Visit Ketchikan

The best family memories aren't made on a screen—they're made exploring the trails, towering trees, and wild beauty of the Tongass National Forest together. It's time to start planning your trip to .

You know black bears are powerful, but did you also know they're incredibly patient and deliberate? During salmon season, they don't just catch the first fish that swims by. Bears often wait for the biggest salmon—or later in the season, eat only the fattiest parts—because that's where they get the most energy to prepare for winter.
Seeing wild black bears during the salmon run is one of those unforgettable experiences that brings visitors to .
If seeing wild black bears has been on your bucket list, there's no better place than Ketchikan. Start planning your trip today.

"For over a week, teams and boats have been traversing the 750-mile span of water between Washington state and Alaska, and they've been doing it with no engines. It's part of a human- and wind-powered competition known as the Race to Alaska. The winning team crossed the finish line last night, and KRBD's Hunter Morrison was there to greet them." Race To Alaska

Boaters compete in 750-mile race... with no engines For the "Race to Alaska," intrepid boaters compete in a 750-mile no-engine boat race from Washington state to Alaska.

R2AK: Northbound Nutters Video by Ryder Booth

Known as Kichxáan in the Tlingit language, Ketchikan stands on the ancestral homeland of the Tlingit people, whose connection to these lands and waters stretches back more than 10,000 years.

That enduring relationship continues to shape our community today, and this rich Indigenous heritage is at the heart of what makes Ketchikan such a meaningful destination for visitors from around the world.

We encourage those visiting Ketchikan to take time to learn about the Indigenous peoples who have called this place home since time immemorial and to approach cultural sites with curiosity, appreciation, and most importantly, respect.

We are grateful to our Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian neighbors for the knowledge, traditions, and stories they continue to share. Throughout Ketchikan, totem poles serve as powerful reminders of the stories, responsibilities, and identities that have been carried forward across generations. For the Alaskan Native peoples of Southeast, these carvings reflect living traditions and cultural knowledge that remain deeply important today. As the Ketchikan Indian Community has shared, they are "not relics of the past" but "part of living cultures that continue today."

We invite all who visit Ketchikan to honor that legacy and deepen their understanding of the cultures that have shaped this place for thousands of years.

Gunalchéesh. Thank you.

It’s The Race To Alaska time! Do you know the Race to Alaska?!?! It’s a grueling 750 mile race from Port Townsend, Washington to . But the really grueling part? There’s absolutely no motor allowed!

Ask visitors what they remember most about Ketchikan and Creek Street is usually near the top. Historic boardwalks, colorful buildings, and salmon swimming through the creek below. Is the year you come to Alaska? Start planning now at https://www.visitktn.com

Let’s talk about what to pack! 💼
Ketchikan is nestled in the heart of a temperate rainforest, which means one thing: rain is part of the experience. While we don’t see a lot of sunshine, the misty skies and lush landscapes are part of what makes this place magical.

Pack for the weather, not the forecast—layers, waterproof shoes, and that trusty rain jacket will be your best friends. Check out this fun photo from to Sea Expedition Co to plan like a local.

🌧️🌲