Exploring Alaska (Part Two)

Ketchikan is Alaska’s southeasternmost city.  Though small, only about 15,000 in year-round population, it has a colorful history and hosts some pretty spectacular sights.  If you are like me, you think Alaska is all about cold temperatures and glaciers; however, this is not entirely true!  Ketchikan is 700 miles north of Seattle but due to its location on the water it has a very similar climate.  Located close to the dock areas is a “liquid sunshine” gauge, it boasts about 150 inches of rain a year.  The main economic powerhouse in Ketchikan used to be the pulp mill but federal laws and regulations put an end to that around 1997.  This vibrant and interesting city has grown a new industry around tourism and fishing.  Running through the main section of town is a river that boasts a salmon run every year.  Each year they hold a competition to see who can catch the largest salmon from this river (in our terms it would be a large creek). 

Not to be missed in Ketchikan are the totem poles.  This is the largest collection in the world of standing totem poles.  They are scattered throughout Ketchikan in four major locations.  Each location has its own merits.  If you want to see preserved totems collected from abandoned villages around the region, then visit the Totem Heritage center.  Saxom Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park have mostly re-carved totems.  Either way, these totems are a beautiful representation of a culture that deserves further exploration.

Misty Fjords National Monument is another highlight of this area that is a must see.  If you have the time, you definitely should check it out.  Misty Fjords is located east of Ketchikan and boasts numerous carved sea outlets.  It has been compared to Yosemite due to the similar geology found there.  Located in part of the Tongass National Forest and part of the U.S. National Forest service, Misty Fjords showcases the typical land formations carved by glaciers.  The scenery is breathtaking and well worth the extra effort to get there.

We had the opportunity to take a boat ride that took us to view numerous eagles and their nests as well as a lighthouse and the totems that could be viewed from the water.  There are many ways to see Ketchikan the ones mentioned here are just a few.  If shopping is more your speed, that is available in the “downtown” area of Ketchikan and is within walking distance of the docks.

For more options of things to do in Alaska and in Ketchikan, consult your travel agent!