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Ketchikan is a beautiful introduction to southeast Alaska, located at the southernmost entrance of the Inside Passage when traveling to Alaska by ferry or cruise ship. The community is set on Revillagigedo Island and is surrounded by numerous waterways, adjacent islands, and the temperate coastal rainforest of the Tongass National Forest, including over 2 million acres in the Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Area. Ketchikan has a rich Alaska Native culture and abundant salmon populations.
With over 260 bird species detected and several thousand checklists submitted to this eBird Region, the Ketchikan area is a popular birding area in Southeast Alaska. The mix of coastal temperate rainforest, marine waters, and tidelands along this Pacific Flyway area make the Ketchikan area a great spot for breeding birds and spring and fall migrants.
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General Area Overview and Information Sources:
- The Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
- Ketchikan Visitors Center
- City of Ketchikan
- Ketchikan Area Trails Guide (PDF)
- PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center (907) 225-5171
- US Forest Service Ketchikan Ranger District, 648 Mission Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901; (907) 225-3101
- US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map (PDF)
Birding and Wildlife Resources:
Birding Trail Map for Ketchikan (click on site names for details).
Sites in Ketchikan
Clover Passage
Several guide services are available to help you access Clover Passage.
Ketchikan Airport, Gravina Island
This site is a great birding spot close town.
Ketchikan Creek
The creek follows Creek Street, a historic district with wooden plank boardwalk.
Ketchikan Town Center
Ketchikan is easy to explore on foot and has transit options available including a bus system.
Misty Fjords National Monument
A great place to explore by boat or sea kayak with 10 trails, 13 public use cabins and 5 shelters.
Refuge Cove State Recreation Site
There is often a flock of Western Grebes (75-200 birds) in the adjacent Tongass Narrows.
Settler's Cove State Recreation Site
Watch for Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Marbled Murlette.
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Learn about Native Alaskan cultural sites, including totem poles as well as a traditional clan house.
Ward Lake
Several owls species have also been detected in this area.
Birding Photo: Ben Sullender
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