Ketchikan is located in the heart of the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States. Designated for multiple use, the Tongass is managed by the US Forest Service for recreation and wilderness activities, wildlife habitat and resource based industry- primarily timber, fishing, tourism and mining. The Tongass is an integral part of the visitor experience and resident lifestyle in Southeast Alaska.
The resources of the Tongass provide the means for a unique way of life. Native tribes harvested wood to build long houses and canoes and create household implements and art. Spruce roots provided valuable weaving material, while the vegetation and animals living in the forest provided food, dyes and medicinal remedies.
Later settlers also found the Tongass a rich source of premium wood- Red and Yellow Cedar, Western Hemlock (far superior to the more commonly known Eastern Hemlock), and Sitka Spruce, prized for it's strength to weight ratio.
The timber industry's development in Southeast Alaska created small communities within the forest. A highlight of logging camp social life were "timber carnivals" or logging shows where woodsmen would compete in ax throwing, tree climbing, and obstacle course competitions that were patterned after the types of skills needed to work in the woods.
Visitors will experience the Tongass in a number of ways. In and around Ketchikan, you will "visit" the Tongass while cruising along its shores aboard ships, ferries, pleasure boats and kayaks. Other options for exploring the forest include several day hikes and trails for all abilities (see trail map on page 23). Fly or hike into a remote lake for a stay at a wilderness cabin. Camp and picnic at a recreation area. Outside of Hyder near Stewart, BC you can stop along the road to view a glacier. As you plan your visit, it will be apparent that the Tongass plays a large role in much of what you will see and do in Southeast Alaska.
Misty Fjords National Monument
Magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument is a pristine masterpiece. Its fjords were created by massive glacier action in the ice-rimmed wilderness. Here is one of the country's greatest treasures and some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Its 2.3 million acres include soaring cliffs, sawtooth ridges shrouded in mists, sky-blue lakes, hanging valleys, countless waterfalls, bottomless saltwater fjords, and miles of glaciers. And the monument is home to a multitude of wildlife.
Misty Fjords' roadless location is accessed only by floatplane or boat from Ketchikan. It's possible to cruise in 3 hours one way, fly in (35 minutes one way), or choose to cruise one way and fly the other. Excursion vessels will carry your kayak to and from Misty Fjords, where you can paddle the pristine waters from a campsite or one of the U.S. Forest Service Cabins.
Cruise passengers can see old pictographs (Native rock art) painted along the walls within the monument, drink from fjord waterfalls, enjoy relaxed cruising while watching for shore side wildlife, and see famous New Eddystone Rock, a picturesque volcanic core. Floatplanes provide a bird's-eye view of the entire locale and land on an alpine lake, so passengers can absorb the serenity and astonishing beauty.
Historic Creek Street District
Creek Street, Ketchikan's historic wooden street built on piers along the banks of Ketchikan Creek. A pleasant stroll will take you past Dolly's House, the infamous brothel that operated during the days when Creek Street was called "the red light district". Dolly's House is open for guided tours in the summertime.
Continuing on your way, the boardwalk will take you past many interesting buildings. Many have been turned into gift and art shops, some of the houses remain private residences. There are numerous excellent vantage points for photographs. There is a great view of the creek, which always attracts a lot of attention when the salmon are running. Take your time, browse in the unique shops, and enjoy the scenery.
An unusual and convenient mode of transportation to the beautiful WestCoast Cape Fox Lodge awaits as you turn the next corner. The tram will transport you to the lodge, situated at the top of the hill above Creek Street. Here you will find that fine dining and a spectacular view are the order of the day...
Your walk through a small piece of Ketchikan's colorful history comes to an end as you cross the bridge over Ketchikan Creek. The town's historical museum (located in the public library building) is a short walk from the bridge, if you are interested in learning more about Ketchikan's past.
Guard Island Lighthouse
Completely circumnavigate this United States Coast Guard Light Station, which became a lighthouse by presidential proclamation in 1903 in the interest of public safety and national security.
This 100-year-old beacon has assisted Alaska's fishermen, ship captains and pleasure boaters along the unpredictable seas of Clarence Strait to find their way safely to and from Ketchikan, as it stands as a primary sentinel in the Inside Passage. The Guard Islands are now home to a family of Harbor Seals, numerous species of sea birds and a nesting pair of American Bald Eagles. The area is often visited by Humpback whales and Orca "Killer" whales. Learn the historical significance of this site and enjoy the stories and folklore surrounding the lightkeepers and their families who once called this ten acre island their home. Marvel at the ecology and abundant wildlife that surrounds this microcosm of Southeast Alaska's environment.
Tongass Historical Museum
The Tongass Historical Museum collects, preserves, and interprets material and information pertaining to the history, art, and culture of Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska. The Museum features permanent and temporary exhibits based on its own collections and community participation, as well as hosting traveling exhibitions from other institutions. Public programs, special events, workshops, and educational programs that relate to Ketchikan area history are also offered. The Museum's extensive historical archive and photograph collections are available for research.
Totem Heritage Center
The Totem Heritage Center was established in 1976 to preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan. Those magnificent, original poles are displayed at the Center in conjunction with other totems and Native Alaskan artifacts. In addition to functioning as a museum, the Totem Heritage Center also preserves and promotes the traditional arts and crafts of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures through a nationally-recognized program of Native Arts classes and other activities.
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