Tuesday
So Long Summer
Well, the cruise ships are about to leave our little town until next summer. Ketchikan had a wonderful summer with amazing weather. I was happy to sit on my deck and enjoy the sunshine last Sunday. Unfortunately, the leaves are falling and the rain has made its way back. Although I'm looking forward to a slower pace downtown, I will miss the sun's warming rays. Ketchikan is losing about five minutes of daylight per day. In a couple of months, Ketchikan will be a cold, dark, rainy drag...sigh.
Friday
A Night Out At The New York Cafe
My husband and I are taking time off from work to take a vacation in our town. At first we thought about using our time off to visit family in the lower 48. We quickly changed our minds when we saw the price of airfare. Then we thought about taking the ferry to Canada or Prince of Whales island to go camping. Then it started raining...I don't really like the rain when my only shelter is a nylon tent. So we decided that we could have a great time relaxing in our own town. It's given us the opportunity to be a tourist in our own town.
Tonight we enjoyed a movie at theTwin Coliseum movie theater. We rarely go to the movies because it's a small theater with only two movies to choose from. Tonight we finally found a movie that we were willing to pay $10 bucks for...why are movies so expensive these days??!
Afterward, we went to the New York Cafe' near Creek Street. It is a cute cafe' in downtown. They serve beer, wine, lattes, cappuccino, etc. They also have great paninis and sandwiches. Around 8pm a funky jazz band started playing and the local crowd started strolling in. The New York Cafe' has a great atmosphere with a cozy Alaskan feel to it. It's a great place to sit and "people watch." So far, I'm enjoying my Ketchikan vacation.
Tonight we enjoyed a movie at theTwin Coliseum movie theater. We rarely go to the movies because it's a small theater with only two movies to choose from. Tonight we finally found a movie that we were willing to pay $10 bucks for...why are movies so expensive these days??!
Afterward, we went to the New York Cafe' near Creek Street. It is a cute cafe' in downtown. They serve beer, wine, lattes, cappuccino, etc. They also have great paninis and sandwiches. Around 8pm a funky jazz band started playing and the local crowd started strolling in. The New York Cafe' has a great atmosphere with a cozy Alaskan feel to it. It's a great place to sit and "people watch." So far, I'm enjoying my Ketchikan vacation.
Monday
Favorite Bars in Ketchikan
There are definitely an abundance of bars in Ketchikan and you will be sure to find one that fits exactly what you are looking for. We have everything from wine bars to something similar to the "fine" establishment portrayed in the movie Road House with Patrick Swayze.
If you are looking for a smoke free place where you can grab a quick drink in relative comfort, I would recommend the following: 1) New York Cafe (beer and wine only); 2) Fat Stan's; or 3) Red Snapper. Out of these three, my favorite is the New York. It is across the street from Thomas Basin boat harbor and has plenty of room to sit down at a table.
Other options in this category would probably include Steamer's, Annabelle's, Cape Fox Lodge. Steamer's and Cape Fox have great views and offer food as well. Annabelle's and Steamer's are under the same ownership. They both serve 50oz. or 100oz. beer tubes (really cool).
Also, if smoke doesn't bother you, the Arctic Bar is located close to the tunnel in downtown and has a cool deck overlooking the water and cruise ship docks.
There are also plenty of other interesting little bars that you will find around downtown. I encourage you to walk around and find a place that suits your interests!
If you are looking for a smoke free place where you can grab a quick drink in relative comfort, I would recommend the following: 1) New York Cafe (beer and wine only); 2) Fat Stan's; or 3) Red Snapper. Out of these three, my favorite is the New York. It is across the street from Thomas Basin boat harbor and has plenty of room to sit down at a table.
Other options in this category would probably include Steamer's, Annabelle's, Cape Fox Lodge. Steamer's and Cape Fox have great views and offer food as well. Annabelle's and Steamer's are under the same ownership. They both serve 50oz. or 100oz. beer tubes (really cool).
Also, if smoke doesn't bother you, the Arctic Bar is located close to the tunnel in downtown and has a cool deck overlooking the water and cruise ship docks.
There are also plenty of other interesting little bars that you will find around downtown. I encourage you to walk around and find a place that suits your interests!
Saturday
Ketchikan Deer Hunting
I just returned from deer hunting and unfortunately didn't bring home anything to brag about. Well, unless you count the multiple insect bites I am sporting around!
Other than the crazy bugs I encountered, I did have a good time hiking around and exploring the alpine area south of town. Luckily, I had a coworker with me who knew where to hike up and where our best chances were. He is an avid hunter and was eager to be up in the alpine/treeline area first thing in the morning on opening day of the season (August 1), which just so happened to coincide with another one of our beautiful 80 degree days we have been enjoying.
We started out on Friday afternoon (July 31) shortly following work and hiked our way up to an amazing lake surrounded by rock walls and set up camp for the night. It was an intense 3 hour hike straight up from sea level to a couple of thousand feet and felt more like an old school stair climber than a hiking trail. My legs were burning by the time we made it to where we planned to camp and the sun was just about down.
The next morning we got an early start at about 3 am (yes there was already light in the sky) and started hiking up to the alpine area. This took us a couple of hours but we made it up to the top of the peak just about the time the sun came over the horizon, which was an amazing site on such a clear day. Immediately upon reaching the top, we came within throwing distance of a couple of mountain goats. Unfortunately, we didn't have a goat tag and therefore could not go after them, but they were a beautiful site sitting on top of the peak going about their daily business.
For the next 8 hours, we cruised around the alpine area and stopped numerous times to scan the area with our binoculars in hopes of spotting a deer in the distance. Unfortunately, we didn't see any signs of deer in the area. I don't know if it was our tactics or the theory that some people have that some of the deer died off from our unusually severe winter, but we didn't have any luck.
Overall, I am not too disappointed that we did not get a deer since it ended up being a great hike. We were also fortunate enough to see mountain goats, a black bear, and several ptarmigan cruising around. Maybe next time!
Other than the crazy bugs I encountered, I did have a good time hiking around and exploring the alpine area south of town. Luckily, I had a coworker with me who knew where to hike up and where our best chances were. He is an avid hunter and was eager to be up in the alpine/treeline area first thing in the morning on opening day of the season (August 1), which just so happened to coincide with another one of our beautiful 80 degree days we have been enjoying.
We started out on Friday afternoon (July 31) shortly following work and hiked our way up to an amazing lake surrounded by rock walls and set up camp for the night. It was an intense 3 hour hike straight up from sea level to a couple of thousand feet and felt more like an old school stair climber than a hiking trail. My legs were burning by the time we made it to where we planned to camp and the sun was just about down.
The next morning we got an early start at about 3 am (yes there was already light in the sky) and started hiking up to the alpine area. This took us a couple of hours but we made it up to the top of the peak just about the time the sun came over the horizon, which was an amazing site on such a clear day. Immediately upon reaching the top, we came within throwing distance of a couple of mountain goats. Unfortunately, we didn't have a goat tag and therefore could not go after them, but they were a beautiful site sitting on top of the peak going about their daily business.
For the next 8 hours, we cruised around the alpine area and stopped numerous times to scan the area with our binoculars in hopes of spotting a deer in the distance. Unfortunately, we didn't see any signs of deer in the area. I don't know if it was our tactics or the theory that some people have that some of the deer died off from our unusually severe winter, but we didn't have any luck.
Overall, I am not too disappointed that we did not get a deer since it ended up being a great hike. We were also fortunate enough to see mountain goats, a black bear, and several ptarmigan cruising around. Maybe next time!
Tuesday
A Bear Got Into Our Trash Today!
Yes, there was a black bear digging through our trash today, but regretfully I was at work while it happened. I would have loved to get a picture of that for the blog! While my husband and I were chatting with our mailman at the gym, he told us that he caught the bear digging in our trash as he was leaving our front porch and heading back to the mail truck. The bear was hovering over our trash can trying to get it open (we have "bear proof" trashcans that make it difficult for bears to open the lid). Our mailman said he was a little worried at first, but soon realized the bear didn't care one bit about him...he just wanted to get to the bottom of our trashcan. I'm guessing he was hungry for the leftover shrimp I cooked the other night. Since "Mr. Bear" was so focused on the leftover shrimp, our mailman was able to hop in his truck with a clean getaway.
Monday
Good Restaurants in Ketchikan
My favorite restaurant in Ketchikan is Ocean View. It's a Mexican/Italian restaurant a few miles north of the cruise ship docks. I know that a combination of Mexican and Italian may seem a little strange, but I promise you'll love the food. They have a small patio, so if the weather is nice you can sit outside. Sometimes the service can be a slow, but it's worth it.
Another good restaurant is inside of the Cape Fox Lodge. You can take the red tram (located on Creek Street) up to the lodge. They have a wonderful view overlooking the town. Great food and service.
If you're looking for a casual burger place, eat a Burger Queen. It's a tiny burger joint just north of the tunnel. They have a few tables inside, and picnic tables outside. Great milkshakes too!
If you want ice cream, coffee, espresso, or smoothies, go to Polar Treats. It's a cute little shop with yummy snacks and great coffee. I always stop by on my way home from work and treat myself to a smoothie.
Many restaurants and businesses in town have that good old fashioned "mom & pop" feel to them. That's what I love about Ketchikan. You're not bombarded with franchises. You get the old school experience of "the customer is always right." You don't see that too often anymore, so I like to take advantage when I can.
Another good restaurant is inside of the Cape Fox Lodge. You can take the red tram (located on Creek Street) up to the lodge. They have a wonderful view overlooking the town. Great food and service.
If you're looking for a casual burger place, eat a Burger Queen. It's a tiny burger joint just north of the tunnel. They have a few tables inside, and picnic tables outside. Great milkshakes too!
If you want ice cream, coffee, espresso, or smoothies, go to Polar Treats. It's a cute little shop with yummy snacks and great coffee. I always stop by on my way home from work and treat myself to a smoothie.
Many restaurants and businesses in town have that good old fashioned "mom & pop" feel to them. That's what I love about Ketchikan. You're not bombarded with franchises. You get the old school experience of "the customer is always right." You don't see that too often anymore, so I like to take advantage when I can.
Sunday
Kid Friendly Excursions
I don't have kids of my own, but I am a teacher...so I think that qualifies me to give advice about kid friendly tours. At the restaurant this summer (my summer job), a family of four asked me where Creek Street was. I told them that it was a few blocks away...then the kids whined, "does that mean we have to go up more steep hills!!?" The kids were about ten years old and they were in no mood to do more walking. They had been walking all day and were completely drained. I guess the parents thought strolling around all day in the heat, taking pictures of rivers and mountains, and buying souvenirs on Creek Street was a fun-filled way to spend time in Ketchikan. Well, that is a great way to spend time in Ketchikan...but not if you're 12 and under! Here are some fun kid friendly things to do in Ketchikan...
1. Duck Tour
~I've gone into more detail about this tour in our earlier posts. At the end of the tour, they give everyone a duck bill that "quacks." It's a good way to tour the town and they keep kids occupied with goofy jokes. http://ketchikanblog.com/2009/07/ketchikan-tour-options.html
2. Great American Lumber Jack Show
~This is a show, not a tour, but it's relatively cheap and pretty short. It's about about 1.5 hours long. You'll still have plenty of time to see the show and do something else as well. It's entertaining for all ages, and the crew does a great job of getting the audience involved.
3. Zip Line Tour
~There are minimum weight requirements, so I doubt your five year old could do this one! But if your kids are a little older, then you'll have a great time. This tour is so fun! Please see my detailed post about it. http://ketchikanblog.com/2009/07/ziplining-in-ketchikanshould-you-do-it.html
4. Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour
~http://www.56degreesnorth.com/
The tour takes you out on the amazing Aleutian Ballad crab fishing boat. You learn the inside scoop about crab fishing. Check out their website (above). All kids would love this amazing opportunity to have a hands-on experience like this one.
5. Float Plane to Misty Fjords
~It's a little pricey, but worth every penny. My husband and I went with my dad and step-mom in June. It was the experience of a lifetime. Such great memories!
I hope you find the tour your kids and family are looking for.
1. Duck Tour
~I've gone into more detail about this tour in our earlier posts. At the end of the tour, they give everyone a duck bill that "quacks." It's a good way to tour the town and they keep kids occupied with goofy jokes. http://ketchikanblog.com/2009/07/ketchikan-tour-options.html
2. Great American Lumber Jack Show
~This is a show, not a tour, but it's relatively cheap and pretty short. It's about about 1.5 hours long. You'll still have plenty of time to see the show and do something else as well. It's entertaining for all ages, and the crew does a great job of getting the audience involved.
3. Zip Line Tour
~There are minimum weight requirements, so I doubt your five year old could do this one! But if your kids are a little older, then you'll have a great time. This tour is so fun! Please see my detailed post about it. http://ketchikanblog.com/2009/07/ziplining-in-ketchikanshould-you-do-it.html
4. Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour
~http://www.56degreesnorth.com/
The tour takes you out on the amazing Aleutian Ballad crab fishing boat. You learn the inside scoop about crab fishing. Check out their website (above). All kids would love this amazing opportunity to have a hands-on experience like this one.
5. Float Plane to Misty Fjords
~It's a little pricey, but worth every penny. My husband and I went with my dad and step-mom in June. It was the experience of a lifetime. Such great memories!
I hope you find the tour your kids and family are looking for.
Friday
2009 Cruise Ship Schedule for Ketchikan
Click on the following link to view the 2009 cruise ship schedule for Ketchikan.
http://www.northerntoursofalaska.com/ktnportcalls.pdf
http://www.northerntoursofalaska.com/ktnportcalls.pdf
Tuesday
Best Souvenirs From Ketchikan
A T-shirt is an obvious sovenier that you will find in every shop. In fact, there are so many T-shirts, that you will begin to feel overwhelmed at all of the colors and quirky logos to choose from. You'll notice quirky Alaska logos with the phrase, "Size Matters" and a picture of big moose antlers on the front (that's original). Here's another catchy Alaskan tee you'll see: The phrase, "Size Matters" with a picture of a HUGE king salmon on the front. And yet another unique tee: The phrase "Size Matters" with a picture of a GIGANTIC halibut! Okay, those types of T-shirts are funny the first one hundred time you see them, but c'mon! What else is there?!
Fear not. There are decent souveniers out there that are authentic, reasonably priced, and NOT made in China. And I promise, "Size Matters" is not written anywhere on the product!
1. RavensBrew Coffee
~It's a local favorite and it tastes great! You can find it just about anywhere. They have organic coffee as well. You can buy the beans or ground coffee. You can find it for about $12-14 depending on the vendor. http://www.ravensbrew.com/
2. Ulu Knife
~ Buyer beware: not all ulu knives are created equal. Many are made in China, so if you looking for something made in Alaska, ask the vendor where it was made. Golden Eagle Gifts is a good store to check out for authentic Native Alaskan crafts and symbols.
3. Local Artwork
~ Ketchikan is famous for its love of the arts. There are plenty of local artists in town selling their work. Many time you'll find artists on the streets painting as you walk buy. On Creek Street, you will find several galleries with local artwork. Ray Troll has a gallery on Creek Street called Soho Coho. He even designed some of the unique Ravens Brew coffee logos. http://www.trollart.com/
4. Smoked Salmon
~ All I can say is yum. There is a shop on Mission Street that sells smoked salmon at reasonable prices (across from Ketchicandies past the famous Ketchikan welcome sign).
5. Local Candy from Ketchicandies
~ Again, yum! They make all their candy from scratch. If you have a sweet tooth, then stop by and indulge.
Hopefully this will help the lost souls out there that are bored with the usual T-shirt souvenir. Am I forgetting anything? If so, leave a comment and tell us what you bought from Ketchikan that is a "must."
Fear not. There are decent souveniers out there that are authentic, reasonably priced, and NOT made in China. And I promise, "Size Matters" is not written anywhere on the product!
1. RavensBrew Coffee
~It's a local favorite and it tastes great! You can find it just about anywhere. They have organic coffee as well. You can buy the beans or ground coffee. You can find it for about $12-14 depending on the vendor. http://www.ravensbrew.com/
2. Ulu Knife
~ Buyer beware: not all ulu knives are created equal. Many are made in China, so if you looking for something made in Alaska, ask the vendor where it was made. Golden Eagle Gifts is a good store to check out for authentic Native Alaskan crafts and symbols.
3. Local Artwork
~ Ketchikan is famous for its love of the arts. There are plenty of local artists in town selling their work. Many time you'll find artists on the streets painting as you walk buy. On Creek Street, you will find several galleries with local artwork. Ray Troll has a gallery on Creek Street called Soho Coho. He even designed some of the unique Ravens Brew coffee logos. http://www.trollart.com/
4. Smoked Salmon
~ All I can say is yum. There is a shop on Mission Street that sells smoked salmon at reasonable prices (across from Ketchicandies past the famous Ketchikan welcome sign).
5. Local Candy from Ketchicandies
~ Again, yum! They make all their candy from scratch. If you have a sweet tooth, then stop by and indulge.
Hopefully this will help the lost souls out there that are bored with the usual T-shirt souvenir. Am I forgetting anything? If so, leave a comment and tell us what you bought from Ketchikan that is a "must."
Monday
Ketchikan Is HoT HoT HoT!
If you're planning on visiting Ketchikan in the next week or so, please unpack your fleece jacket and make room for the sunscreen and flip-flops. It was well into the 80's today, and doesn't look like it will be getting cooler anytime soon.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! I'm soaking in every bit of sun that I can. I just wish we had central air conditioning in our house! We haven't had much rain this summer either. So far this year, we've had about 48 inches of rain. For a city that usually gets 155 inches per year, that's a shortage. Does that mean we'll get constant downpours this fall and winter? I certainly hope not. The lack of rain has caused some problems for people who aren't hooked up to city water. Usually there is plenty of rain to keep the water tanks filled to the brim. Now people are having to purchase water for their tanks.
I'll be taking advantage of the sun while it lasts...maybe I can get my legs to look less "ghostly."
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! I'm soaking in every bit of sun that I can. I just wish we had central air conditioning in our house! We haven't had much rain this summer either. So far this year, we've had about 48 inches of rain. For a city that usually gets 155 inches per year, that's a shortage. Does that mean we'll get constant downpours this fall and winter? I certainly hope not. The lack of rain has caused some problems for people who aren't hooked up to city water. Usually there is plenty of rain to keep the water tanks filled to the brim. Now people are having to purchase water for their tanks.
I'll be taking advantage of the sun while it lasts...maybe I can get my legs to look less "ghostly."
Sunday
Misty Fiords National Monument
What Is It?
The Misty Fiords National Monument is an area of Southeastern Alaska near the Canadian border with spectacular mountains and cliffs that rise straight up from the sea. There are numerous coves, lakes, mountains, and rivers to explore that have been created mostly by glacier and volcanic activity over thousands of years. The nearly 2.3 million acre area is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and was given the “national monument” status in 1978 by presidential proclamation.
Where Is It?
The Monument is located a little over 20 miles from Ketchikan, which is the closest city, and about 650 air miles north of Seattle. If you are traveling by boat it is about 50 miles from Ketchikan and must be accessed through the Behm Canal, which separates Revillagigedo Island (the island where Ketchikan is located) from the mainland.
How Do You Get There?
The Monument must be accessed by either boat or plane (which is half the fun) as there are no roads leading to the area. I have taken a float plane to the area and must say that it is an amazing trip. Most operators out of Ketchikan will fly you through the beautiful fiords and will even land in a nice little cove or lake so that you can take pictures and enjoy the scenery. If you are not a fan of small planes, you can also take a boat tour, although this mode of transport will obviously take a little longer to reach your destination. In addition, there are some tour companies that will take you out to the monument and give you time to kayak and explore a little. Whichever method you choose you will be sure to be amazed.
If you do decide to take a boat, you will leave Ketchikan, which is located on Revillagigedo Island (usually shortened to Revilla) and head southeast to the Behm Canal. Once you enter the over 100 mile long canal, you will have a straight shot to the Misty Fiords Monument.
What Kind of Wildlife Will I See?
One of the true amazing things about the Monument is the vast array of wildlife that can be found in the area. Other than the many obvious types of different fish you can find, you can also find eagles, black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, deer, wolves, wolverine, otter, marten, beaver, and mink. In addition, many marine animals such as whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions can be found.
What Kind of Weather Can I Expect?
Statistically you will probably end up experiencing some rain and can expect temperatures in the 50s - 70s during the summer months. If you do up with some rain, don’t let this stop you as the area is just as beautiful in the rain and clouds as it is on a sunny day. In fact, in my opinion it looks more like the real Alaska when there are some low clouds blanketing the area.
What If I Want to Stay Longer Than One Day?
The great thing about the Monument is that you can camp out or even rent a forest service cabin, which are commonly found in the area. The cabins can be found near the coastline or in surrounding lakes and can be rented for a small fee. It is best to reserve in advance as these are popular in the summer. If you do decide to camp out please be careful of the bears. There are many brown bears in the area that will come check you out if they smell some food. Also make sure to plan for the wet weather and remember that even in summer, conditions can change with little warning.
Additional Questions?
I realize this is only a brief overview of what the Misty Fiords National Monument is so please feel free to contact us if you have any more in depth questions. We can also point you in the right direction if you have any additional inquiries related to flight seeing or excursion companies located in Ketchikan.
The Misty Fiords National Monument is an area of Southeastern Alaska near the Canadian border with spectacular mountains and cliffs that rise straight up from the sea. There are numerous coves, lakes, mountains, and rivers to explore that have been created mostly by glacier and volcanic activity over thousands of years. The nearly 2.3 million acre area is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and was given the “national monument” status in 1978 by presidential proclamation.
Where Is It?
The Monument is located a little over 20 miles from Ketchikan, which is the closest city, and about 650 air miles north of Seattle. If you are traveling by boat it is about 50 miles from Ketchikan and must be accessed through the Behm Canal, which separates Revillagigedo Island (the island where Ketchikan is located) from the mainland.
How Do You Get There?
The Monument must be accessed by either boat or plane (which is half the fun) as there are no roads leading to the area. I have taken a float plane to the area and must say that it is an amazing trip. Most operators out of Ketchikan will fly you through the beautiful fiords and will even land in a nice little cove or lake so that you can take pictures and enjoy the scenery. If you are not a fan of small planes, you can also take a boat tour, although this mode of transport will obviously take a little longer to reach your destination. In addition, there are some tour companies that will take you out to the monument and give you time to kayak and explore a little. Whichever method you choose you will be sure to be amazed.
If you do decide to take a boat, you will leave Ketchikan, which is located on Revillagigedo Island (usually shortened to Revilla) and head southeast to the Behm Canal. Once you enter the over 100 mile long canal, you will have a straight shot to the Misty Fiords Monument.
What Kind of Wildlife Will I See?
One of the true amazing things about the Monument is the vast array of wildlife that can be found in the area. Other than the many obvious types of different fish you can find, you can also find eagles, black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, deer, wolves, wolverine, otter, marten, beaver, and mink. In addition, many marine animals such as whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions can be found.
What Kind of Weather Can I Expect?
Statistically you will probably end up experiencing some rain and can expect temperatures in the 50s - 70s during the summer months. If you do up with some rain, don’t let this stop you as the area is just as beautiful in the rain and clouds as it is on a sunny day. In fact, in my opinion it looks more like the real Alaska when there are some low clouds blanketing the area.
What If I Want to Stay Longer Than One Day?
The great thing about the Monument is that you can camp out or even rent a forest service cabin, which are commonly found in the area. The cabins can be found near the coastline or in surrounding lakes and can be rented for a small fee. It is best to reserve in advance as these are popular in the summer. If you do decide to camp out please be careful of the bears. There are many brown bears in the area that will come check you out if they smell some food. Also make sure to plan for the wet weather and remember that even in summer, conditions can change with little warning.
Additional Questions?
I realize this is only a brief overview of what the Misty Fiords National Monument is so please feel free to contact us if you have any more in depth questions. We can also point you in the right direction if you have any additional inquiries related to flight seeing or excursion companies located in Ketchikan.
Saturday
Free Walmart shuttle in Ketchikan
If you are in need of soda, disposable camers, deoderant, etc. Wal-Mart provides a free shuttle for cruise ship passengers and crew. The shuttles are easy to spot and you'll usually find them on the cruise ship docks. The white vans are marked with the Wal-Mart logo on the side. The drive is about 10 minutes north of town. When you are done shopping, patiently wait outside for the next van to come. The wait can be about 20 minutes or so depending on the crowds. Transportation can be expensive in Ketchikan, so the shuttle is a great way to get what you need at a great price!
Friday
Slow economy...slow summer for Ketchikan
You don't have to be a business owner in the tourism industry to feel the effects of the slowing economy in Ketchikan. It makes sense...not many people are rushing to purchase an Alaskan cruise when unemployment is at 9.5%. But if you've ever wanted to experience Alaska, now is the time to buy. Cruise lines have slashed their prices to fill vacant ships. The deals are astounding.
Although my salary is not directly affected by tourism (I'm a teacher), I still felt the pinch when many local residents left Ketchikan to find jobs in other parts of the U.S. As a result, many teachers were scared of losing their jobs due to plummeting enrollment in schools. I breathed a sigh of relief when enough veteran teachers retired; which allowed the non-tenured teachers (me) to keep their jobs.
My summer job isn't panning out to what I thought It would be either. Business is much slower at the restaurant, which means less hours and less tips.
Next summer's cruise ship season will presumably be even worse. Cruise West, Norwegian, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean are all "reducing" their stops to Ketchikan. These reductions will result in a loss of about 150,000 people. Many resident's livelihoods rely on tourism. Ketchikan will definitely feel the blow next summer with 150,000 less people roaming the streets of downtown.
Although my salary is not directly affected by tourism (I'm a teacher), I still felt the pinch when many local residents left Ketchikan to find jobs in other parts of the U.S. As a result, many teachers were scared of losing their jobs due to plummeting enrollment in schools. I breathed a sigh of relief when enough veteran teachers retired; which allowed the non-tenured teachers (me) to keep their jobs.
My summer job isn't panning out to what I thought It would be either. Business is much slower at the restaurant, which means less hours and less tips.
Next summer's cruise ship season will presumably be even worse. Cruise West, Norwegian, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean are all "reducing" their stops to Ketchikan. These reductions will result in a loss of about 150,000 people. Many resident's livelihoods rely on tourism. Ketchikan will definitely feel the blow next summer with 150,000 less people roaming the streets of downtown.
Thursday
Alaska Wildlife
When my husband and I moved to Anchorage from South Florida, I was excited for the chance to see a moose. I quickly learned that you don't have to travel very far to see them. One day, I saw a moose in my apartment complex parking lot. At first, I was a little skiddish...(but you sort of get used to it after awhile). Another time, a moose's "tail end" was blocking traffic on Northern Lights Boulevard (a very busy street in downtown Anchorage). He was eating some grass on the sidewalk. His body was in the street which caused a major traffic jam. My husband was late to work that morning because of a moose's ass!
When we found out that we were moving to Ketchikan several months later, I was equally excited to see black bear. I finally got my chance when we drove to Herring Cove. If you are travelling to Ketchikan, and eager to see black bear, then head to Herring Cove! It is a 15 minute drive south of town. There are plenty of cab companies in town who do private tours for about $80 bucks. That's pretty cheap if you have a group of people to share the expense. Park near the bridge and wait. They will come! Bears usually come out to fish for salmon when the tide is out. If you don't get the chance to see a bear, then you will at least see Orca Whales, Seals, and Eagles. It's a peaceful drive and gives you a chance to experience the real Ketchikan.
Saturday
Ziplining in Ketchikan..should you do it?
I've talked to several tourists this summer who have simply raved about the zipline (many of whom claimed they were scared of heights). But I must say, I'm not surprised that people who are scared of heights still enjoy the zipline. For one, you are always attached to a cable; even on the suspension bridges. And the cables are strong enough to hold a MAC truck! So if you're 20 pounds overweight, and think that the cables will snap because of a little (or a lot) of cottage cheese on your thighs, think again.
I got the chance to go ziplining several weeks ago. It was such an awesome experience. I went at the very beginning of the cruise ship season, so I got a discounted "local" rate which made the experience even better! I got there fairly early and had some of their complimentary hot chocolate. We hopped in the military style Mercedes 4x4's and drove up a really steep section of the woods. The crew showed us how to put on our gear and we did a practice "zip."
In order to zip, there are minimum and maximum weight requirements, but they are pretty flexible if you don't quite meet their specifications. It's not like the weight police shows up with a scale...they take you at your word. There were people of all ages, sizes, and weight in my group. There was a 13 year old boy who was there with his parents. There was also a group of friends celebrating someone's 50th birthday. My dad got the chance to zip when he came to visit (he is 61 and slightly overweight). I think he enjoyed it more than me!
If I remember correctly, we zipped across 6 lines and walked across 3 suspension bridges. At first I was taken back by how high off the ground I was. But after the first zip, I was completely comfortable standing on a wooden plank high in the treetops...it's not as scary as it sounds, I promise! After the final zip, I had a choice to either walk down stairs that led to the ground, or repel down a post to the ground. I chose to repel. Why not? I was a professional zipliner by this point!
I highly suggest the zipline for all ages, sizes, and weight. It's great fun and an awesome way to spend time with family and friends.
I got the chance to go ziplining several weeks ago. It was such an awesome experience. I went at the very beginning of the cruise ship season, so I got a discounted "local" rate which made the experience even better! I got there fairly early and had some of their complimentary hot chocolate. We hopped in the military style Mercedes 4x4's and drove up a really steep section of the woods. The crew showed us how to put on our gear and we did a practice "zip."
In order to zip, there are minimum and maximum weight requirements, but they are pretty flexible if you don't quite meet their specifications. It's not like the weight police shows up with a scale...they take you at your word. There were people of all ages, sizes, and weight in my group. There was a 13 year old boy who was there with his parents. There was also a group of friends celebrating someone's 50th birthday. My dad got the chance to zip when he came to visit (he is 61 and slightly overweight). I think he enjoyed it more than me!
If I remember correctly, we zipped across 6 lines and walked across 3 suspension bridges. At first I was taken back by how high off the ground I was. But after the first zip, I was completely comfortable standing on a wooden plank high in the treetops...it's not as scary as it sounds, I promise! After the final zip, I had a choice to either walk down stairs that led to the ground, or repel down a post to the ground. I chose to repel. Why not? I was a professional zipliner by this point!
I highly suggest the zipline for all ages, sizes, and weight. It's great fun and an awesome way to spend time with family and friends.
Thursday
Ketchikan Fishing
I must admit that I have never been an avid fisherman. However, it is difficult to fully integrate into Ketchikan society without at least learning the lingo and venturing out for a few fishing expeditions. After all, Ketchikan does claim to be the salmon capital of the world.
My wife and I have made it out fishing a few times and ended up having a lot of fun and even learned a little bit at the same time! The most popular fish species found in the area include all species of salmon, halibut, red snapper, cod, sea bass, and trout. If I am missing any that you are aware, please let me know and I will add them to the list.
The great thing about Ketchikan is that there are a large number of charter boats that will take you out fishing at a great price. If that is not your cup of tea, you can also rent poles from several locations and fish right from the Creek Street Bridge in downtown or venture south to Herring Cove. I have fished from Herring Cove, but prefer going out with friends to troll for King or Silver salmon. Popular trolling areas close to town include the Clover Pass area north of town and the Mountain Point area south of town. Of course there are endless other great locations within a short boat ride away which will get you away from the crowds.
Listed below is some more detailed information on the species found near Ketchikan and when you will have the best chance of catching one.
1. Salmon
a. King Salmon
Since arriving in Ketchikan it has been easy to figure out that these are the most sought after variety of salmon found in the area. From what I can determine, most fishermen catch these in salt water from shore or from a boat. June seems to be the best month, but I did catch a King on Friday night (although had to throw it back due to size).
b. Coho Salmon (Silver)
These are also highly sought after in the area. The Coho are smaller than the Kings, and according to Alaska Dep’t of Fish and Game, usually weigh between 3 - 20 pounds, with the average somewhere in the vicinity of 8 - 10 pounds. You can usually find them between July and September. I was able to catch a few of these last summer and I can tell you that they are exciting to catch since they seem to put up a fight. I caught one by trolling close to the surface from a boat and caught another by simply casting with a lure.
c. Sockeye Salmon (Red)
Unfortunately, I have not caught any of these in the area and I believe they are not found in the same abundance as the other species of salmon. I will give an update in the future when I am more informed on Sockeye fishing near Ketchikan.
d. Pink Salmon (Humpy)
These seem to be the most abundant type of salmon found near Ketchikan and therefore have been the type I have caught most frequently (even though I have been out only a limited number of times). I was trolling from a boat each time I caught these, but have seen other catch them from simply casting a lure. The Alaska Dep’t of Fish and Game states that Pink Salmon live about 2 years and weigh 3 pounds on average. I have noticed that many lifelong Alaskans will thrown these fish back in favor of other species. However, I have kept the ones I caught and find them to taste pretty good with some Caribbean jerk marinade or salmon rub. I do of course prefer the texture and taste of King or Coho, but still like the taste of the Pinks.
e. Chum Salmon (dog)
The Chum Salmon is another variety that I have yet to catch. I do not know much about them but I do know they are found in the area and have heard friends say that they prefer they prefer these over Pinks.
2. Halibut
Halibut are considered a bottom fish and are also abundant in the waters surrounding Ketchikan. Halibut has white colored delicate meat that I really like. It can be quite a workout reeling one of these bad boys up from the depths, but the payoff is usually a large fillet with great taste. The Alaska Dep’t of Fish and Game mentions that Halibut can live for more than 20 years and a few in excess of 300 pounds have been caught in the area. I actually caught one of these last summer while attempting to catch salmon at a more shallow depth. Apparently this is not uncommon, but they are usually found at deeper depths.
3. Trout
Trout are another species of fish found in the local Ketchikan waters that I have not yet had the pleasure of catching. From what I have heard they are located in both fresh and salt water. I know there are both Cutthroat and Rainbow (with Steelhead considered a type of “sea run” rainbow). Once I go out and fish for these this summer or fall I will follow up with my finding. If you are more familiar with trout fishing in Ketchikan please follow up with some comments for our readers.
There are also many other types of fish found in the area that I have not yet caught. As I mentioned above, I am not a die-hard fisherman, but am definitely starting to enjoy it more and understand why others swear by it as a form of therapy. As I learn more, I will be sure to update the information I have provided above and let you know what you can expect if you come visit or move here in the future. Also, if you are a local or more familiar with fishing in the area, please let me know if I have missed any crucial information or misstated anything. My main goal here is to give people and general overview of what they will likely be fishing for or what they can expect to catch.
Ketchikan Tour Options
If you are visiting Ketchikan, there are several things to see no matter what your budget may be. If the sky is the limit and money is no object, then lucky you! As for the rest of you, I have suggested several tours/activities at different price ranges. Hopefully you will find the perfect way to spend the day in Ketchikan.Very Inexpensive:
Tongass Historical Museum~$2 admission
The museum is a five minute walk from the cruise ship docks. It is right next to the Ketchikan Public Library. There are many interesting artifacts and old photo collections. The exhibits change quarterly. I've seen two of the four exhibits and have been impressed both times. It's a great way to learn about Ketchikan's history.
Discovery Center~$5 admission
The Discovery Center has four different exhibits. Each exhibit explains different types of information about South East Alaska. One exhibit explains the Native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian's history and survival skills in South East Alaska. Another, explains different types of wildlife. All four exhibits are very detailed with excellent visuals. The Discovery Center also has a great book store and offers a complimentary 15 minute movie explaining Alaska's wildlife. I went to the Discovery Center a few weeks ago when my parents came to visit. I was very pleased with all of the wonderful information at such a great price.
Inexpensive:
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show~$34 Adult $17 Child
This show is very entertaining for all ages. The Lumberjack's compete with eachother and really do a great job of getting the audience involved. There is complimentary popcorn and fun music.
Alaska Amphibious Tours (Duck Tour)~$38 Adult $24 Child
The Duck Tour is another tour that is fun for all ages (especially great for families). If you want to sit, relax, and enjoy a guided tour of Ketchikan, then this tour is for you. The tour takes you to Creek Street. The upbeat tour guides explain the unique history of Ketchikan. After that, the bus/boat drives into the Tongass Narrows harbor. It's a tour that is the best of both worlds...land and sea!
Moderate/Expensive:
Kayaking Tours~approx $149
There are several different companies who offer kayaking tours. It is a great way to be active and get away from the crowds. There are excellent photo opportunities as well. You also have a great chance of running into orca whales!
Alaska Canopy Adventures~$169
I did this tour a few months ago and had a blast. You start the tour by riding an old Mercedes 4x4 up into the mountain. After listening to the demonstrations, you do one practice "mini-zip" across the cable line. This allows you to get a feel for how to stop and slow down. After that, your next "zip" is extremely high into the tree tops (if you are scared of heights, this excursion may not be for you). But, you are ALWAYS hooked up to the lines, so even though you are hundreds of feet in the air, it is still very safe throughout the entire excursion. After the tour you can purchase a picture of your final zip for about $20.
Misty Fjords Sea Plane Tour~approx $229
This tour is one of the more expensive tours offered in Ketchikan. If you are willing to pay the price, then prepare to be amazed. The Fjords are beautiful and the water is crystal clear. The aerial views are amazing! Depending on the time of day, there is a good chance you will see bears too. This tour will by far leave you with the most memories.
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