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

Fishing License

Fishing is just one of the many forms of enjoyment I get to do with my family and friends. It's a time for relaxation, bonding with the grandson and a great escape from the pressures of daily life.

To be able to fish, you have to obtain a fishing license since it's required by law and the regulations regarding fishing varies from state to state.

Getting a license to fish is really quite simple. You may obtain your fish license in just a matter of minutes and be ready to go catch your limit.

The fishing license allows you to fish or possess any aquatic creature as long as it is authorized by the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game regulations. The license is non-transferable and is not refundable. Your license is only valid for one year or season.

Fishing licenses vary from state to state, a fishing license can either be a resident license or a non-resident license. To qualify for resident license, you should been a resident for about 6 months, should be a local tax payer, must be a registered voter and have a valid driver's license from that state. In addition,one can not possess or apply for any resident hunting, fishing or trapping privileges in any other state or country. A non-resident fishing in another state must be accompanied by a person from that state.

There is no age limit for anyone to acquire a fishing license.People both young and old can obtain it.Usually a person under 12 may fish without one and in Alaska retired people get theirs for life. Everyone in between must obtain a fishing license.

Now that you have your license, grab some bait, fuel the boat and your ready to go FISHING !!!
See Ya On the Water

K-townking

Should You Take a Camping Trip to SE. Alaska?

Are you looking for some place to go this spring,summer, or even fall? Whether you are looking to do something independently, with your family,or with your friends, have you ever thought about going camping in SE. Alaska? If you have yet to examine camping, you may want to think about it, as camping is often referred to as a fun exciting pastime.

Although it is nice to hear that camping is a fun way to spend some free time that you may have, you may be wondering if you should really go camping. While individuals from all walks of life enjoy camping, camping isn't for everyone. If you would like to know whether you should go camping or at least think about it a little bit more,you will want to continue reading on.

One of the many signs that you should think about going camping is if you love spending time out of doors. Whether it's playing sports,swimming, or just sitting on your front porch, there's a good chance you'd like camping.Camping is based on the out of doors. You will likely find yourself sleeping,eating, and playing outside. For that reason, if you have a love for the outdoors, then a camping trip is something you should examine.

If  you're looking for a change, you may want to think about going camping. If you're wondering if you should go camping, there is a good chance that you have never been camping before. Unfortunately, when many people take a short trip or a full fledged vacation, many end up staying on the "safe side." While it's more than possible to do so, you might want to try something new and different, like camping.

Another sign that you might think about camping is if your on a budget. Camping is nice and it's a relatively affordable activity. When it comes to camping, many campers choose to camp in parks or other public campground areas. Many of these camping establishments will charge a small admission fee or a small camping fee, but you'll find that the fees are significantly lower than the cost of many amusement parks or airfare for a long trip. It's important to mention that you can get a lot of your camping supplies, like food, for very cheap prices as well.

Also,what is nice about camping is that you will find that you have a number of different options. You may choose to camp in the traditional manner, in a tent or you may want to rent an RV. If you don't own your own RV, you may rent one. You'll also have a choice of choosing a campground. No matter where you are looking to camp, you should be able to find a number of campgrounds to choose from. If you carefully choose your campground park, you may even be able to handpick your own camping spot.

Of course, the decision to go camping is entirely up to you, but you may at lease look into it. There's a reason why camping is regarded as one of the most popular American pastimes.

Hope to see ya around Ktown's campgrounds this year, later K-townking.

Tips in Fishing for Salmons in SE. Alaksa

Southern Southeast Alaska is known as one of the most bountiful areas with salmon and is ideal for fishing trips.

This is because of the extreme tides along the West Coast and the gush of ocean currents that create an environment ideal for the breeding of thousands of bait-fish.

It is also known as one of the the world's best spots to go if you're wanting to fish for a giant King Salmon, the largest of the six species of Pacific salmon.

The best way to catch one of these giant salmon (in saltwater) is through trolling or angling a bait line into the water.

Fishing for these giants can be a year round activity as the "white" or "Winter" King Salmon show up through the winter months.

The most sought after species of salmon are the following :

1. The King Salmon(Chinook) are the largest of all the salmon species. Its weight can average between 20-40 pounds, the heaviest on record is 112 pounds, and can be as long as 3-4". It has a blue-green back that is lightly spotted. The average life span of a King Salmon is about 5-7 year. Their flesh can range from an ivory white to a deep red.

There are several nicknames for the Chinook Salmon and they are: King, tyee, springs and tule.

2. Silver Salmon(Coho) are a smaller salmon that weigh in at between 8-12 pounds. This specie prefers to spawn in the smaller streams between July and November.

3.Sockeye Salmon on the other hand are the most sought after of the entire species because the flesh has such deep red color and a firm rich taste.

When fishing for salmon in SE. Alaska, be sure that your well equipped, have the right equipment and dress appropriately.

Listed below are some of the things should have with you.

1. You should dress in layers of warm clothes . Try not to make them to bulky, as this could hinder your fishing activities.

2. Over these everyday clothes, wear some type of waterproof overall and a jacket. A good pair of waterproof boots would not hurt. By staying dry you will enjoy yourself much more.

3. When visiting SE. Alaska most the lodges and charter boat operators supply all you need to catch that SE. Alaska salmon.

So, what are you waiting for? The fishing is about to get really good.

See Ya On The Water, K-townking

Sping Coming On Fast

Well, I've been seeing signs that winter is almost done with and spring is just around the corner. And it's time to plan that summer trip to Alaska. I have been searching the web and there are some outstanding deals out there. Check with your favorite travel agent and come on up for a visit. Keep checking with the K-townking for all the great places to see and Fun Things to do on your visit to Ketchikan, Alaska.

It' A Dogs Life

As the "Dog Days of Summer" approach, these two seem to have the right idea. Just kick back and watch the tourist go by from their birds eye view in the historical Bayside Hotel. The hotel is in the process of being remodeled and has been a K-town landmark since around 1924. It's located next to Ketchikans infamous "Redlight District".
These "cool" pooches, decked out in sunglasses, have to be two of the most photographed residents in Ketchikan. Every time I happen by, there's always folks looking up and pointing at them with smiles on their faces. So, when your walking around K-town and are by the "Creek", look for the yellow and green building, take a look at the second floor and you too, can go away with a smile on your face. Till next time; K-townking

Up In the Mountains

I had some tourist in my cab the other day that wanted to go where tourist don't usually go. So I gave them a tour of the town as we head to the mountains. Now, at this time of year the surrounding mountains are pretty much free of snow, but not this year. We had more snow then I've seen in my 30 years in K-town, so there is still quite a bit of the white stuff hanging around, and they wanted to go play in the stuff. We went up Brown Mountain about 20 miles from K-town. It was a beautiful day, the sun was bright and the sky was cloudless. On the way there we drove through part of the Tongass National Forest and they were amazed at the size of the trees. I have a couple of trees that a Ranger friend told me that are well over 400 years old and I make it a point to show the off when I'm out that way. When we arrived at the trail leading to the snow, they took off for their fun in the snow. While they were off, I took a few photos of the surrounding area. See Ya Later; K-townking

Ride the Duck, By Land & By Sea

I had never seen or heard of anything like this, but I guess these types of tours are popular from coast to coast in the lower 48. Now,I can see that, by the almost always full crafts as they leave the docks for their tours of K-town. The tours are for about 2 hours. They give a city tour and then they head for the harbor and a little sea cruise tour of the Ketchikan water front. The tour are fully narrated by locals and there is always fun to be had. They make several stop on the land tour and you can always get some great photos, since your up in the air about 12 ft. and above the traffic below you.
When your on your visit to K-town, you can get more info at the Quack Shack(on the dock) and inside the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. So, watch your head and don't forget your water wings.
Hope to see ya in Ketchikan. K-townking

Derby Update

With the last weekend of the 62 Ketchikan King Salmon Derby just 3 days away, the leader didn't change last weekend, it's still Mark Tollfeldt with his 44lbs. King, caught in a 16' skiff off of Mt. Point. Now,I know Mark and I know he has his fingers crossed and is hoping his fish will hold on to win. He also knows that several 1st week leaders have bit the dust in the final hours of the Derby. I wish him the best of luck, because he might need it, but I don't think so.
Here are the top 15 on the Leader Board listed below. Go out and see if you can put your name on the board and win something special. See Ya on the water; K-townking

May 25 #0601 (Mark Tollfeldt) May 25 #0482 (Tim Eide) May 23 #0419 (Charles T. Denny) May 31 #0515 (Shannon Farstad) May 31 #0489 (Chris Lervick) May 23 #0056 (Gary Zaugg) May 31 #0494 (Donna Frank ) May 25 #1051 (Brett White) May 25 #0211 (Dale King) May 31 #0298 (Daniel McKelvy) May 31 #0307 (Mark Hoyt) May 30 #0402 (Clyde Campbell IV) May 25 #0076 (Floyd Kracke)

Breathe Taking

When you are in K-town there are an endless number of things to see and do, but for me, one of the most exciting and breathe taking, is to take a flight into the Misty Fjords National Monument. I have done this several times in the pass 30 yrs of living in Southeast Alaska. Each and every time I've been back there, there has been something special about the flight into the Misty's. I have been fortunate to have always seen some type of wildlife on the flights, from Grizzles to Mountain Goats to whales to Black bear. This is a big reason that most folks take the flight and even though the pilots can't guarantee you'll see any wildlife, their very good at finding them.
There are several very good Flightseeing outfits in the Ketchikan. The flightseeing tours can be from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. So, check them out and chose the one that offers the tour your interested in. Believe me on this one, you will not be disappointed.
Now, if your the real adventurous type you can rent or bring your own kayak and spend as much time as you have to go into the Misty's and paddle around and really get the full enjoyment of the back country. In K-town there are several outfitters that will help you with all that it takes to enjoy a safe and fun adventure in the Misty Fjord National Monument.
It's another beautiful day in K-town, the sun's out, it's about 65* and I hear my bike callin' me "Come ride me,ride me". See Ya in the Wind; K-townking

Things Are Looking Up

Boy O' Boy, things are strange in K-town. With the season ready to start in full swing this week, I'm baffled. We have about 50 jewelery stores in the downtown area and as of today I haven't seen hardly any activity in them for all most a week. They must be hiding behind the shades in the windows putting out their wares. I never understood why one would come all the way to Alaska to purchase jewelery in the first place. But people do. Must be so they can tell everyone back home they got it in Alaska, that would be my guess.
Since last Wednesday there have been just a ton of geese flying over head every day and night also. I had taken my dog for a late night walk and there where several flocks fly by while we were out. It such a fun thing to watch. You can hear them coming for a long way far, you hear the Honk,Honk them make and try to spot them. It amazes me how they fly in their"V" formation, change directions, get spooked by a helicopter and still remain in their formation. There not always perfect, they may be long on one side and short on the other, but it's still a "V". I made several attempts to get a photo of them and my camera just wouldn't zoom in well enough.
I also noticed that the bear hunters have arrived in 2's and 3's over the last week. I have yet to see any sign around my house, or heard of anyone seeing a bear around town. I know that their out of the den by now and looking for the first food of the year. So, keep your eyes peeled and maybe you'll see one early.
When your in K-town there are many, many, many things for you and your family to do and see. One of the really fun things is KAYAKING. There are a couple of outfits that can help you with that. I recommend Southeast Sea Kayaks. Greg and Gillian and their twins will take you out and show you the sites ,wildlife, ranging from whales to bears to some of the many birds that live on and near the water, to sea lions and seals. It's always a great time and they even feed you. Now, how can you beat that. The tours on average are 2-4 hours, although they can outfit you for week or more. But for the cruise ship traveler the 2-4 hour trip is the norm. You really can't bet this.
Well, that's it for now, besides the Cubs are on. Till next time, Be Safe. K-townking

The Ships Are A Coming

Things in K-town should be getting busy this week. The first boat of the season is due to visit on Wednesday, 4-22. Things have been hopping in the down town area all last week, from the city cleaning and painting, to the stores and shops sprucing up the interiors and exteriors, bringing in the new stock for the season. The tour companies have been recruiting driver/guides and on Sunday the horses for the Seahorse Trolleys arrived on the Alaska Marine Highway. The influx of new people to K-town is on the raise. Most are returning to jobs they've had in years past and a lot are looking for that summer job in a place they just enjoy being, Southeast Alaska.
I started this Blog to give the people who are planning their trip some idea of the many different, fun and interesting things that they can do. Whether their into hiking, kayaking, fishing,flightseeing in the Misty Fjords, taking a tour of the different Totem Parks. There are a number shops that specialise in all types of art work by many of the local artist that call K-town home.There is so much to see in and around Ketchikan that it would take way more time then you have. So, my advice, to those of you who will be visiting Ketchikan, is to research the surrounding area and decide what it is you are going to have the time to do on your visit. Then, when you arrive you'll have a much better time and see what SE. Alaska has to offer you and your family.
In the next few days I will be going into a little more detail of some of the places to see and things to do on your stop in Ketchikan. Till tomorrow; K-townking

Warming Sun Today

You can really tell the weather is warming up. All you need to do is take a look at the surrounding mountains. What where once snow covered islands, from mountain tops to almost ocean shoreline, are now, in just a few short days, showing signs of the brown muskeg and the greens of the trees in the Tongass National Forest. With the warming of the weather we, those of us who live in what I call"The Country", are preparing for the arrival of the bears in the area. The city folks are also. Black Bears are seen quite often in the area of K-Town known as Bear Valley. Later in the week it is the start of the Spring bear hunting season. Most of the hunters that I have met in the past come for the full coats of fur that the bears have when they come out of hibernation. If the hunter is not going to take the meat for consumption, it must be donated. In the past years I've seen some really beautiful pelts and even a record Boone and Crockett full pelt. I couldn't believe how huge the head of that animal was. There is some hunting around the K-town area, but not much, most of the hunting is done over on the big Island, Prince of Wales Island. It's the largest island in SE Alaska.
I was over by the Ketchikan Creek yesterday and checking the creek for steelhead and I saw a fellow in his waders. He was using a spinner rod and told me the he had seen 2 steelhead, but had yet to land one. So, the next day I decide to play hooky, I think I'll brake out the fly rod and see if they'll take a fly or two. Well, I've made myself hunger with all this talk of bear meat and steelhead, so I'm off to have dinner. Sure wish I had some bear burger. MMmmmmmm.
Enjoy- K-townking

Please, Winter, Go Away

The first half of the week was just fine. It warmed up a little on Monday,but cooled back off on Tuesday and you could really feel it, I knew it felt like snow, but didn't want to admit to it. Then over night it got cold enough and by 8 AM there was about 2" of very wet snow covering K-town. It must have warmed a little because the snow never accumulated and it snowed all day. That evening it stopped and then the rain and wind showed up for most of today. Making it a very miserable mess outside.I watched 2 chickadees huddled together in the brush and was glad to be inside. I went to let my dog in and he wouldn't even come out of the doghouse, he looked at me as if to say "You've got to be out of your mind", so needless to say he stayed out. The only good thing about all the wind and rain today, is that by morning, the majority of the snow will be GONE!!!! I know I've said this before, but I am ready for Spring and I hope it's soon. I know after living here as long as I have, that we could see snow clear into May, let's hope not!!