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outstanding visitor destinations. Prince of Wales
Island is a great place for RV travelers to explore
and is home to an extensive karst (eroded limestone)
network, carved over 4 million years into a series of
caves and subterranean streams.
Early Ketchikan’s waterfront was the economic
and social center of the community. Almost
everything arrived and departed by way of the
docks. Streets, stairways and boardwalks began at
the harbor and navigated up the hillside and along
the shoreline into Newtown. As the dream of gold
brought settlers and adventurers to Southeast Alaska
in the early 1900s, Creek Street’s boardwalk began
50 years of notoriety as the most infamous red-light
district in the Territory, with 30 brothels and 50
‘sporting women.’ During prohibition and later, the
historic area became Ketchikan’s #1 attraction with
Colorful Characters interpretive signs.
Stretching 1.3 miles along the Tongass Narrows,
from Berth Four on the north to the end of the
Thomas Basin breakwater on the south, Ketchikan’s
Creek Street, Ketchikan Boardwalk connects historic neighborhoods,
photo by: cruise ship berths and maritime harbors. As if to
Mary Stephenson
provide a ‘front porch’ to the City’s four historic
districts and preserve their stories, the Boardwalk
cruises and ferries. A large variety of sea birds are system, Settler’s Cove Campground provides offers local artwork, benches to rest and socialize,
always present. Marten, mink, river otter, beaver, 14 campsites situated on salt water. Private RV easy connections to retail stores, attractions and
herons, and ravens can be seen along beaches and facilities are also available on a limited basis, museums, and safe comfortable recreation for
streams, including downtown Ketchikan Creek. but fill up quickly during peak summer months. people of all ages and mobility.
Situated within the 17 million acre Tongass Contact the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau for more Ketchikan provides a variety of accommodations
National Forest, Ketchikan provides outstanding information. ranging from the youth hostel to bed and breakfasts,
recreational opportunities. There are several Misty Fjords National Monument is a pristine hotels and motels, many featuring restaurants and
camping facilities in the area. The Forest Service masterpiece of nature sculpted by glacial action lounges on premises, fishing lodges, and world-
operates Ward Lake Recreational Area, located 8 over the centuries. Soaring cliffs, lush hanging class resorts. Conveniently located in the heart of
miles north of town. Signal Creek, Last Chance valleys, and bottomless saltwater fjords are some downtown, The Inn at Creek Street offers several
and Three C’s Campgrounds provide a total of of the features of this remote treasure. Ketchikan suites, three of which are in the oldest and most
about 50 sites. Operated by the Alaska State Park provides daily access to lesser-known but equally notorious houses of ill repute.

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