Situated on Revillagigedo Island (shortened to Revilla by local residents) along the Tongass Narrows lies one of Southeast Alaska’s gems - that of Ketchikan. Alaska’s 4th largest city known to some as the “first city” and considered by many to be the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is thought to come from the Indian name “katch kanna” meaning “Spread wings of a thundering eagle.” Thought by many to be an adventure playground given its close proximity to Misty Fjords National Park, Ketchikan has become a city whose economy is heavy supported by tourism as its thriving industry.

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to and explore the hospitality of this gateway city as a part of a business trip. After a rather hairy journey in which our flight on Alaska Airlines experienced many mechanical difficulties that ended with us experiencing an emergency landing, I was happy to finally touch down after the day’s excitement. Ketchikan’s International Airport is situated on Gravina Island and to reach Ketchikan one must cross the narrows aboard the ferry. Ketchikan offers a mild climate and the night we arrived we found temperatures in the lower 40s. Quite a welcome break after a recent cold snap in Anchorage with temperatures plunging below zero.

Much of the town is built on pilings and its previous industry tended to focus greatly on logging and fishing. After the permanent closure of the Ketchikan Pulp Mill in 1997 the town was forced to look for another means of industry. They seemed to have succeeded as tourism quickly became a thriving industry whose local economy is heavily supported by the cruise ships. Given Ketchikan is the first and last port of call for Alaska cruise ship visitors, it is not uncommon to experience five ships arriving at once, thus doubling Ketchikan’s normal population of 14,000.

Though my available time was limited during my tenure here, I was able to explore the town and set out to photograph what became perhaps my two favorite aspects of the town. Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street district and the totem poles.

Ketchikan offers an enriched cultural history with a plethora of native culture in the area, including the presence of Tlinget, Haida and Tsimshian tribes. The city offers the largest collection of totem poles in the world including the infamous Totem Bright Totem Park and the totem park in Saxman Village. My favorite perhaps was the Totem Bight Totem Park which is a crown jewel in the State of Alaska’s state park system. As one meanders through the trails lined with the heavy timber growth of the area you can literally be swept back in time as you encounter and experience these artistic wonders. My favorite of course was the replica of a clan house which would have served as a home for 30 to 50 people in many villages in the early 19th century. Inside is a large room with a fire pit and planked platform. In an area supported by natural bounty, these artistic masterpieces serve as the symbolism of the area.

Creek Street on the other hands serves as a reminder of different sort - that of mystery and mayhem. Creek Street was considered Ketchikan’s red light district filled with brothels, alcohol and mining in the days of old. Given Ketchikan was the first city on the sea route from Seattle, Ketchikan found its population growing quickly. Fishing fleets lined the harbor and loggers and miners worked the local resources. Thus the area flourished. After local law outlawed prostitution in the early 1950’s Creek Street became a tribute to this path of history. Today the boardwalk street is home to coffee shops, restaurants and book stores. I found it quite enchanting as literally there are few places like this.

I greatly enjoyed my trip and can easily see why Ketchikan is a favorite stopping place for so many wanting to see the area. Indeed the area has much to offer and experience. And I shall be journeying back to the area at the end of May to see and experience more. Ketchikan should be a definite stopping point on anyone’s journey to Alaska.