The Ward Lake Recreation Area is managed by the Tongass National Forest. This site encompasses a network of trails, picnic sites, viewing platforms and campgrounds that offer a variety of recreation and wildlife viewing experiences. The Ward Lake Nature Trail is 1.5 miles long and loops around the edge of Ward Lake through spruce-hemlock forest. Likely bird encounters in the summer include: Trumpeter Swan, Common Loon, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Pacific Wren, Orange-crowned Warbler and Townsend's Warbler in the summer. In the winter: Common and Barrow's Goldeneye, Common and Hooded Merganser can be found on the lake. Several owls species have also been detected in this area including: Northern Saw-whet Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Barred Owl, and Western Screech Owl.

Directions:

From Ketchikan ferry terminal, head north on the North Tongass Hwy approximately 4 miles to Revilla Road. Turn right and drive 1.4 miles to Ward Lake Road. Turn right onto Ward Lake Road and drive approximately 1 mile to Ward Lake. There are several parking areas and recreational access points near this lake.

Trail Information:

• US Forest Service: Ward Lake Trail
• Ward Lake Trail is on pages 56 and 57 of the Ketchikan Trail Guide (PDF) 

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: Ketchikan--Ward Lake

Bird Species Checklist:

• Ketchikan checklist

Other Resources:

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Ward Lake 
• US Forest Service: 3C’s Campground
• US Forest Service: Signal Creek Campground