Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a coastal city in southeastern Alaska, United States, built along a narrow strip of land between steep hillsides and open water. Buildings line tight streets that run parallel to the shore, while wooden boardwalks and staircases connect higher residential areas to the docks below.

A fish camp established in 1885 grew into the first officially recognized city in Alaska in 1900. Timber mills later drew workers before salmon canning and then tourism shaped the local economy.

Fishing families still bring salmon and halibut to local docks early in the morning, selling part of the catch straight from their boats. Visitors walk through neighborhoods where wooden houses display hand-carved doors and lintels, showing how Native crafts remain part of everyday life.

Most shops and restaurants sit near the waterfront, where sidewalks follow the narrow strip of flat land and sometimes rise steeply. Luggage moves more easily along the level streets by the water, while footpaths into the hills require steady effort.

Some days bring so much rain that residents wear rubber boots and puddles fill the streets. The heavy annual rainfall keeps surrounding forests deep green year-round and moss grows on nearly every surface.

Location: Ketchikan Gateway Borough

Inception: August 25, 1900

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

Website: https://ketchikan.gov

GPS coordinates: 55.34308,-131.64669

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:25