Have a limited time in Ketchikan? Then this one day itinerary is for you. If you only have one day to spend in Ketchikan, AK here’s exactly what you should do to make the most of your time.
1 Day Itinerary
Coffee and Breakfast at Brewed Awakening
You are going to need to start off your day right and get fueled up for your adventures. Grab the signature drink The Brewed Awakening from this drive thru coffee spot. Don’t worry if you are on foot, you can walk up too. Brewed Awakening also has a nice section of bagels and muffins, perfect grab and go!
Morning hike on Rainbird Trail
Ketchikan is surrounded by the beautiful Tongass National Forest. There are quite a few hiking trails that start right in town. The Rainbird Trail is a short hike that has a moderate rating on the AllTrails app. The trail takes you up through the rainforest to an overlook of Ketchikan. I highly recommend making sure you have the AllTrails app so that you can keep track of the trail as it is not actively maintained.
Lunch at Alaska Fish House
Back in town, head over to Alaska Fish House for some fish tacos and a great view of the harbor. Watch the fog roll in and out through the mountains.
Creek Street
After lunch head over to Creek Street. Once Ketchikan’s red light district, this street (more of a boardwalk) is now home to galleries, shops, and restaurants. It’s colorful and quaint. Be sure to keep your eyes on the creek because you may be able to spot seals hunting for salmon as the fish make their way up the creek to the hatchery.
Married Man’s Trail
As you walk along Creek Street you will come upon Married Man’s Trail. This was once the escape route of men wanting to avoid police raids on the brothels. This is a short trail that will lead you right to a salmon ladder. If you are there at the right time of the year you will be able to see the salmon making their way up the ladder to the hatchery upstream. You can continue your walk further along the creek and go right up to the hatchery.
Totem Bight State Park
Less than a 20 minute drive outside of Ketchikan is Totem Bight State Park. You can get here by either taking a ride share or the public bus. There are 14 totems that are on display as well as a clan house. The park is beautiful and located right on the water. Admission is $5 and on the honor system during the off-season so be sure to bring cash with you to drop in the pay box.
Dinner at Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House
Finish off your epic day in Ketchikan at Annabelle’s with a seafood dinner. Now, I’m not going to tell you how to live your life, because the whole menu is packed full of goodness, but be sure to at least order a cup of clam chowder.
