Catch Us in Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Fun Facts for Ketchikan

• Ketchikan's abundant salmon runs and passionate fishing community have earned it the title of "Salmon Capital of the World" 

• The historic Creek Street was once the city's red light district; between 1903 and 1953, there were 30 brothels in the area

• The zip code in Ketchikan 99950, which is the highest number zip code in the U.S.

Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. The totem pole pictured in most American Passports is located in Ketchikan.

Ketchikan is located near the stunning Misty Fjords National Monument, a paradise of sheer cliffs, fjords, and abundant wildlife. The city is also surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, a 17-acre rainforest, which provides red cedar logs for totem poles and other traditional materials.

Today we took a shuttle into town to look around the town of Ketchikan, and then went on an excursion to view, and learn about, Totem Poles. We feel fortunate that we didn't get any rain today, since Ketchikan averages 261% more rain than the national average, getting an average of 150 inches per year.

Getting to Ketchikan is only possible by boat or airplane. The system of ferry boats that run in this area of Alaska is known as the Maritime Highway. Many of the planes that serve Ketchikan are float planes.

Totem Poles and Black Bears

One of the animals that Alaska is known for is the Black Bear. They are very large and scary!

Ketchikan has the largest number of standing Totem Poles in the world. We visited Potlatch Park ( Potlatch refers to a large gathering or party) to learn about the meanings and construction of the totem poles in this area. The poles are generally made from Cedar wood, and traditionally the colors were made by the women of the tribe from mixtures of local, natural ingredients. When a pole falls it is left where it falls and becomes a nursery log, giving life to new organisms that grow on it or make their homes there.

Totem poles are considered the written language of the Tlingit people. Below, in the top left picture, the totem pole has an eagle (top), young female, whale and an owl carved into it. This tells the story of a young woman whose fiancé was missing and the three animals helped the young woman locate him on a deserted island. The top right picture is the inside of the group residence. The remaining two pictures are additional examples of totems and art.

Parental discretion is advised for the remaining part of this blog...

During the time of the gold rush Creek Street became known as the red light district in town.

The attitude of the gold miners also influenced other parts of the economy, including the many bars and restaurants in town...

And the shopping!

So far the weather has been cooperating and we are grateful; however, rain is predicted in the next few days. And....we are in Alaska where rain, wind, and cold is very normal.

Tomorrow we travel to Sitka (pronounced Sheet ká) where we will learn more about the Russian influence on its culture.