Hi there, Adventure Friends! 🌲

Let’s start with some trivia

Which indigenous peoples are native to the Ketchikan area?​

• A. Inuit and Aleut​

• B. Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian​

• C. Apache and Navajo​

• D. Sioux and Cherokee​

  Answer after the article (at the end of the text!)

If your family is dreaming of somewhere different—somewhere cool, green, and full of

wonder—Ketchikan, Alaska might just be the perfect place. It’s where the wild things are

(think bears, bald eagles, and giant leaping salmon) and where families come to

reconnect, recharge, and really breathe.

This little town is tucked into the southern edge of Alaska and is surrounded by forest,

water, and calm. It’s the kind of place where kids look up from screens, parents find their

rhythm again, and everyone slows down just enough to enjoy it all.

Let’s take a look at why Ketchikan deserves a spot on your family’s travel list.

🌧️ Why Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has this quiet kind of magic—no big crowds, no rush, just fresh air and plenty

of ways to move, laugh, and explore. It’s a town that welcomes curious families and

rewards those willing to splash through a little rain.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Nature in every direction — trees, fjords, waterfalls, and wildlife

• A deep connection to Alaska Native culture — especially through totem art and storytelling

• A great place to get active and stay healthy — with hikes, paddles, and outdoor play that the whole family can enjoy

And yes, it rains here. A lot. But the locals say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five

minutes—or just wear a better rain jacket.” 🌦️

🛶 Top Things To Do in Ketchikan

1. Misty Fjords National Monument 🌫️

Just the name sounds like something from a fairy tale, right? Kayak or take a boat tour

through these giant fjords. Waterfalls pour down green cliffs, and the silence is the kind

that fills your whole body.

✨ Wellness Bonus: Being here is like a nature meditation. The water, the mist, the quiet—

it’s better than any spa.

2. Saxman Native Village

Get to know Alaska’s Indigenous culture through towering totem poles and carving

demonstrations. Kids love the colors and stories. Adults love the deep sense of history.

🎨 Tip: Bring sketchpads or journals—totems are full of meaning and imagination.

3. Hike the Rainbird Trail 🥾

A short hike with big rewards. This trail winds through rainforest and gives you a bird’s-

eye view of the harbor. It’s perfect for a post-breakfast energy boost.

👣 Kid-Friendly Tip: The trail’s not too long, and there are plenty of spots to stop, snack,

and look out over the water.

4. Creek Street & Salmon Sighting 🐟

An old boardwalk turned shopping lane, this place is fun to explore. In summer, salmon

race up the creek beneath your feet. It’s wild and weird and totally worth a visit.

📸 Don't forget the camera—especially if a bald eagle swoops down for a snack!

🍴 Eat Local, Eat Well

Ketchikan’s food scene is small but mighty, with plenty of fresh, healthy options for

families who like to keep things clean and tasty.

• Wild Alaskan salmon: grilled, smoked, or in tacos—delicious and packed with omega-3s

• Fresh halibut: super mild and perfect for picky eaters

• Granola bars and smoothies: cafés here serve them homemade and hearty

🥗 Local Favorite: A cozy little café downtown serves up veggie wraps, fresh-pressed

juices, and warm soup made with local greens. Even the kids will dig in.

🧘 Rest, Recover, and Just Be

After a big day of hiking, paddling, and exploring, it’s okay to slow down. Ketchikan

makes it easy.

• Hot tubs with a view: Some lodges let you soak while looking out over the bay

• Gentle yoga classes: Perfect on a rainy morning or before bed

• Deck time: Sit outside, sip cocoa, and watch the world float by

💤 Reminder: Sometimes the best memories come from doing absolutely nothing...

together.

🧭 A Trip That Brings Everyone Closer

Traveling to Ketchikan isn’t about seeing “all the things”—it’s about being fully there. It's

looking your kids in the eyes instead of looking at your phone. It’s telling stories, walking

slowly, skipping rocks, and maybe even singing in the rain.

And it’s good for the body, too:

• Moving every day—hiking, paddling, walking

• Eating real, whole foods

• Breathing clean, cool air

• Sleeping like you haven’t in months

This isn’t just a getaway—it’s a reset button for the whole family.

📅 How Long Should You Stay?

Five to seven days is the sweet spot. Long enough to explore, but not so long that you

need a vacation after the vacation.

Ketchikan is compact and easy to navigate, and the locals are kind. There’s a sense of

welcome here that’s hard to describe—but you’ll feel it the moment you arrive.

🧳 Pack Your Bags—The Wild Is Calling

This is the kind of trip you remember forever. Not because of big rides or fancy hotels,

but because of quiet walks, warm meals, shared laughter, and all the little things that turn

into the best stories.

So grab the rain boots, charge the camera, and get ready for a trip that’s wild in the best

possible way.

Your Travel Buddy🌟

Until next time—keep exploring, keep laughing, and stay healthy. 🧡

P.S. Bring waterproof everything. And snacks. Always snacks. 🌧️🥨

P.P.S. Answer: ✅B. Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian