Ketchikan, Alaska is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” due to its abundant salmon runs and thriving commercial fishing industry. But beyond fishing, Ketchikan also offers spectacular natural scenery and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.
| Park Name | Features | Activities | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ward Lake | Rainforest setting, lake | Picnicking, hiking, fishing | Family-friendly atmosphere |
| Totem Bight State Park | Tlingit and Haida totem poles | Sightseeing, educational tours | Rich Native Alaskan history |
| Settlers Cove State Recreation Area | Beach, rainforest, waterfall | Camping, hiking, wildlife viewing | Scenic natural beauty |
| Refuge Cove State Recreation Site | Beach, picnic areas | Beachcombing, picnicking | Accessible outdoor relaxation |
| Rotary Beach | Beach, wetlands | Bird watching, beach activities | Wildlife and scenic views |
| Saxman Totem Park | Totem poles, clan house | Cultural exploration, photography | Insight into Tlingit culture |
| Deer Mountain Trail | Challenging hiking trail, mountain views | Hiking, mountaineering | Panoramic views of Ketchikan |
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Ketchikan is by visiting its many scenic parks and green spaces. From major attractions like Saxman Totem Park to small neighborhood playgrounds, Ketchikan has a diverse collection of parks that allow you to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the area’s native culture.
This article will highlight 12 of the can’t-miss parks to check out during your visit to Ketchikan.
Ward Lake Recreation Area
Name and Location: Ward Lake Recreation Area is located in Ketchikan, Alaska, just a short drive from downtown. The recreation area is situated around Ward Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by lush forest and towering mountains.
History and Significance: Ward Lake Recreation Area has been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike for many years. The lake was named after a local resident, Frank Ward, who homesteaded in the area in the early 1900s. The recreation area was established in the 1960s and has since become a beloved spot for outdoor activities and nature appreciation.
What to Expect: Visitors to Ward Lake Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and bird watching. The recreation area features several well-maintained trails that wind through the forest and along the lakeshore, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and is a popular spot for fishing. There are also several picnic areas and shelters available for visitors to use.
Visitor Information: Ward Lake Recreation Area is open year-round, although some facilities may be closed during the winter months. The recreation area is easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot available for visitors. There are also several bus routes that stop near the recreation area. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy shoes and warm layers. The recreation area is family-friendly and offers a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Ketchikan.
Ward Lake Recreation Area covers over 625 acres just north of downtown Ketchikan. The main feature of the park is the beautiful Ward Lake, which offers visitors excellent fishing opportunities. You’ll find all five species of Pacific salmon here as well as steelhead, cutthroat trout, and Dolly Varden char. The lake has an accessible boardwalk trail that winds through the lakeside forest, offering stunning views of the calm waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.
For those seeking adventure, Ward Lake Recreation Area has over 15 miles of hiking trails. The trails vary from easy loops perfect for a relaxing stroll to challenging routes with steep inclines and scenic viewpoints of the Ketchikan area. You can spend anywhere from 20 minutes to a full day exploring the well-maintained trails. Along the way, watch for local wildlife like black-tailed deer, brown bears, and bald eagles.
The recreation area also maintains a large campground perfect for RV and tent camping. The campground has restrooms, barbecue pits, and direct access to Ward Lake. It serves as an excellent base camp to enjoy a few days fishing, hiking, and soaking in the beautiful scenery.
Saxman Totem Park
Name and Location: Saxman Totem Park is located in the village of Saxman, just a short drive south of Ketchikan, Alaska. The park is situated on the shores of Tongass Narrows and features a stunning collection of traditional Tlingit totem poles.
History and Significance: Saxman Totem Park was established in the 1930s as a way to preserve and showcase the traditional art and culture of the Tlingit people. The totem poles in the park were carved by Tlingit artists and represent important cultural stories and legends. The park has become an important cultural landmark and a testament to the rich history and heritage of the Tlingit people.
What to Expect: Visitors to Saxman Totem Park can explore the beautiful grounds and marvel at the intricate carvings on the totem poles. The park features a walking trail that winds through the forest and along the shore, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also learn about the history and cultural significance of the totem poles through guided tours and interpretive signage. The park also features a carving shed where visitors can watch Tlingit artists at work.
Visitor Information: Saxman Totem Park is open year-round, although some facilities may be closed during the winter months. The park is easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot available for visitors. There are also several bus routes that stop near the park. Admission to the park is free, although guided tours are available for a fee. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy shoes and warm layers. The park is family-friendly and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people.
A trip to Ketchikan isn’t complete without a visit to the world-famous Saxman Totem Park to see the largest collection of standing totem poles in Alaska. Located just 2.5 miles south of downtown Ketchikan, this beautifully manicured park displays over 30 towering totem poles as well as a traditional native clan house. As you wander along the scenic trails, you’ll glimpse into the rich culture of southeast Alaska’s Tlingit people.
Skilled native carvers crafted all of the totem poles on display from towering Western red cedars over the last 100 years. Each pole tells a symbolic story or depicts tribal lore relating to a certain clan, family, or historic event. You can take a self-guided audio tour to learn the fascinating meaning behind each totem as you admire the colorful carved images of bears, eagles, whales, and other creatures.
Be sure to visit the Beaver Clan House to see an impressive example of a traditional spruce timber and cedar bark tribal house. Also used as a gathering place for cultural activities, the clan house features more carvings and Native artwork to represent the history of Saxman Village. Whether you take lots of photos or just stroll quietly while taking in the culture, Saxman Totem Park is an unforgettable experience.
Herring Cove Recreation Area
Name and Location: Herring Cove Recreation Area is located just south of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the scenic Tongass Highway. The recreation area is situated on the shores of Herring Cove, a beautiful bay surrounded by lush forest and towering mountains.
History and Significance: Herring Cove has long been an important location for the Tlingit people, who have used the area for fishing and gathering for generations. The recreation area was established in the 1980s as a way to provide public access to the beautiful natural surroundings and to encourage outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.
What to Expect: Visitors to Herring Cove Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The recreation area features several well-maintained trails that wind through the forest and along the shoreline, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The cove is a popular spot for fishing, with several species of salmon and other fish available depending on the season. There are also several picnic areas and shelters available for visitors to use.
Visitor Information: Herring Cove Recreation Area is open year-round, although some facilities may be closed during the winter months. The recreation area is easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot available for visitors. There are also several bus routes that stop near the recreation area. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy shoes and warm layers. The recreation area is family-friendly and offers a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Ketchikan.
Covering 120 acres at the north end of Ketchikan, Herring Cove Recreation Area provides scenic ocean access, camping facilities, hiking trails, and ample fishing opportunities both on land and on the water. Located conveniently close to downtown Ketchikan, the park features several public use cabins perched cliffside overlooking Herring Cove. Large windows and observatory decks on each cabin allow you to soak in panoramic views of Tongass Narrows as you keep watch for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions and other marine mammals often sighted here.
With a protected sandy beach, Herring Cove also serves as an excellent place for launching kayaks, canoes, or standup paddleboards to paddle around the calm harbor waters. Fishermen can try their luck casting from shore or you can use the boat launch to embark on a fishing adventure for salmon, halibut or rockfish around the bay’s kelp beds and rocky reefs.
Several hiking trails weave through lush coastal rainforest, allowing visitors to explore the park’s forests and scan for eagles’ nests high up in the abundant shore pines. Whether you come just for a picnic lunch and beachcombing or stay a few days camping and kayaking, Herring Cove Recreation Area lets you tap into Ketchikan’s spectacular natural scenic beauty.
Settlers’ Cove State Recreation Area
Name and Location: Settlers’ Cove State Recreation Area is located just north of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the scenic Tongass Highway. The recreation area is situated on the shores of Clover Passage, a beautiful stretch of water surrounded by lush forest and rugged coastline.
History and Significance: Settlers’ Cove has a rich history dating back to the early days of European settlement in Alaska. The cove was named after a group of settlers who arrived in the area in the late 1800s, seeking to establish a new life in the rugged wilderness. Today, the recreation area serves as a testament to the hard work and determination of those early pioneers.
What to Expect: Visitors to Settlers’ Cove State Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, beachcombing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The recreation area features several well-maintained trails that wind through the forest and along the shoreline, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The cove is a popular spot for beachcombing, with a variety of sea life and other natural treasures washing up on shore. There are also several picnic areas and shelters available for visitors to use.
Visitor Information: Settlers’ Cove State Recreation Area is open year-round, although some facilities may be closed during the winter months. The recreation area is easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot available for visitors. There are also several bus routes that stop near the recreation area. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy shoes and warm layers. The recreation area is family-friendly and offers a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Ketchikan.
Nestled along the picturesque Tongass Narrows just a 10-minute drive north of downtown Ketchikan lies the serene 135-acre Settlers’ Cove State Recreation Area. The protected cove serves as an excellent place for launching kayaks and standup paddleboards thanks to a wave-shielded rocky beach and nearby parking.
Once on the water, paddle around the buoyed inlet while admiring views of Deer Mountain high above the evergreen coastline. Often described as providing a sample of quintessential “Alaskan scenery,” the calm waters make for a family-friendly place for beginners to practice kayaking before embarking on longer adventures.
The recreation area also features a scenic coastal loop hiking trail that winds 1.5-miles through thick coastal rainforest. Shaded much of the way by a canopy of spruce and hemlock, keep your eyes peeled for colorful mushrooms and berry patches along the path.
Several side trails branch down to the shore, leading to secluded rocky beaches where you may spot sea stars, sand dollars and tidal pools during low tides. Interpretive signs explain some of the area’s natural and cultural history.
With plenty of picnic tables scattered around the park’s emerald lawn, the recreation area makes an excellent spot for a cookout lunch while taking in gorgeous panoramic views of Revilla Island across the channel. Visitors also frequently see bald eagles, seals and sometimes even whales frolicking along the forested shores.
Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area
Name and Location: Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area is located just south of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the scenic Tongass Highway. The recreation area is situated on the shores of Shoemaker Bay, a beautiful cove surrounded by lush forest and steep mountain cliffs.
History and Significance: Shoemaker Bay has long been an important location for the Tlingit people, who have used the area for fishing and gathering for generations. The recreation area was established in the 1970s as a way to provide public access to the beautiful natural surroundings and to encourage outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.
What to Expect: Visitors to Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. The recreation area features several well-maintained trails that wind through the forest and along the shoreline, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The bay is a popular spot for fishing, with several species of salmon and other fish available depending on the season. There are also several boat launches available for visitors who want to explore the bay by water. The recreation area also features a campground with several sites available for tent and RV camping.
Visitor Information: Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area is open year-round, although some facilities may be closed during the winter months. The recreation area is easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot available for visitors. There are also several bus routes that stop near the recreation area. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy shoes and warm layers. The recreation area is family-friendly and offers a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Ketchikan. Camping reservations can be made through the Alaska State Parks website.
Surrounded by lush rainforest just 5 miles north of downtown Ketchikan lies Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area, an excellent place for camping, fishing, kayaking and hiking along serene coastal inlets. The 92-acre day-use area centers around Shoemaker Bay and Clover Passage, which connects to the wider Tongass Narrows.
With convenient direct access to sheltered bay waters, the park contains a popular boat launch allowing easy passage for small watercrafts like kayaks, canoes and skiffs into the island-dotted channels where you can paddle to quiet coves and rocky shores.
Several public use cabins occupy prime locations with deck seating to take in panoramic views of Revilla Island and Tongass Channel. Nearby hiking trails weave through forests filled with impressive stands of western hemlock, Sitka spruce and western red cedar, where eagles and ravens soar between the emerald canopy. A tall viewing platform at the end of Shoemaker Bay Road lets you scan over the boats moored down below while watching for soaring eagles, leaping salmon and even the occasional whale.
With unspoiled island scenery in every direction, Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area lets you immerse in the tranquility of southeast Alaska while paddle a kayak just minutes from downtown Ketchikan civilization.
Thomas Basin Day Use Area
Name and Location: Thomas Basin Day Use Area is located in the heart of downtown Ketchikan, Alaska, along the historic Creek Street boardwalk. The day use area is situated on the shores of Thomas Basin, a small harbor surrounded by shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
History and Significance: Thomas Basin has played an important role in Ketchikan’s history, serving as a hub for fishing, transportation, and commerce for over a century. The day use area was established in the 1990s as a way to provide public access to the waterfront and to encourage visitors to explore the historic downtown area.
What to Expect: Visitors to Thomas Basin Day Use Area can enjoy a variety of activities, including picnicking, people-watching, and exploring the historic Creek Street boardwalk. The day use area features several picnic tables and benches where visitors can relax and take in the scenery. The boardwalk is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, offering a unique glimpse into Ketchikan’s past and present. Visitors can also watch the boats coming and going from the harbor and learn about the area’s rich maritime history.
Visitor Information: Thomas Basin Day Use Area is open year-round, although some nearby businesses may have seasonal hours. The day use area is easily accessible on foot from downtown Ketchikan, with several parking lots and bus routes available nearby. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including comfortable walking shoes and rain gear. The day use area is family-friendly and offers a great opportunity to experience the unique charm and character of downtown Ketchikan.
Boasting beautiful views over Thomas Basin harbor, this scenic 25-acre park lies just 8 miles north of downtown Ketchikan. The area offers excellent access for launching kayaks, stand up paddleboards and skiffs directly into the calm harbor waters protected from waves and wind.
Paddle around small wooded islands and islets while soaking in stunning mountain vistas all around. The park also features covered picnic areas along with a kids’ playground, making it a great spot for a relaxing family picnic.
Several short hiking trails branch through the rainforest and along the rocky shores, leading to secluded beaches and coves. Wander beneath the thick forest canopy while watching for soaring eagles, leaping salmon, and lumbering black bears that frequent this area. At low tide, explore the tide pools and scan the seaweed piles for lurking crabs, sea stars and anemones.
With conveniently located restrooms, picnic facilities and easy access to safe paddling waters, Thomas Basin Day Use Area serves as a favorite hub for visitors seeking Ketchikan’s famous mountain-framed island scenery while enjoying a wide selection of outdoor recreation opportunities suitable for all ages.
Refuge Cove State Recreation Site
Name and Location: Refuge Cove State Recreation Site is located on the western shore of Revilla Island, about 20 miles north of Ketchikan, Alaska. The recreation site is situated in a remote and rugged area of the Tongass National Forest, accessible only by boat or floatplane.
History and Significance: Refuge Cove has a long and storied history, serving as a haven for fishermen, hunters, and other travelers for generations. The cove was named by early settlers who sought refuge from the storms and rough seas of the Pacific Ocean. Today, the recreation site serves as a testament to the rugged beauty and rich natural history of the Tongass National Forest.
What to Expect: Visitors to Refuge Cove State Recreation Site can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The recreation site features a small campground with several rustic sites available for tent camping. The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and other species. Visitors can also explore the rugged coastline and lush temperate rainforest on foot, with several hiking trails available in the area.
Visitor Information: Refuge Cove State Recreation Site is open year-round, although access may be limited during the winter months due to weather conditions. The recreation site is accessible only by boat or floatplane, with several charter companies offering transportation from Ketchikan. Visitors should be prepared for remote and rugged conditions, with limited facilities and services available. It is important to bring all necessary gear and supplies, including food, water, and appropriate clothing and equipment for the weather and terrain. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for bear encounters and take appropriate precautions, such as storing food properly and making noise while hiking.
Refuge Cove State Recreation Site occupies nearly 50 acres on the eastern shore of Revillagigedo Island, a remote area lacking road access across Tongass Narrows from Ketchikan. The raw, undeveloped park only accessible by boat or floatplane features a scenic three-mile hiking trail that loops along the rocky forested shoreline, crosses several streams and climbs up to an open muskeg meadow with panoramic views over Tongass Channel.
Since no roads lead to the recreation site, the area provides a true wilderness experience in solitude and tranquility less than 20 miles from downtown Ketchikan.
The recreation site contains eight basic campsites and a three-sided public-use shelter along the gravel shoreline and serves as a popular camping destination for locals with private boats or visiting kayakers and canoeists willing to make the long paddle across the channel. Visitors should come prepared as no amenities exist aside from pit toilets and picnic tables.
The secluded coastal location adjacent to steep mountainous terrain backing a deep U-shaped glacial valley creates excellent habitat for wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for soaring bald eagles, wandering black bears, spawning salmon, seals and sea lions along the forested shoreline. With motorized boats prohibited, the only sounds come from the lapping waves, singing birds and blowing wind across the open water.
Dude Mountain Recreation Area
Name and Location: Dude Mountain Recreation Area is located just north of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the scenic Tongass Highway. The recreation area is situated on the slopes of Dude Mountain, a prominent peak overlooking the surrounding forest and waterways.
History and Significance: Dude Mountain has long been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the Ketchikan area, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The recreation area was established in the 1990s as a way to provide public access to the mountain and to encourage outdoor recreation and nature appreciation.
What to Expect: Visitors to Dude Mountain Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The recreation area features several well-maintained trails that wind through the forest and up the mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry hikes, offering something for visitors of all skill levels. There are also several picnic areas and viewpoints available for visitors to use.
Visitor Information: Dude Mountain Recreation Area is open year-round, although some trails may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice. The recreation area is easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot available for visitors. There are also several bus routes that stop near the recreation area. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking shoes and warm layers. It is also important to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available in the recreation area. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for bear encounters and take appropriate precautions, such as making noise while hiking and carrying bear spray.
Covering over 800 acres of wilderness at the far southern end Ketchikan’s road system, Dude Mountain Recreation Area provides excellent hiking, fishing and camping opportunities. The centerpiece of the park looms right behind the main parking lot. Dude Mountain’s summit tops out at over 3,000 feet, providing panoramic views across Revilla Island’s remote southern forests and waterways far below.
A well-maintained switchback trail climbs 1.4 miles up the flank of the mountain to reach the scenic overlook, gaining nearly 1,400 feet in elevation. The steep route passes through thick rainforest before emerging onto rocky alpine slopes. Plan at least 3 hours roundtrip to allow sufficient time to safely make the strenuous hike. The park also features several much easier nature trails leading through the forests and along creek beds flowing with clear glacial waters.
In the shadow of soaring Dude Mountain, visitors will also find a peaceful campground perfect as a home base for exploring the trails. The campground provides tent sites and RV hookups along Ward Creek and sits adjacent to Ward Lake, which offers great rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing. With gorgeous scenery and endless outdoor adventures, Dude Mountain Recreation Area lets you tap into true Alaskan wilderness less than 13 miles from downtown Ketchikan.
Rotary Beach Park & Seawalk
Name and Location: Rotary Beach Park & Seawalk is located in the heart of downtown Ketchikan, Alaska, along the scenic waterfront. The park and seawalk are situated on the shores of Tongass Narrows, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.
History and Significance: Rotary Beach Park & Seawalk were established in the 1990s as a way to provide public access to the waterfront and to encourage visitors to explore the downtown area. The park and seawalk are named after the Ketchikan Rotary Club, which played a key role in their development and maintenance. Today, the park and seawalk are a beloved community gathering place and a popular destination for visitors to Ketchikan.
What to Expect: Visitors to Rotary Beach Park & Seawalk can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking, picnicking, and people-watching. The seawalk is a paved path that winds along the waterfront, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the bustling harbor. The park features several benches and picnic tables where visitors can relax and take in the scenery. There are also several interpretive signs along the seawalk that provide information about the area’s history and natural environment.
Visitor Information: Rotary Beach Park & Seawalk are open year-round, although some nearby businesses may have seasonal hours. The park and seawalk are easily accessible on foot from downtown Ketchikan, with several parking lots and bus routes available nearby. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear, including comfortable walking shoes and rain gear. The park and seawalk are family-friendly and offer a great opportunity to experience the unique charm and character of downtown Ketchikan. There are also several nearby restaurants and shops where visitors can grab a bite to eat or browse for souvenirs.
Conveniently located right along downtown Ketchikan’s bustling waterfront, Rotary Beach Park and Seawalk lets visitors enjoy beautiful scenery paired with easy walking access to shops, restaurants, galleries and harborside attractions. The meticulously landscaped park centers around a pretty green space dotted with benches and totem pole displays, which sits surrounded on three sides by the ocean waters of Tongass Narrows.
The well-maintained boardwalk trail known locally as the Seawalk winds for nearly one mile along the scenic waterfront, connecting Rotary Beach Park to both Thomas Basin Harbor and the Bugges Ferry Terminal where you can catch sightseeing boats for wildlife and fishing charters. Colorful native artwork adorns the Seawalk while interpretive signs explain about Ketchikan’s native heritage and natural history.
Thanks to the wave-protected waters of Tongass Narrows, Rotary Beach also serves as a popular swimming area during Ketchikan’s few warm summer months. Outside of summer, the park makes an excellent viewing area for watching cruise ships glide by against a backdrop of mountainous Revilla Island. The blend of easy walking access, downtown convenience, rich culture and Alaska’s famed natural beauty make Rotary Beach Park and Seawalk a must-visit Ketchikan attraction.
Saxman Beach Park
Name and Location: Saxman Beach Park is located in the village of Saxman, just a short drive south of Ketchikan, Alaska. The park is situated on the shores of Tongass Narrows, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.
History and Significance: Saxman Beach Park has long been an important gathering place for the Tlingit people, who have used the area for fishing, gathering, and other cultural activities for generations. The park was established in the 1970s as a way to provide public access to the waterfront and to encourage visitors to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people.
What to Expect: Visitors to Saxman Beach Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including beachcombing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Owned by the Organized Village of Saxman, Saxman Beach Park makes a great addition to any visit to the Saxman Totem Park just around the bay. The two attractions sit just 2.5 miles south of downtown Ketchikan along Tongass Highway. Saxman Beach Park centers around a half-mile gravel loop trail tracing the forested shoreline. Wandering along the level path, you’ll enjoy periodic views across Clarence Strait to wooded Revilla Island and be able to scan the walking trail.
Rustic staircases down the bank in a few spots allow access to secluded rocky intertidal areas during lower tides. Locals frequently comb these protected coves for everywhere from sea stars and anemones Blanketed in seaweed. Thanks to the abundance of nutrients washing out of Nichols Passage, ample kelp and seaweed growth supports all kinds of small marine creatures. Across the inlet sits undeveloped Gravina Island, still occupied primarily by undisturbed coastal rainforest.
With picnic tables and barbecue grills available, Saxman Beach also makes an excellent setting for a salmon bake feast after taking in the rich native culture highlighted at Saxman Totem Parkjust around the corner.
Steve R. Creech Memorial Park
Steve R. Creech Memorial Park perches on a scenic hillside just across Tongass Narrows from Gravina Island, providing excellent views over Nichols Passage. The small neighborhood park located 5 miles south from downtown Ketchikan makes a great spot for a picnic or place to let the kids burn off some excess energy.
Amenities include barbecue grills plus a large playground area with climbing structures, swings, play forts and more. Paved and gravel walking paths loop through the wooded park, leading over to several overlooks with panoramic views. Scenic benches line the shoreline.
Keep your eyes peeled for not only boat traffic motoring through the pass but also for soaring eagles, leaping whales, seals and sea lions. During strong ebb tides, you can watch turbulent whirlpools and standing waves churn below as volumes of water empty from Revilla Island’s bays and channels out into wider Tongass Narrows.
The park serves as an excellent area for launching kayaks thanks to wave protection from passing boat wakes provided by the breakwater surrounding the ramp. Paddling around Gravina Island’s forested shores allows opportunities to glimpse humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and often black bears wandering the intertidal beaches.
With gorgeous scenery, wildlife viewing and plenty of family-friendly amenities, Steve R. Creech Memorial Park makes a convenient outdoor playground located practically in Ketchikan’s backyard.
Conclusion
Ketchikan serves up spectacular scenery and adventure opportunities perfect for Alaskan coastal wilderness yet contains plenty of creature comforts as a thriving tourist community. One of the best ways to fully experience the richness of Ketchikan’s culture, scenic beauty and outdoor recreation is by visiting its diverse collection of parks.
These 12 parks highlighted above give just a sample of the riches that await when you plan ample time during your Ketchikan travels to connect with the area’s vibrant natural landscape. From awe-inspiring mountain vistas to tranquil rainforest trails to up-close encounters with impressive tribal totem poles, Ketchikan’s parks help infuse your southeast Alaskan getaway with memories that will last a lifetime.