Ketchikan Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Ketchikan

Ketchikan marks the start of what many still consider the last true frontier. Tucked into the southern tip of the state, it welcomes travelers sailing the Inside Passage-a winding corridor of forested islands, rugged coastline, and dramatic wilderness. It’s a place known for three things: fierce salmon runs, dramatic coastal scenery, and a deep-rooted Alaska Native heritage that continues to shape its identity.

Often called “Alaska’s First City,” Ketchikan gained early prominence as the first major port encountered by travelers heading north. Long before cruise ships and floatplanes arrived, this was Tlingit territory, home to fishing camps and permanent settlements that made the most of the rich coastal resources. Salmon was at the heart of it all-and still is, both culturally and economically.

European-American settlers arrived in the late 1800s, and by 1885, the town was officially on the map. It grew quickly, thanks to salmon canneries and the immense timber reserves of the Tongass National Forest. By the early 20th century, the waterfront buzzed with docks, sawmills, floating buildings, and boardwalks-many of which still shape its silhouette today.

One of the most evocative places to step back in time is Creek Street, a wooden boardwalk straddling Ketchikan Creek. During Prohibition, this spot buzzed with hidden saloons and brothels; today, it’s one of Ketchikan’s most visited historic sites, where weathered wooden storefronts house galleries and museums. At the entrance to Creek Street stands the Chief Johnson Totem Pole, a striking reminder of the region’s Indigenous legacy, positioned just steps from the fish ladder where you can watch salmon battling upstream.

Dolly’s House offers a preserved glimpse into the wilder days of early Ketchikan, and just up the hill, the Tongass Historical Museum brings the town’s timeline to life with rotating exhibits on gold rush settlers, early mining industry, and community traditions. For something with a little more spectacle, there’s the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show-part sport, part theater, and pure Alaskan entertainment.

Now’s your chance to follow a self-guided tour that takes you through all these landmarks and more. Step off the dock, walk the creeks, and explore the town that built itself between the trees and the tide.