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The sole community on Revillagigedo Island, five hundred miles north of Seattle, likes to be known as Alaska's "first city." As the first port of call for many cruise ships, its historic downtown, wedged between the waters of the Tongass Narrows and forested Deer Mountain, becomes saturated in summer with tourists. But beyond the souvenir shopping it can be a delight, built into steep hills and partly propped on wooden pilings, with boardwalks and wooden staircases common thoroughfares and totem poles dotted throughout. Tall forests of cedar, hemlock and spruce, which had provided timber for Tlingit homes and totems.
Dolly's House & Creek Street:
Creek Street, bordering Ketchikan Creek, winds through the heart of downtown. Actually a wooden boardwalk, Creek St. was Ketchikan's red light district when prostitution was legal. The former brothels now host restaurants and shops. Dolly's House Museum, once the home of Madam Dolly Arthur, is open for tours..
Fish Pirates Daughter and Frontier Revue:
feature
musical productions featuring lively songs and stories about Ketchikan's historic
past. A
MUST
see!
Ketchikan's Museum & Library:
Housed in the same building on Dock Street in downtown Ketchikan. The museum has an ever-changing display of Alaskan memorabilia and an excellent collection of Indian artifacts and old photos. In the library you will, of course find—books on Alaska. A wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon!
The Eagle Center:
Located next to the Deer Mountain Hatchery. This is your chance to see eagles up close. Make sure you bring your camera! The facility is in the process of obtaining it's certification as a rehabilitation center for eagles.
Deer Mountain Trail and Tribal Hatchery:
There are many hiking trails in Ketchikan. One of my favorite hikes is the Deer Mountain Trail. It begins right in town just behind City Park. An easy but very steep hike. The trail is about five miles long and can be climbed at an easy pace in about 4 to 5 hours with the reward of a spectacular view of the city and several of the surrounding islands at the end. Visitors to the hatchery can view salmon rearing and see salmon return to spawn.
Ward Lake Trail & Perseverance Trail:
A walk around Ward Lake is very refreshing. The one mile long nature trail was developed by the Forest Service. It is the area's easiest hike on mostly level ground. There are signs along the trail identifying trees species and information on animals in the area. Ward Lake is on the Ward Lake Road, which starts on North Tongass Highway about 5 miles north of the city limits. Just past the Ward Lake parking area, in a smaller parking area you will find the Perseverance Lake Trail head. Perseverance Trail is a three mile long trail that is mostly board walk, built and maintained by the Forest Service. It winds through muskeg and forest to a small lake nestled at the base of mountains.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center:
provides
information and interpretive exhibits about the public lands in the region.
Exhibits include a rainforest, Native fish camp, wildlife and recreational as
well as industrial uses of public lands. A multi-media theatre presentation
offers a personal glimpse of residents throughout southeast.
*Population:
20,000 (includes Borough residents)
*Location: On Revillagigedo Island, 1:30
hours from Seattle; 2:40 hours from Anchorage (via Juneau).
*Access: Jet service from Seattle, Anchorage,
and other Inside Passage communities; air taxi service; state ferry, all classes
of cruise vessel; no road access.
*Accommodations: Eight hotels/motels (380
rooms), 20 bed and breakfasts, one youth hostel, 23 dining establishments. Extensive
shopping in downtown, Plaza Mall. All conveniences, groceries and supplies.
*Transportation: Rental cars, taxi service,
charter airplanes, helicopters, boats.
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