|
|
|
 |
|
Ketchikan is well known as the Salmon Capital of the World, and is considered a favorite
destination for sport fishermen and naturalists alike. Nestled along a steep hillside,
portions of the town are built on pilings over the Tongass Narrows. Ketchikan's name comes
from the native term "Katch Kanna", which translates to: "spread wings of a thundering eagle".
The Ketchikan Borough is uniquely located the middle of the Tongass National Forest,
the largest national forest in the U.S.
Ketchikan is a favorite stop for many cruise ships sailing through the Inside Passage.
The world's largest display of totem poles is in Ketchikan. A favorite side trip for
visitors to the area is the 2.2 million acre Misty Fjords National Monument.
It is most commonly
accessed via a short float plane trip just 22 air miles (36 km) east of Ketchikan.
Originally established as a fishing camp, Ketchikan's commercial history dates back to 1883,
when the first fish processing plant was built. The town was incorporated in 1900 and the population had
grown to 800. As the local mining activity grew, Ketchikan became an important trading
community. Legend has it that two-thirds of miners' wages were spent in the bars and bordellos
of Creek Street. As the mining industry declined, the fishing and timber industries continued
to flourish. Spruce was the primary tree harvested. Today, the logging industry has nearly
disappeared and Ketchikan is now refocused on fishing as well as tourism.
Population: 14,500
Location: Ketchikan located on the southwestern coast of Revillagigedo Island, near the
southernmost boundary of Alaska. It is 679 miles (1,100 km) north of Seattle and 235 miles
(381 km) south of Juneau.
Access: Daily jet service is available to Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage. The Ketchikan
airport is located on Garvina Island, a short ferry ride across Tongass Narrows from the
city. The state ferry system and local air taxi service is also available. There is no
outside road access.
|
|
| - |
| | - |
|
|
