Alaska Travel

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is the fifth most populous city in the U.S. state of Alaska and the southeastern most sizable city in that state. Ketchikan's economy is based upon tourism and fishing, and the city is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." The Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the area's major attractions. Ketchikan is named after Ketchikan Creek, which flows through the town.

Ketchikan comes from the Tlingit name for the creek, Kitschk-hin, the meaning of which is unclear, although it may mean "the river belonging to Kitschk." Ketchikan also has the world's largest collection of standing totem poles located at three major locations: Saxman Village, Totem Bight, and the Totem Heritage Center. The town is perched on the shores of Ketchikan Creek and the Tongass Narrows on Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska, within the Tongass National Forest. more...

Location: on the southwestern coast of Revillagigedo Island, opposite Gravina Island, near the southern boundary of Alaska. It is 679 miles north of Seattle and 235 miles south of Juneau
State: Alaska
Borough: Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Mayor: Bob Weinstein
Area: City 10.7 km² (4.1 sq mi), Water 2.0 km² (0.8 sq mi)
Elevation: Sea level m (Expression error: Unrecognised word "sea" ft)
Zip codes: 99901, 99950
Latitude: 55° 20' N
Longitude: 131° 38' W

History of Ketchikan

Ketchikan Alaska means different things to different people. Some people enjoy Ketchikan Alaska fishing; others come to explore Ketchikan's Native American culture. If you were to take a Ketchikan tour, you would discover that the arts are also alive and well in this quaint town. Based on the number of festivals throughout the year, Ketchikan Alaska has been referred to as one of the "Top 100 Small Arts Communities in the United States."

Inspired by the scenic beauty and preserved history, many artists have made Ketchikan Alaska their home. Unlike the galleries in big cities, the artists themselves own most of the art galleries in Ketchikan Alaska. The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council is the umbrella organization for the Ketchikan arts scene. more...

An Overview on Ketchikan's Economy

Housing Units: 6164
In labor force (population 16 years and over): 73.5%
Families below poverty level: 4.5%
Individuals below poverty level: 6.5%
Employment: 7,339 jobs in 2003; 7,719 in 1999; and 8,505 jobs
Unemployment: 8.9% in 2003, 7.6% in 2000, varied between 7.0% and 10.2%
Adults Not In Labor Force: 32% in 2000; 23.8%
Per Capita Wealth: $33,700in 1999; $33,500 in 1995
Transfer Payments: $4,500/person in 1999; $3,700/
Net Migration: Average out-migration of 11.5 persons per year per 1,000 population
Below Poverty Level: 6.5% of population in 2000; 4.2%

Facts for Travellers

Climate of Ketchikan

Located in the vast coastal rainforest of Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America with just over 150 inches of average annual precipitation. Visitors should therefore come prepared for rain, especially if they plan activities on the water or in the forest or otherwise away from town and easy access to shelter.

During the summertime precipitation is generally light and sporadic and daytime temperatures average in the high sixties (F). Wintertime is marked by heavy, cold, wind-driven rain, for months at a time with barely any respite and temperatures in the high thirties. more...

Geography of Ketchikan

Ketchikan is located at 55°22'52?N, 131°39'51?W on Revillagigedo Island, 90 miles (145 km) north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia and 235 miles (378 km) south of Juneau, Alaska. According to the United States Census Bureau, the City has a total area of 4.1 mi² (10.7 km²). 3.4 mi² (8.7 km²) of it is land and 0.8 mi² (2.0 km²) of it (18.60%) is water.

Average annual rainfall is 152 inches (3861 mm); annual average snowfall is 37 inches (940 mm). The average high temperature in July is 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius), and the average high temperature in January is 33 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 degrees Celsius). more...

Also Read: Demographics of Ketchikan | Economy of Ketchikan | Getting in Ketchikan | Transportation in Ketchikan

Cities in Alaska
Anchorage
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Juneau
Wasilla
Palmer
Sitka
Kenai
Ketchikan
Homer
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