Salmon Ladder Ketchikan Creek
Witness thousands of salmon ascend the iconic ladder on Ketchikan Creek, adjacent to historic Creek Street.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak salmon run season
Salmon Ladder Ketchikan Creek
Best Time
Peak salmon run season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness thousands of salmon ascend the iconic ladder on Ketchikan Creek, adjacent to historic Creek Street.
"A truly unique Alaskan experience, watching salmon battle upstream is unforgettable!"
🎯 Go Early to Beat Crowds
Creek Street gets busy quickly, especially with cruise ship passengers. Arrive early for a more peaceful experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore trails like Married Man's Trail. Waterproof shoes are a plus!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Salmon Ladder
Ketchikan Creek
Witness thousands of salmon battling the current to ascend this ingenious structure. A true marvel of nature!
Historic Creek Street
Adjacent to Ketchikan Creek
Explore colorful wooden buildings on stilts, once a notorious red-light district, now charming shops and eateries.
Whale Park Totem Poles
Near Creek Street
Admire intricate totem poles showcasing rich Native American heritage amidst beautiful park scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Salmon Sightings
Embrace the Alaskan Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early to Beat Crowds
Creek Street gets busy quickly, especially with cruise ship passengers. Arrive early for a more peaceful experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore trails like Married Man's Trail. Waterproof shoes are a plus!
🌧️ Pack for Rain
Ketchikan is known for its rain. Waterproof jackets and umbrellas are essential for enjoying your visit.
🐟 Salmon Run Timing
The salmon run is seasonal. Mid-August to September is often best for seeing king salmon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early to Beat Crowds
Creek Street gets busy quickly, especially with cruise ship passengers. Arrive early for a more peaceful experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore trails like Married Man's Trail. Waterproof shoes are a plus!
🌧️ Pack for Rain
Ketchikan is known for its rain. Waterproof jackets and umbrellas are essential for enjoying your visit.
🐟 Salmon Run Timing
The salmon run is seasonal. Mid-August to September is often best for seeing king salmon.
🛍️ Explore Creek Street Shops
Don't just see the salmon ladder; duck into the unique shops and galleries along Creek Street.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Salmon Ladder as a unique and fascinating natural spectacle, highlighting the incredible sight of salmon migrating upstream. The historic Creek Street is also a major draw, with its charming shops and colorful buildings. While some find the salmon run timing can be hit or miss, the overall experience is considered a worthwhile and memorable part of a Ketchikan visit.
"Ketchikan is a beautiful village and we were very fortunate to visit it.
The circuit is a wonderful opportunity to see a "nature documentary" in real.time and a lovely walk."
Valérie
"This makes you truly appreciate the tough battle the salmons face."
Jean-Marc Provencher
"Ok, worth the look . . . Amazing nature all around."
Jim Krueger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Salmon Ladder is a short, easy walk from the cruise port. Head towards Creek Street, and you'll find the ladder and the creek nearby. Many visitors describe it as a 5-minute walk from Creek Street.
Parking in Ketchikan can be limited, especially near Creek Street. It's best to walk from the cruise port or nearby accommodations. If driving, look for public parking lots in the downtown area.
Taxis are available in Ketchikan, but rideshares are not as common. Walking is generally the most convenient way to reach the Salmon Ladder from the cruise port.
Yes, many Ketchikan tours, especially those focused on Creek Street and local history, will include a stop at the Salmon Ladder.
Follow signs for Creek Street, which is a prominent landmark. The Salmon Ladder is located along Ketchikan Creek, adjacent to Creek Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Salmon Ladder or walk along Creek Street. It's a public area for everyone to enjoy.
The Salmon Ladder is a natural feature and is accessible at all times. However, the best time to see salmon is during the migration season.
No booking is required. You can visit the Salmon Ladder and Creek Street spontaneously.
Creek Street itself is a public street with shops and restaurants, so there's no entry fee. You only pay for any purchases you make.
The salmon run typically occurs from mid-August through September, with king salmon being a highlight during this period.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Salmon Ladder is a man-made structure designed to help salmon bypass natural obstacles and migrate upstream to spawn. It's a fascinating spectacle to witness thousands of salmon attempting to climb it.
You can observe salmon attempting to climb the ladder, learn about their life cycle from interpretive signs, and enjoy the natural beauty of Ketchikan Creek.
A quick visit to see the salmon ladder can take about 30 minutes. If you plan to explore Creek Street and the surrounding area, allocate at least 1-2 hours.
Yes, the Salmon Ladder offers unique photo opportunities, especially when salmon are actively migrating. Creek Street also provides picturesque backdrops.
Historic Creek Street, Whale Park with its totem poles, and various shops and restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the Salmon Ladder.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Creek Street offers several dining options, including Annabelle's Restaurant, known for its seafood. You can also find places serving fresh salmon bowls and even unique salmon donuts.
Absolutely! Ketchikan is the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' and many restaurants, like Alaskan Fish House, serve fresh, locally caught salmon.
Yes, you can purchase fresh or smoked salmon from places like Salmon Market and even ship it home.
Try the 'salmon donut' at Jellyfish Donuts for a unique local treat.
Dining prices can vary, but expect mid-range to higher prices, especially for seafood. Casual eateries and cafes offer more budget-friendly options.
📸 📸 Photography
The Salmon Ladder itself, with salmon in motion, is a prime subject. Creek Street's colorful buildings on stilts also make for iconic shots.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing salmon details from a distance. A wide-angle lens is great for the overall scene of Creek Street and the creek.
Photographing moving salmon can be challenging. Fast shutter speeds are recommended to freeze the action. Patience is key!
Generally, there are no restrictions on photography in public areas like the Salmon Ladder and Creek Street. However, always be respectful of private property and individuals.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, the dramatic scenery is impressive at any time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Salmon Run: A Natural Spectacle
Several species of salmon, including king salmon, sockeye salmon, and coho salmon, frequent Ketchikan Creek. The sheer volume of fish can be astounding, creating a 'nature documentary in real-time' experience. While the salmon run is the main draw, it's important to remember that it's a natural event, and sightings can vary. However, the effort these fish undertake is always awe-inspiring.
For those interested in learning more, interpretive signs and QR codes along the Ketchikan Salmon Walk offer insights into the salmon's life cycle, local stewardship, and the history of the area. This makes the experience both entertaining and educational, providing a deeper appreciation for Alaska's rich natural heritage.
Creek Street: A Glimpse into Ketchikan's Past
The architecture of Creek Street is a testament to its unique history. The buildings, perched on stilts, were designed to be easily moved or rebuilt, a necessity in a town that has faced fires and floods. Today, these structures house a variety of businesses, from souvenir shops selling Alaskan crafts to art galleries showcasing local talent. Visitors can explore these shops, enjoy a meal with a view of the creek, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this historic waterfront.
Adjacent to Creek Street, the Salmon Ladder provides a natural counterpoint to the human history of the street. The juxtaposition of the bustling historic district and the raw power of nature at the salmon ladder creates a compelling and memorable visit. Many visitors recommend exploring the entire length of Creek Street and following the walkway to the salmon ladder for the full experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit