Ketchikan Creek flows from Ketchikan Lake through downtown Ketchikan. The creek is an important fishery for chinook (king) and coho (silver) salmon and a good spot for both salmon fishing and viewing. The creek follows Creek Street through town, a historic district with a wooden plank boardwalk between the creek and adjacent storefronts and eateries. Two short trails are also nearby—Married Man’s Trail and Schoenbar Trail. Further up the creek, there is a fish ladder which is a good spot for salmon viewing. The Deer Mountain Tribal Fish Hatchery is located nearby on Salmon Street.

The rich waters of Ketchikan Creek and the surrounding temperate rainforest make this a good spot for birdwatching. Approximately 100 species have been observed on Ketchikan Creek including waterfowl, waterbirds, a variety of gulls (especially when the salmon are in the creek), and a wide variety of passerines including swifts, flycatchers, woodpeckers, thrushes, warblers, and sparrows.

Directions:

Ketchikan Creek can be accessed from several locations in Ketchikan. Just head to Creek Street to start exploring the area.

Trail Information:

• See Married Man’s Trail and Schoenbar Trail on pages 18 and 19 of the Ketchikan Trail Guide (PDF)

Birding Resources:

•  eBird Hotspot: Ketchikan--Ketchikan Creek

Bird Species Checklist:

• Ketchikan checklist

Other Resources:

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game