Tucked into the southern edge of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Ketchikan welcomes travelers with a unique blend of lush rainforests, Native Alaskan heritage, and small-town charm. Often the first port of call on many Alaska cruise itineraries, Ketchikan is more than just a stopover—it’s a destination rich in cultural history and natural beauty. Whether you’re stepping off a cruise ship for a few hours or spending a full day in town, the chance to explore Ketchikan’s rainforest trails and totem parks offers an immersive experience of Alaska’s wild and storied past.
A Rainforest in Alaska?
It may surprise first-time visitors to learn that Ketchikan is home to a temperate rainforest. Located within the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States—this region receives over 140 inches of rain annually, giving it a distinctly lush, moss-draped character more often associated with the Pacific Northwest. Yet this rainforest is uniquely Alaskan, with a landscape shaped by centuries of glacial activity and sustained by towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and a web of clear streams.
One of the best ways to experience Ketchikan’s rainforest is by taking a walk along the Rainbird Trail. Just a short distance from downtown, this trail winds through the forest canopy and offers panoramic views of the town and its surrounding waterways. For those seeking a more guided and educational experience, local eco-tours provide naturalist-led hikes that delve into the unique flora and fauna of the area, including opportunities to spot bald eagles, salmon-filled streams, and even the occasional black bear.
Totem Poles and Tlingit Traditions
Beyond its natural beauty, Ketchikan is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Nowhere is this more evident than in the town’s remarkable collection of totem poles. Ketchikan proudly boasts the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world, each a towering monument telling stories of family lineage, tribal legends, and cultural heritage.
A visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park, just 10 miles north of the city, offers a quiet, scenic setting to learn about these traditional carvings. Set along a peaceful coastal stretch, the park features a clan house and more than a dozen authentically recreated totem poles. Informational plaques and guided tours help interpret the complex symbolism behind each carving, offering insight into the social and spiritual life of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous communities.
For a deeper dive into cultural history, the Totem Heritage Center in downtown Ketchikan displays original 19th-century poles that were recovered from abandoned Native villages. This museum also serves as an active cultural hub, offering art workshops, traditional dance performances, and educational exhibits that connect past and present.
Creek Street and Local Charm
After immersing yourself in the rainforest and totem parks, take time to stroll through the heart of Ketchikan itself. Creek Street, once the town’s red-light district, is now a boardwalk lined with art galleries, gift shops, and cafes perched on wooden stilts over the water. As you walk along the path above Ketchikan Creek, you might witness the dramatic sight of salmon swimming upstream during spawning season, a vivid reminder of the region’s dependence on—and respect for—its natural resources.
The town’s close relationship with both land and sea makes Ketchikan a compelling snapshot of Alaska as a whole. For cruise passengers with limited time ashore, many shore excursions combine rainforest walks and totem park visits into a single outing, providing an efficient yet enriching experience.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Ketchikan’s climate is famously wet, so it’s wise to come prepared with waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Even in summer, temperatures tend to stay cool, rarely exceeding 65°F (18°C), which makes hiking through the rainforest pleasant for most fitness levels.
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, plan ahead by checking which tours are available either through your cruise line or local providers. Many tours offer transportation to outlying totem parks and forest trails, making it easy to access these sites without needing to rent a car.
For travelers who prefer independent exploration, public buses and taxis are available, and many sites are within walking distance of the cruise dock. No matter how you choose to explore, the combination of Ketchikan’s natural splendor and cultural richness ensures a memorable visit.
A Deeper Connection to Alaska
While glacier viewing and whale watching are often the headline attractions of an Alaska cruise, a stop in Ketchikan offers something just as rewarding: a connection to the land and its people. In the soft hush of the rainforest or standing beneath a centuries-old totem pole, you gain a sense of Alaska that’s not just seen but felt.
Whether you’re marveling at misty forest trails, listening to stories told through wood and paint, or simply soaking in the serenity of the shoreline, Ketchikan invites you to slow down and experience a part of Alaska that thrives quietly—yet vibrantly—beneath the towering trees and timeless traditions.
From the ship’s deck to the heart of the forest, Ketchikan is a chapter of your journey that will linger long after the cruise ends.