Exploring Ketchikan: Private Totem Parks and Alaskan Wildlife Highlights
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour is vehicle-based with short walks.
Overview
Discover Ketchikan’s rich blend of Native culture and rugged wilderness on a private van tour. From towering totem poles to salmon-filled coves, explore iconic landmarks and wildlife habitats with unmatched insider knowledge.
Exploring Ketchikan: Private Totem Parks and Alaskan Wildlife Highlights
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Ketchikan, Alaska, marks the threshold of the Last Frontier, where dense rainforests meet intricate waterways of the Inside Passage. On this private van tour, the landscape shifts constantly, from coastal shores where salmon dare their upstream battles to towering totem poles that stand like sentinels, telling stories carved deep into cedar.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Time Your Visit for Wildlife Activity
Plan your tour during early morning or late afternoon when salmon are more active and wildlife sightings are frequent.
Wear Waterproof Layers
Ketchikan’s temperate rainforest climate means rain is frequent; waterproof jackets and shoes keep you comfortable during outdoor stops.
Bring Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing
A good pair of binoculars enhances spotting eagles, bears, and seals along waterways and coves.
Carry Cash for Park Fees
Some parks like Totem Bight require a small entrance fee not included in the tour price—having cash on hand simplifies access.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Black bear
History
Ketchikan was founded in 1885 as a fishing camp and became known as Alaska’s first city due to its location on the Inside Passage.
Conservation
Efforts to protect the Tongass National Forest and its waterways are crucial to preserving the native totem parks and salmon habitats that sustain both culture and wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ketchikan
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against rain common in Ketchikan's coastal rainforest.
fall specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for short walks on uneven terrain in totem parks and shorelines.
Binoculars
Helps spot wildlife at a distance during stops.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Captures detailed images of totems and wildlife from afar.