Ketchikan, at the entrance to the Inside Passage, is the salmon capital of the world and home to the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Here, you can stroll along Creek Street, fly over the Misty Fjords National Monument, and discover the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. It is the first city in Alaska for ships coming from the south. A city onthe Inside Passage. Best time to visit: June through early September.
Located at the southeastern tip of Alaska on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan is often the first town visitors encounter as they travel up the Inside Passage. Built on stilts between the rainforest and the sea, crisscrossed by wooden walkways and stairways, it grew thanks to salmon and timber.
As the state’s oldest incorporated city, it offers three main attractions: a vibrant Indigenous culture, legendary fishing, and access to Misty Fjords National Monument. This page provides details on totem poles, nature, activities, the season, and how to get there. It complements our guide tothe Inside Passage.
Why visit Ketchikan?
Ketchikan brings together many symbols of Southeast Alaska in one compact location. The city is home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles —a legacy of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples—which can be seen in its parks and heritage center. It’s also the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, a wild landscape of cliffs and waterfalls.
Nicknamed the “Salmon Capital of the World,” it offers world-renowned fishing and the spectacle of salmon running upstream beneath Creek Street. Add to that a dense rainforest—the Tongass National Forest—and a rich variety of wildlife, including bears and eagles. Ketchikan brings together nature and culture just minutes from the harbor.
What to Do in Ketchikan?
Here are the top things to do, from totem poles to fjords.
1. Admire the totem poles
Ketchikan boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles. The Totem Heritage Center preserves ancient totem poles salvaged from abandoned villages. Totem Bight State Historical Park, to the north, and the Tlingit village of Saxman, to the south, feature restored totem poles, clan houses, and active carving workshops.
2. Fly Over Misty Fjords
The Misty Fjords National Monument, east of Ketchikan, features cliffs over 900 meters high, waterfalls, and glacial fjords in the Tongass National Forest. With no roads, it can be explored by seaplane for a spectacular scenic flight or by boat, often with opportunities to spot marine wildlife.
3. Stroll down Creek Street and go fishing
Creek Street, a row of colorful houses on stilts overlooking Ketchikan Creek, is the historic heart of the city. In the summer, you can see salmon swimming upstream. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan offers fishing trips for all five Pacific salmon species, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts.
When is the best time to visit Ketchikan?
The peak season runs from June through early September—the liveliest time of year and the best for excursions, scenic flights, and fishing. The salmon run peaks from mid-July through mid-September, attracting eagles and bears.
Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in the United States, with about 150 inches of precipitation per year. Waterproof gear is essential in any season. Misty Fjords scenic flights are weather-dependent: be sure to allow for some flexibility. Check out our guide on when to visit Alaska.
| Period | Conditions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| June through early September | High season, rainy | Totem poles, scenic flights, fishing |
| Mid-July to mid-September | Salmon run | Fishing, bears, eagles |
| October through May | Off-season, very wet | Local atmosphere, fewer crowds |
How do you get to Ketchikan?
Ketchikan has an airport with flights from Seattle and major cities in Alaska. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry makes Ketchikan its first stop on the way up the Inside Passage, and the city is a major cruise port.
The historic district, Creek Street, and the museums are all within walking distance of the harbor. The totem poles outside the city center can be reached by shuttle, and scenic flights over Misty Fjords depart from the waterfront. Our team includes Ketchikan in anInside Passage tour. Check out our suggested itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketchikan
Where is Ketchikan located?
Ketchikan is located at the southeastern tip of Alaska, on Revillagigedo Island, at the entrance to the Inside Passage. As the first city in Alaska for ships coming from the south, it can be reached by plane, by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, or by cruise ship. It is the oldest incorporated city in the state.
Why is Ketchikan known as the “Totem Pole Capital”?
Ketchikan is home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. They can be seen at the Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Historical Park, and the Tlingit village of Saxman. The city is a major center for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of southeastern Alaska.
What is Misty Fjords?
Misty Fjords National Monument is a vast wilderness area in the Tongass National Forest, about 35 km east of Ketchikan. Its sheer cliffs—rising over 900 meters—waterfalls, and glacial fjords can be explored by seaplane or boat, as there are no roads.
Why is Ketchikan known as the “Salmon Capital”?
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” All five species of Pacific salmon migrate through its waters, making it a renowned fishing destination. During the season, salmon can be seen swimming upstream in Ketchikan Creek, beneath the famous Creek Street, attracting eagles and bears.
What is Creek Street?
Creek Street is a row of colorful houses on stilts, built over Ketchikan Creek. Once a segregated neighborhood until the 1950s, it is now a historic site lined with shops and galleries. In the summer, you can see salmon swimming upstream.
When is the best time to visit Ketchikan?
The season runs from June through early September, which is the liveliest time and best for excursions and fishing. Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in the United States, with about 150 inches of rain per year. Good waterproof gear is essential in any season.
Last updated: August 19, 2026.
About Terra Alaska
Terra Alaska is a local travel agency specializing in custom trips to Alaska and a member of the Terra Panamerica network. Our team designs itineraries tailored to each traveler, from national parks to winter expeditions under the Northern Lights. Discover our expertise as a local inbound travel agency.
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Sources
Travel Alaska (Ketchikan); U.S. Forest Service (Misty Fjords National Monument, Tongass National Forest); Alaska Marine Highway System.
