Ketchikan: The Gateway to Southeast Alaska

Nestled in Alaska's southeastern panhandle, Ketchikan proudly bears its titles: "Salmon Capital of the World" 🐟 "City of Totem Poles" 🎭 "Rain Capital of Alaska" ☔ "Alaska's First City" 🏙️ As the first port of call for northbound voyages into Alaska, this vibrant city receives visitors with: • 220+ rainy days/year (avg. 411cm rainfall, often exceeding 500cm!) • Only 2 sunny days during my 6 visits ☀️ Cultural Treasures 🏞️ Totem Pole Collections (World's largest!): Totem Bight State Historical Park Saxman Totem Park Totem Heritage Center 🏭 Industrial Legacy: Since 1886, Ketchikan transformed from a mining supply hub to the "Canned Salmon Capital" (1930s peak: 10+ canneries processing record volumes daily). Must-See Experiences 🛶 Creek Street: Historic red-light district (1890s Gold Rush era) now lined with shops Summer spectacle: Salmon runs + bald eagles hunting 🦅 🌲 Natural Wonders: Misty Fjords National Monument (seaplane/boat tours) Tongass National Forest (world's largest temperate rainforest) Getting There ✈️ Flights: Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Juneau/Anchorage) Delta seasonal routes (Seattle) ⛴️ Ferry: Alaska Marine Highway (Bellingham, WA route; 1-2 weekly) 🚌 Local Transit: City buses to attractions/Walmart ($2 single/$5 day pass) #Alaska #Ketchikan #SalmonRun #TotemCulture #Rainforest #USTravel #OffTheBeatenPath