Sightseeing and scenic rides in Ketchikan
Scenic rides in Ketchikan mostly mean one trip: a floatplane flight over Misty Fjords National Monument. The planes take about 30 minutes to reach the fjords from the waterfront, and the views of icy blue lakes, waterfalls and snowcapped peaks are the whole point. For a shorter outing, the red funicular up from Creek Street to Cape Fox Lodge gives a view over the waterfront.
Places to go
Rotary Beach
Rotary Beach is a sandy and rocky shore about three miles south of downtown Ketchikan, also called Bugge Beach. It is a place for a shore break, a picnic and a look at tide pools.
Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument is a wilderness of glacier-carved granite fjords near Ketchikan, reached by floatplane or boat. Icy blue lakes, waterfalls and glacial valleys sit inside its 2.1 million acres.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
The main scenic ride here is a floatplane flight into Misty Fjords National Monument. The flight takes about 30 minutes each way from the waterfront, and the fjords are the jumping off point for the whole area. From the air you look down on icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and glacial valleys that you cannot reach by road.
The rest of the scenic options are short. The red funicular lift on Creek Street climbs to Cape Fox Lodge, which has waterfront views. Taxis can take you to outlying viewpoints, and the town bus reaches Totem Bight State Park about 10 miles north. Most sights in town can be seen within a few hours.
Where to go
- Misty Fjords National Monument. Floatplane flights give an eagle's eye view of icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and glacial valleys. About 30 minutes by air from the waterfront, by floatplane.
- Cape Fox Lodge funicular. A red funicular lift climbs from Creek Street to Cape Fox Lodge, which has waterfront views. From Creek Street, three to four blocks from the docks, by funicular.
- Guard Island Lighthouse. A 100-year-old lighthouse that can be seen from North Tongass Highway or from a charter boat. By charter boat or drive along North Tongass Highway.
- Rotary Beach. A spot overlooking Nichol's Passage with a scenic view of the water.
Getting there
Creek Street and the downtown are compact and easy to walk. The floatplane to Misty Fjords takes about 30 minutes each way from the waterfront. Taxis are the usual way to reach outlying viewpoints, and the town bus goes north to Totem Bight State Park.
When to go
The floatplane season runs April to October. Rain falls often in Ketchikan, so the weather can change from day to day.
Good to know
- Pack a rain jacket and dress in layers, since the weather can shift quickly.
- Book the floatplane flight ahead through an operator.
- The funicular starts on Creek Street and climbs to Cape Fox Lodge.
Questions
How far is the Misty Fjords flight from Ketchikan?
The floatplane flight takes about 30 minutes from the Ketchikan waterfront to Misty Fjords National Monument. It is the main scenic outing from the town and gives an aerial view of lakes, waterfalls and snowcapped peaks.
What is the red funicular in Ketchikan?
The red funicular lift starts on Creek Street and climbs to Cape Fox Lodge, which has waterfront views. The lift is a short ride, and it starts on Creek Street.
Can I see Ketchikan's scenery without flying?
Yes. Creek Street and the waterfront are walkable downtown, and Rotary Beach overlooks Nichol's Passage. Taxis can take you to outlying viewpoints, and the town bus reaches Totem Bight State Park about 10 miles north.
