Hello Friends!
I'm finally getting to the last of the 4-part series of my Alaska experience from a few months ago. Time is going by so fast–I'm half a year older since I visited Alaska! That's why I always sign off with DON'T WAIT TO LIVE!
Ketchikan–Salmon Capitol of the World!
The last stop on this awesome Alaska adventure was Ketchikan–the Salmon Capitol of the World. The salmon industry built this town and they are king–well, next to the BEARS of course! I
Welcome to Ketchikan!
went on a wildlife viewing excursion and saw both. It was incredible! We came to a stream filled with salmon so active they rippled the water with their movement. There are 5 types of salmon and we learned how to remember them by our fingers: (1)Chum--rhymes with thumb (2)Sockeye–think of poking someone's eye out with your index finger (3) King–your middle finger (4) Silver–ring finger (5) Pink–your pinkie.
Salmon is available EVERYWHERE! Every restaurant, recreation event, wilderness excursion meal, street markets, even the gift shops have smoked salmon–great gift for those back home.
Salmon everywhere!
I bought my dog sitter at the time a t-shirt that has the 5 types of salmon on it cause he's a fisherman, but now I'm wishing I had kept it! I really, really liked that shirt. Oh well, guess I will have to go back! Yes–I cannot wait to go back to Alaska. As you will read in the previous posts on this series, I am completely enthralled by this majestic land and I'm sure you will be too. It is truly spellbinding!
Totem Poles & Lumberjacks
In Ketchikan, totem poles are everywhere–as they are in much of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and even British Columbia, Canada.
They are an iconic symbol of the culture there, telling the stories of the native people through beautiful log carvings and art work.
Just hangin with the Totems
Totem Bright State Historical Parkis a good place to see totem poles and learn about them. However, they are everywhere; as they are part of the landscape. It is amazing!
Totally tall totem!
Lumberjacks are alive and well in Ketchikan–another part of the culture that has been around for ages. You might want to check out the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to see the tree climbing, axe throwing, chainsaw cutting, log rolling lumberjack guys and gals in action. Kids will love this! Me–I'm more into nature and animals, so most of my time was spent elsewhere.
Boat from 'Deadliest Catch'
However, I LOVED exploring the town of Ketchikan. It's vibrant and colorful, yet scenic, remote, and exciting with so much to see and do!
Camping Ketchikan
There is a year-round campground located about 7 miles north of Ketchikan in the Ward Lake Recreation Area. It is called Signal Creek Campground. A couple of hand pumps provide water and vault toilets are available. This would make a great base camp while exploring the Ketchikan area.
The Tongas National Forest I told you about before encompasses this area as well, with many hiking and camping opportunities. Most of Alaska is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Sunshine through Tongas National Forest