Hiking In K-town

3001 Foot Deer Mountain

When most folks think of Alaska, they think "adventure" and there are many adventures to be had in K-town on your visit. So many that you may have a hard time deciding which one's to enjoy. One of these many adventures is hiking. There are several trails within a short drive to explore, from the trails out at Ward Lake and Settlers Cove in the Tongass National Forest to the Beaver Falls and Sylvis Lake trails out on the southend. But the two I'm going to let you in on are less than five minutes from the docks downtown. They are the Deer Mountain Trail and the new Rainbird Trail.

One of my favorite trails is the Deer Mountain Trail. Over the 30 years I've lived in K-town I've hiked this trail dozens of times. The first time in the dark, a story for another time. I simply love it. It's 2.5 miles from the trail head to the summit. The trail head is about 1.5 miles from the docks and is all up hill, duh. I would suggest saving your energy for the trail and take a taxi to the trail head. It's under ten dollars from the docks. 

This is the trail to hike if you want to spend your day enjoying the wonders of an old growth forest, spotting birds and wildlife, great scenery and unbelievable views of Ketchikan, the Tongass Narrows and the surrounding islands. In my younger days I could do it in 1.5 hours(under 50), but the last time it took over 3 hours of huffin' and puffin' to make it.

Now this is not an easy hike, it's rated difficult, but don't let that stop you. This is because the trail has many steep switchbacks, rocky and uneven surfaces. Like most trails found in southeast Alaska the terrain varies from gravel to wooden stairs and boardwalks, stone steps, small creeks and muskeg. In spots it may be very muddy and may still have snow early in the season. The weather can be another factor, it can change quickly and become quite foggy or rainy. So be sure to dress in layers and don't forget a waterproof jacket.

Rainbird Trailhead

Rainbird Trail start @ ASU Campus

The newest trail in K-town is the Rainbird Trail, ok, it's not really new. But lots of people didn't know about it till the by pass was built. I use this trail for my quick work outs. If you have kids and they need to burn off ship boredom this will do. As in going to Deer Mountain, I suggest taking a taxi to the trail head, it's about 9 dollars and you save your energy for the hike.

The trail is about 1.5 miles long and has been rated as "moderate". The trail head is located at the UAS campus on Jackson St. and runs high above the 3rd Ave by-pass back towards downtown. Even though the trail has been resurfaced in resent years, it is still typical of hiking trails found in southeast Alaska. It starts with a slight incline and is made up of gravel, wooden stair steps, stone steps, tree roots and a small creek or two to cross.

On the trail you will walk through old growth forest with plenty of the local foliage to view along the way including skunk cabbage, salmon berries, blueberries and ferns. There are also plenty of birds. Eagles, ravens, woodpeckers, stellar jays and many more. You may even run into a Sitka blacktail deer or a black bear, you never know.  

Again, it's best to dress in layers and have your jacket handy if it starts to rain. Take along some water and your cell phone if you carry one. There's no need to think about getting lost. If you'll begin you adventure by stopping at the Ketchikan Visitors Information Center, you can pick up a free personal locator beacon. If you do become lost just activate it and it sends a distress signal and GPS location that is picked up by the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad. When you've finished your adventure simply return it to the center.

Well, I wish you good hiking and hope to see ya in K-town some time this summer.

Till Next Time,

K-townKing

PS.  For a great tour when in Ketchikan check out yourktowntour.com