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1000 Airport Terminal Building, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a vibrant port city known for its rich Native heritage, stunning natural beauty, and as the gateway to the Southeast Alaska Panhandle. Whether you're visiting for a day on a cruise or spending more time to explore, here are the top five things to do in Ketchikan:
Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park: This park offers a glimpse into the Native cultures of the region. You can see beautifully carved totem poles and a traditional clan house, providing insight into the art, history, and culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. The park's setting along the water, surrounded by lush forest, adds to its serene beauty.
Explore Creek Street: Once the red-light district of Ketchikan, Creek Street is now a charming historic boardwalk lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Built along the banks of Ketchikan Creek, it offers picturesque views, especially when salmon are running upstream. The Dolly's House Museum, a former brothel, provides a quirky glimpse into the area's colorful past.
Take a Misty Fjords National Monument Flightseeing Tour: For breathtaking views of Alaska's natural beauty, a flightseeing tour of Misty Fjords National Monument is a must. These tours offer aerial views of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness areas that are otherwise inaccessible. The experience is unforgettable and provides a unique perspective on the vastness and beauty of the Alaskan landscape.
Go on a Bear Watching Expedition: Ketchikan is in close proximity to several areas where you can observe bears in their natural habitat. Organized tours can take you to places like Neets Bay or Herring Cove, where you have the opportunity to see black bears and sometimes grizzlies as they fish for salmon. These tours often provide insights into the behavior and ecology of these magnificent animals.
Enjoy the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: This entertaining show is a fun way to experience Alaska's logging history and culture. Competitors showcase their skills in chopping, sawing, tree climbing, and log rolling in a family-friendly atmosphere. It's an engaging way to learn about a significant aspect of the local heritage while enjoying some lively competition.
Ketchikan's mix of cultural history, natural beauty, and adventure makes it a fascinating destination for all types of travelers. Whether you're interested in the outdoors, wildlife, or learning about the rich cultural heritage of the area, there's something in Ketchikan for you.
Ketchikan International Airport is located on Gravina Island, just west of Ketchikan, in the state of Alaska, United States.
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is located on Gravina Island, just west of Ketchikan, Alaska. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and abundant wildlife. Near the airport, you can find several attractions and points of interest:
Ketchikan itself: A short ferry ride from the airport, Ketchikan is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and is famous for its rich Native American heritage, including totem poles scattered throughout the town.
Misty Fjords National Monument: Accessible by boat or floatplane tours from Ketchikan, this breathtaking wilderness area features dramatic cliffs, fjords, and waterfalls.
Tongass National Forest: Surrounding Ketchikan, this is the largest national forest in the United States, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Totem Bight State Historical Park: A short drive from Ketchikan, this park showcases beautifully carved totem poles and a traditional clan house, providing insight into the Native cultures of the region.
Saxman Native Village: Another nearby attraction where visitors can see one of the largest collections of totem poles and learn about the Tlingit culture.
Deer Mountain Trail: For those looking to stretch their legs after a flight, this trail offers a challenging hike with rewarding views of Ketchikan, the surrounding waterways, and islands.
Ward Lake: A peaceful spot for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area, located a short drive from Ketchikan.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: Located in Ketchikan, this center provides interactive exhibits on the region's natural history, cultures, and ecosystems.
Given the unique geography of the area, with the airport on Gravina Island and Ketchikan on the neighboring Revillagigedo Island, travelers typically use a ferry to transit between the airport and Ketchikan. This adds to the adventure and charm of visiting this part of Alaska.
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is located on Gravina Island, which is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) west of the city center of Ketchikan, Alaska. However, because it is separated from the city by the Tongass Narrows, access to the city center from the airport requires a ferry ride. The ferry ride from the airport to Ketchikan is short, typically taking about 7 minutes to cross.
Ketchikan International Airport (IATA: KTN), located in Ketchikan, Alaska, is a relatively small airport that primarily serves the southeastern region of Alaska. Despite its international designation, the airport mainly handles domestic flights. It is a crucial transportation hub for residents and visitors due to the geographic layout of the region, where many locations are accessible only by boat or plane.
The airport's traffic is seasonal, with the busiest period during the summer months when tourism to Alaska is at its peak. During this time, there is an increase in both scheduled commercial flights and general aviation activity, including private planes and seaplane operations. Ketchikan is a popular destination for tourists interested in outdoor activities, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of Alaska, which contributes to the seasonal spike in airport traffic.
Ketchikan International Airport serves as a vital link for residents of Ketchikan and the surrounding islands, providing connections to larger transportation hubs such as Seattle, Washington. The airport is accessible from Ketchikan via a short ferry ride, as it is located on Gravina Island, across the Tongass Narrows from the town itself.
While it may not be busy in comparison to major urban airports, Ketchikan International Airport plays a significant role in the region's transportation network. The volume of passengers and flights is substantial enough to support several daily flights by regional airlines, including Alaska Airlines, which provides the primary link to the rest of the United States. Additionally, the airport accommodates air cargo operations, emergency medical flights, and is a base for several air taxi and charter services that offer access to remote areas.
Given the unique transportation needs of Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan International Airport is considered busy within the context of its regional importance, especially during the tourist season. However, its overall passenger and flight volumes are much lower than those seen at major airports in larger cities.
