Ketchikan cruise port guide: Creek Street and totem poles

Ketchikan calls itself the salmon capital of the world and the totem pole capital of the world, and it makes an easy, characterful cruise stop: the ship docks close to a downtown that packs boardwalks, history and rainforest into a few walkable blocks.

Where you dock

Cruise berths sit along the waterfront right by the centre, so most ships let you walk straight into town. When several ships are in, some may tie up farther along the pier, but the walk is still short and flat — you're never more than a few minutes from the centre.

Because you dock so close, Ketchikan is one of the best Alaska ports for an independent day — no shuttle required.

Creek Street

Creek Street is the most photographed spot in town: a wooden boardwalk built over the creek, lined with colourful former houses that once formed the city's red-light district. Today it's shops, galleries and a small museum, and in season you may see salmon running in the creek below. The boardwalk is short, but it's the town's signature photo and worth lingering over.

Totem poles

Ketchikan has the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. The main places to see them:

• Totem Bight State Historical Park — north of town, with poles in a rainforest setting.
• Saxman Native Village — home to a famous clan house and carving tradition.
• Totem Heritage Center — in town, with original historic poles.

The carving tradition is still alive, and some sites have working carvers you can watch.

Misty Fjords

Misty Fjords National Monument is the big-ticket excursion from Ketchikan, reached by floatplane or boat. It's dramatic granite scenery and often a highlight — but it takes most of a call, so decide between it and spending time in town. Flights are weather dependent; boat trips are the steadier fallback.

Rainforest on the doorstep

Ketchikan sits inside the Tongass National Forest, so rainforest is never far from the dock. Short walks such as the Married Man's Trail or the paths around the Salmon Ladder let you see the trees, the creek and the salmon without a long excursion.

Salmon and timing

• Salmon are most visible in the creeks and streams in late summer.
• The town is compact: two to three hours covers Creek Street and the centre comfortably.
• Excursions to Misty Fjords or totem parks need most of the day.

Practical tips

Ketchikan is one of the rainiest places in Alaska, and rain is normal and rarely stops anything. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes, consider a hood or umbrella for the boardwalk, and keep electronics covered on boat or plane trips.

• Book Misty Fjords flights and totem tours ahead in peak season.
• Use the free-time in town well: it's small, so you can see a lot on foot.
• Try local salmon — it's the town's signature food.
• See our Alaska cruise guide and the nearby ports of Juneau and Skagway.