporn #SoutheastAlaska #Hiking #Summertime #PNWonderland #Island #Hike, Rainforest Zipline Canopy Tour! At mid-century, as overfishing and other factors depleted the salmon runs, a large pulp mill went into operation, and Ketchikan boomed again. Ketchikan is the fifth-most populous city in Alaska with a population of more than 14,000. Take the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Fishermen's Tour 4. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The campus is located on the uphill side of Ketchikan's West End neighborhood and consists of two buildings, the Paul Building and the Ziegler Building. Hunting-wise, youll find Sitka blacktail deer, mountain goats, and black bears in the area. [18] There were 3,731 housing units at an average density of 848.0 per square mile (327.4/km2). On a sea kayaking tour, you can explore the waters on a 3- or 5-hour excursion. Take a day cruise to experience the largest intact coastal rainforest in America or take a water taxi and kayak among glacial ice. The median age was 36.7 years. Travelers will be entertained at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Every year, Ketchikan and Kanayama exchange one teacher each to instruct middle-school level language classes in their respective tongues. Summer is the season to see the annual salmon migration. Ketchikan also serves as the departure point for side trips to Prince of Wales Island, Annette Island, numerous bear-viewing sites, and one of the areas most impressive attractions: Misty Fjords National Monument. #alaska #ketchikan #royalcaribbean #cruise #travelpostcovid #travelwithftc #seattle, Went hiking and saw this bear getting his dinner to go #Alaska #AlaskaLife #Ketchikan #Bear #ToGo #Hiking #SettlersCove, Top 5 PLACES in the US to visit TOTEM POLES. Jenn Brown is the founder of Foraged & Found, a specialty food company based in Ketchikan, Alaska, that crafts delicious treats from wild-foraged ingredients. Instead, if youre moving to Ketchikan, get yourself 1) a pair of solid waterproof boots, like XTRATUFs and 2) a water-repellant rain jacketa serious one, like a Carhartt. Rodney Dial is the current Mayor of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska. Travel Alaska is a registered trademark of Alaska Travel Industry Association. There are also several campgrounds and RV parks just outside of town. Monthly travel tips, highlights, and savings! It might be a quieter one than youre used to, and it might be a wetter one, too. Women were leaders in this and many other Alaska towns. A cruise to Alaska takes you to many locations where you can see these beautiful works of art in person. Ketchikan has one over-the-air broadcast television station, KUBD (TV), Channel 13 digital and 4 visual, a CBS network affiliate. In fact, Ketchikan is also known as Salmon Capital of the World for its abundant fishing opportunities. Ketchikan is known as the "First City" of Alaska. [29], The Misty Fiords National Monument is one of the area's major attractions, and the Tongass National Forest has long been headquartered in Ketchikan, mostly in the city's historic Federal Building. Saxman Totem Park This pedestrian boardwalk is built on wooden pilings above Ketchikan Creek. . Stretching 31 miles long but never more than 10 blocks wide, Ketchikan is centered on Tongass Avenue. Salmon Capital of the World, Rain Capital of Alaska, Alaska's First City, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, List of twin towns and sister cities in the United States, National Register of Historic Places listings in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska, Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, "Alaska Taxable 2011: Municipal Taxation - Rates and Policies", "2020 Census Data - Cities and Census Designated Places", "SitNews - Ketchikan took shape 120 years ago by DAVE KIFFER", "Eleven historic places in America that desperately need saving", "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Ketchikan city, Alaska", "U.S.

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