Saxman Totem Park — Attraction in Saxman

Ketchikan was our last stop on the Princess Cruise and this was unfortunately probably the most disappointing excursion that we booked. Typical Ketchikan weather aside (downpour in September) the tour itself indeed felt as if we fell into an overpriced tourist trap. I checked some other websites and it turns out if you did an independent tour of the place it would only be $5/person admission. Through Princess we paid about $54 but that included transportation along with a "The Clan House Tour & Native Dancing Show". Definitely not worth ~$49 extra. Oh well... you live and you learn.

My SO and I sat on the smallest bus and waited for the other 2 large coach buses seating 100 more enthusiastic tourists take off to the village 15 minutes away from the cruise port. Not quite the "intimate" experience they were marketing on the shore excursions website. We shuffled into what looked like an auditorium and one of the native Tlingit members greeted us. He taught us some phrases then proceeded to show us a 30 minute DVD introduction to the culture. They combined the groups from the Princess Cruise and Holland America line so there were so many people I can't imagine the people in the back heard very well. Similarly when we went into the Beaver shaped clan meeting house we had to sit all the way in the back while they performed the half-hearted dance. (I'm sure they do this several times during the day but it just looked like they were going through the motions.)

Afterwards we stood outside in the pouring rain for about 20 minutes as our bus tour guides told us about the specific totem poles that they have on display. The stories were nice, but we were all wet and uncomfortable. I know nothing they could have had control over. I couldn't wait to get into our last stop the carving station. Again my shortness proved challenging to see what was going on as they crammed 60+ people inside. We asked the Master Carver and the other carvers about the projects.

Overall it was interesting learning about the native culture, but definitely not worth the price that we paid...

We did not go with tour group or excusion. Sorry to say, I found very little to see or do here. The tribal house is closed to public. There were no performances on- or if there were, there no signs to tell u when there was any. No talks open to the public. Was told the carving shed reserved for only private tours unless u go inside to "buy" wood shavings. Totem poles outside was missing information placards. All the totem poles outside can be seen from the main road( without entering the facility). I didnt feel there were many totem toles-maybe 12 tall ones and the rest were maybe 12ft high. Perhaps i missed the walking trails that are supposed to be there - did not see any signs that point to trails. The google alaska.org information is incorrect in pricing for entrance and shuttle bus. You HAVE to buy a private tours or excusion to make this attraction interesting. If u r on a cruise, I found sitka national historic park much more Interesting and free. Or I would try the other totem parks in town Especially if ur boat docks north of town. They did have a...

Here is the scoop on getting there from Ketchikan. You can take the "free" bus, which is only free if you are heading downtown. Bus stops are marked with small signs like the no parking. Look for white busses with blue waves on the sides. There is a light sign above the driver identifying the route. Take the silver route. Have exact change for a $2 fare each. You'll pass through some shopping areas and into the country for a bit. The driver will announce saxman, and you will see it on your left. It is a steep walk up to the shop. I wandered on my own and listened in to a guide briefly. Did not find a hiking trail, but didn't have the energy anyway. The return bus will pick you up on the road running parallel to the hwy where there is a small wood shack. Check your change again! The shop has lots of nice things and will know what time...