Why You Should Visit Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska is a port along the inside passage. It is not out in the open ocean; instead you pass between small islands and the shores of Alaska when you are on a ship. From the ship, you take a tender to the shore instead of docking at a port if you sail on Norwegian Cruise Line and other cruise lines. Tenders are medium-sized covered boats powered by diesel engines.

From the ship you can view the town built into the hills along the shore. The houses are brightly colored and they stand out from one another. Paint themes are red, yellow, brown, tan, gray, blue, and combinations of those colors. Homes are all block style, but some are large; some are small; some are short, and some are tall. As you arrive onshore, the Tongass Trading Company welcomes you. It is a general store offering outdoor wear, foot wear, hardware, marine needs, curios, and groceries. You can find almost anything you need in this depot. After you pass through the store, the town of Ketchikan greets you.

Ketchikan, Alaska acquired its name from the Native American phrase for "thundering wings." There is a large sculpture of an eagle with a massive wing span on the edge of the town that commemorates the title. Native American culture is evident throughout the town.

Ketchikan is one of the largest salmon processing sites in the United States. You can visit Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center where injured eagles are cared for and salmon are hatched in huge tanks of water. This procedure is called "farming salmon". The processing and canning facility is located nearby. There is also good salmon fishing in the area and you can rent a boat, or go on a fishing tour to try your luck.

Don't forget to visit Totem Bight. A bight is a bead in the shoreline that forms a shallow bay. Native Americans favored bights for village sites since they are often protected from fierce weather and have sandy beaches good for landing canoes. Many of these sites have been preserved. Totem Bight State Historical Park exhibits totem poles and a clan house typical of three Native groups: Tlingit, Haida and Taimshian. Large totem poles loom high over the area. The wooden clan house where clan meetings were held is supported by four large totem poles inside. Outside the clan house stands a very large totem pole depicting the symbols of that clan and a similar one affixed to the structure. Clan members entered and exited through a hole at the bottom of the totem pole. Totem pole themes range from clans' particular characteristics to events that happened, like an elder's death or a victory over invaders. Some are fashioned in the images of spirits the Natives believed to bring good fortune, protection, and health. This is an historic site that brings you back to the times when Native American ancestors were the only inhabitants of Ketchikan. Many Native Americans still live in the area today.

There is a section of Ketchikan that contains a large rainforest that has been nurtured and continues to produce tall leafy trees that form a canopy over the area. Native wild flowers and plants are abundant in the area covered by trees. In some areas, you can see tree stumps rotting in the natural evolution of the forest. Benches have been installed and trails have been built for the enjoyment and convenience of visitors to the rainforest.

You should visit Ketchikan, Alaska to experience a city preserved in the ways of its Native American founders. Today there are modern innovations, but the historic flavor of the town makes you feel like you are observing the past.