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

7 Tips To Finding A Fishing Guide

When searching for a guide to take you fishing on your Alaska adventure, there is no better place to start then here At K-townking. There are a large number of charter operators in the Ketchikan area with accommodations to suit your fishing needs. When trying to decide which one is for you these 7 tips canhelp you make that decision.
1) Communication. You need to supply the guide with all the important information they need in order to make your fishing trip the best for you. It is best to be totally honest about you fishing experience. This will help decide how much advice and what tips they need to give you so you will make the most of your time.
2) Ask your friends and relatives. If  they have fish the area before they may be able to provide you with some referrals. They may be able to answer questions you have about their guide, their experience, the thing you need to do and what things to look for in a guide. If they've used more then one guide, they may refer you try to one over another.This will give you the opportunity to ask if the guide has the experience, knowledge and is accommodating to his clients.
3) Search the Internet. A Google search will find over 11 million sites for fishing guides in Alaska a lone.You can narrow it down to the area you will be visiting. You can post a message and ask questions regarding their service, or point you in the right direction.
4) Make Sure the Guide is Licensed. It is better to know that your guide is licensed and operates within the legal laws. A licensed guide is also sure to be relied on especially with the matter of integrity and trust. Ask the guide for the number to the state licensing bureau. If the guide won't provide you with the number is not worth your time.
5) Find Out Exactly Much and How Long. You will want to know how much and how long the fishing trip will be.You need to know this so you can make your schedule before the trip and plan the things that you must bring that are not covered in the fishing guide's cost. Some guides provide lodging while others may charge extra for it. Finding what is covered in the cost will help you assess the services your to receive will be worth the money your spending.
6) Get To Know the Guide.  Make sure that you and your guide can get a long together. If you can't your wasting your time and your money. Fishing is a time to learn and enjoy but if your butting heads and can't get along, the whole might be a total waste. Get to know your guide first before you set a foot on his boat. Exert a little effort to call the guide and make small talk to break the ice and make the two of you more comfortable on the day of fishing.
7) Guide Experience. Finding out how long the guide has been in the business will help you assess his level of experience in the field. You should try to find a guide that has years of experience. An experience guide is one with the skills and teaching techniques that will make your trip enjoyable as well as memorable.


Hope To See Ya On The Water,
K-townking

Cruising to Alaska-What to Look For in a Cruise Line.

Are you planning a cruise to Alaska this summer? If so, you are not a lone. The season has just gotten under way and K-town has had ships in port everyday since May 6. This is just the start as Ketchikan will have more than 800,000 visitors from the cruise ships alone. If you have never been on a cruise, you may be wondering what activities, facilities, and services can be found onboard. The activities found onboard will vary from one ship to another, but many cruise ships have a number of activities and services in common.
Cruises to Alaska are a popular vacation choice. Instead of visiting a beach,an amusement park, or going camping, more people are making the decision to book an Alaskan cruise. If you're interested in taking  an Alaskan cruise vacation, there are a number of decisions you must make. One of those decisions is finding a cruise line to vacation on.
Selecting a cruise line to vacation on may seem an easy decision, but for many it's not. There are a large number of cruise lines currently offering vacation cruises to Alaska. To find the cruise line that will offer what you want, you are encouraged to research and fully examine all of your choices. This should include examining well-known and lesser known cruise lines.
Some of the most well-know facilities found on cruise ships are dining halls, restaurants, and cafeterias. Large cruise ships may offer a number of onboard dining facilities. It's important to note that many of these dining facilities are considered upscale restaurants. In addition to a sit-down restaurant, there are usually a number of small eateries located onboard. Elegant dining restaurants are popular among cruises. To ensure that you are able to enjoy an elegant meal, you are encouraged to schedule a reservation as soon as you board ship.
Aside from dining facilities, bars and dance halls are also found on most cruise ships. As with most of the bars and dance halls found at home, there maybe age restrictions in place. If you are traveling with your family, they may have to complete other activities while you enjoy the nightlife at sea. If this should occur, you are in luck because most cruise ships have daycare centers and other activities geared towards children of all ages.
When examining each cruise ship line, I encourage you to view the company's online websites. These websites are sources of valuable information. In addition to learning about activities offered onboard, you can often take a virtual tour of the ship. This tour will give an idea as to what you should expect from a particular ship. If you don't have access to the internet, contact a cruise line representative.
Selecting a cruise line to vacation on is almost as important as the cruise ship itself. I encourage you to review feedback from previous customers. This feedback can easily be obtained online.You should also examine the cost of your Alaska cruise. You'll see that a number of cruise lines charge higher prices for their cruises. Your ability to afford these fees should be examined closely.
Take your time to research and examine each cruise line before coming to a decision. I also encourage you to take what you have learned and apply it to what you want and need out of your vacation. Doing so will ensure that you book a cruise with a cruise line that can provide what you want.

Hope to see you in Ketchikan, Alaska this summer,

the K-townking