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United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Alaska Region February 2013 Tongass National Forest R10-RG-210 Ketchikan Area Trails Guide

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Page 1: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

Forest ServiceAlaska RegionFebruary 2013

Tongass National ForestR10-RG-210

Ketchikan Area Trails Guide

Page 2: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency
Page 3: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

Table of Contents

General Information........................................................................................4-8

Map of Ketchikan Area Trails............................................................................9

Trails accessed within Ketchikan:

Carlanna Lake ......................................................................................................10 Deer Mountain.....................................................................................................12Deer Mountain to Silvis Lakes Traverse.....................................................14Rainbird..................................................................................................................16Married Man’s/Schoenbar..........................…………………………...................18Waterfront Promenade............................……………………………....................20

Trails accessed outside of Ketchikan:

Coast Guard Beach.............................................................................................22Connell Lake.........................................................................................................24Dude Mountain...................................................................................................26Frog Pond..............................................................................................................28Hollow Cedar Beach Access...........................................................................30Joseph C. Williams, Sr. Coastal Trail...........................………….....................32Lunch Creek..........................................................................................................34Lunch Falls.............................................................................................................36Minerva Mountain..............................................................................................38North Tongass Roadside................................………………………....................40Perseverance... .................................................................................................... 42Pipeline...................................................................................................................44Refuge Cove.........................................................................................................46Salvage...................................................................................................................48 Silvis Lakes.............................................................................................................50 Totem Bight State Historical Park ................................................................ 52Ward Creek............................................................................................................54Ward Lake ........................................................................................................... 56

Remote trails accessed near Ketchikan:Remote trails .................................................................................................58-59

Acknowledgements................................……………………………......................60

Page 4: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

4.

Trail Maintenance Agencies

The hiking trails included in this guide are maintained by federal, state, and local agencies. These trails range in length and difficulty and provide a variety of recreation opportunities. This trail guide includes detailed information about trails accessible from the Ketchikan road system and brief descriptions of remote trails accessed near Ketchikan. For more information about trails in the Ketchikan area, and for current trail conditions, please contact the following agencies:

USDA Forest Service, Alaska Region, Tongass National ForestKetchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District3031 Tongass AvenueKetchikan, AK 99901(907) 225-2148www.fs.usda.gov/tongass

Alaska Department of Natural ResourcesAlaska State ParksKetchikan Ranger Station9883 N. Tongass Hwy.Ketchikan, AK 99901(907) 247-8574www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/

Ketchikan Outdoor Recreation and Trails Coalition(907) 225-6808

Page 5: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

5.

Recommended Equipment and Safety Gear

Whether you are going out for a quick day hike or an extended trip, certain items should ALWAYS be packed for safety. They include:

• Matches/Lighter • Drinking water and food • Local maps • Space Blanket • Tent/Emergency Shelter • Extra clothes• Rain gear • Knife/Multi-tool • Flashlight/Headlamp • First Aid Kit • Compass and Map/Global Positioning System (GPS)• Signaling device (e.g. whistle, flares)

Let Someone Know When You Go!

Before departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency.

The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad, (907) 225-9010, has Satellite Personal Tracker locators available for use on your hike. This tool allows you to notify the rescue squad of your position and status throughout your hike.

Bring your phone! Although service may by spotty, cell phone reception is available in many areas on trails in Ketchikan.

Wacky Weather Warning

Ketchikan averages about 165 inches of rainfall each year. Weather patterns can be unpredictable, with varying conditions depending on your specific location. Be sure to review weather forecasts before leaving on your hike and always prepare for a variety of weather conditions. In areas of high elevation, heavy fog and rain often decrease visibility and may create dangerous hiking conditions.

Page 6: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

Bear Safety

When hiking in the Ketchikan area, you are travelling in bear country. Revillagigedo Island is home to a large population of black bears (Ursus americanus). Brown bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) do not inhabit Revillagigedo Island; they are only present on the mainland and select islands in Southeast Alaska. Follow the etiquette below when travelling in bear country as these animals are extremely powerful and may be unpredictable.

• Travel in groups or make noise when travelling alone. • If you encounter a bear, make your presence known

through verbal communication as well as hand motions. Slowly back away from the bear while maintaining eye contact. NEVER RUN from an approaching bear as this may prompt a predatory response.

• Never store food or cook near your camping/sleeping area. Create a “kitchen” several hundred yards away to ensure bears are not attracted to your site during the night. Do not take food or scented toiletry items into your tent.

• In mid to late summer, during the Pacific salmon spawn, bears congregate along streams and rivers. Take caution when travelling along these waterways, as the running water may mask your approach and lead to close encounters.

Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Many trails included in this guide provide access to hunting and fishing locations. Familiarize yourself with State fishing and hunting regulations as they vary depending on location, season, and species targeted. Contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at (907) 225-2475 for hunting information or (907) 225-2859 for sport fishing information, or visit their website at www.adfg.alaska.gov. In addition, hunting/fishing licenses and state regulations may be purchased at several stores in Ketchikan.

6.

Page 7: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

Forest Service Cabins and Shelters

Many of the remote Forest Service trails within the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District offer access to Forest Service shelters and cabins. Shelters are available on a first-come-first served basis and do not require a fee or reservation. Public use cabins require a reservation, which may be obtained by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting the National Recreation Reservation Service at www.recreation.gov. Cabin rental fees range from $25-$45 per night depending on the cabin and the time of the year.

Public Campgrounds

Three public campgrounds can be accessed via the Ketchikan road system. Two campgrounds managed by the US Forest Service, Signal Creek and Last Chance, are located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 6 miles north of Ketchikan.These campgrounds have sites that can be reserved by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting the National Recreation Reservation Service at www.recreation.gov. There are also sites at Signal Creek and Last Chance Campgrounds that are available on a first come-first served basis. Settlers Cove Campground, 18 miles north of Ketchikan, is managed by Alaska State Parks and all sites are on a first come-first served basis. The fee for all three campgrounds is $10 per night.

Leave No Trace

Follow the principles of Leave No Trace to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the area in the future!

• Plan ahead and prepare. Review local maps.• Travel on durable surfaces. Avoid cutting switchbacks. • Dispose of waste properly. If you pack it in, pack it out. • Minimize campfire impacts. Use existing fire rings.• Leave what you find. Protect our cultural heritage sites.• Respect wildlife and visitors. Let nature’s sounds prevail.

7.

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Trail Ratings

Trails are rated based on length, elevation gain, and type of tread to give users an idea of trail conditions and difficulty. Tread describes the surface of the trail and may be natural, gravel, boardwalk or paved. Natural tread, comprised of rock, roots and soil, is the least improved type of tread. Use the ratings below to increase your knowledge of the conditions for each of the trails included in this guide.

Easy: Route is mostly level with short uphill/downhill sections. Tread surface is in excellent condition, and is usually gravel or boardwalk. No major navigational difficulties or hazards exist.

More Difficult: Route may have some longer uphill/downhill sections. Tread is in good to fair condition, usually gravel or boardwalk with intermittent natural tread. Short sections may have navigational difficulties or hazards.

Most Difficult: Route may be steep with extended uphill/downhill sections. Tread is poor to non-existent. Long sections involve navigational difficulties or hazards.

8.T O N G A S S N A R R O W S

CL

OV

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AS

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t ch

i ka

n L a k e s

Conne ll Lake

Perseverance Lake

Whitman Lake

Upper Silvis Lk.

Silvis Lk.

Lake

Harriet Hunt

Lake Emery Tobin

Talbot Lake

WardLake

MahoneyLake

R E V I L L A G I G I D O

I S L A N D

G R A V I N A I S L A N D

P E N N O C K I S L A N D

Ward Cove

Silvis Lakes Trail p.50

D

Deer Mountain Trail p.12

Minerva

Mtn. Trai l p.38

Ward Lake Recreation Area(Frog Pond p. 28, Salvage p.48, Pipeline p.44,Ward Lake p. 56, Ward Creek p.54 Trails)

Lunch Cr eek Trail p. 34

Settlers CoveState Rec. Area(Lunch Falls p. 36 and Hollow Cedar Beach Access p.30 Trails)

Refuge Cove Trail p.43

Totem BightState Park Trail p. 52

North Tongass H

i ghway

Rainbird Trail p.16

Dude Mtn. Trail p.26

South TongassHighw

ay

North Tongass Highway

CarlannaLake Trail p.10

John Mtn. Spur

Mahoney Mtn. Spur

Waterfront Promenade p.20

Connell Trail p.24

Married Mans/Schoenbar Trails p.18

Deer Mountain to Silvis Lakes Traverse p.14

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Ketchikan Area Trails - Legend

TRAIL

ROAD

ELEVATION CONTOUR (100 foot)

!B TRAILHEAD

!; CAMPGROUND!3 PICNIC SHELTER

!_ RESTROOMS

!1 SLEEPING SHELTER!@ RANGER STATION

!O POINT OF INTEREST FISHING PLATFORM

![ OVERLOOK

!l

GATE

STREAMS/RIVERS

STAIRCASE/BOARDWALK

!9 TENT PLATFORM

CITY/VILLAGE BOUNDARY

Page 9: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

9.

G E O RG

E

I

NL

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T O N G A S S N A R R O W S

CL

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P

AS

SA

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Ke

t ch i k

a n L a k e s

Co

nne l l Lake

Perseverance Lake

Whitman Lake

Upper Silvis Lk.Silvis Lk.

Lake Emery Tobin

Talbot Lake

WardLake

MahoneyLake

R E V I L L A G I G I D O

I S L A N D

G R A V I N A I S L A N D

P E N N O C K I S L A N D

Ward Cove

Silvis Lakes Trail p

.50

Deer Mountain Trail p.12

MinervaMtn. Trai l p .38

Ward Lake Recreation Area(Frog Pond p. 28, Salvage p.48, Perseverance p. 42, Pipeline p.44, Ward Lake p. 56, Ward Creek p.54 Trails)

Lunch C reek Trail p. 34Settlers CoveState Rec. Area(Lunch Falls p. 36 and Hollow Cedar Beach Access p.30 Trails)

Refuge Cove Trail p.46

Totem BightState Park Trail p. 52

North Tongass Roadside Trail p.40

Coast Guard Beach Trail p.22

North Tongass H

ighway

Rainbird Trail p.16Joseph C. Wi l l iams, S r. Coasta l Tra il p .32

Dude Mtn. Trail p.26

South TongassH

ighway

North Tongass Highway

CarlannaLake Trail p.10

John Mtn. Spur

Mahoney Mtn. Spur

Waterfront Promenade p.20

Connell Trail p.24

Married Mans/Schoenbar Trails p.18

Deer Mountain to Silvis Lakes Traverse p.14

Lake Harriet Hunt

KetchikanSaxman

Ketchikan Area Trails

¯0 42 Miles

0 52.5 Kilometers100 foot contour interval

Page 10: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

Fishing platform along Carlanna Lake trail.

10. Trails accessed within Ketchikan

CarlannaLake

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Fairview Ave.

Can

yon

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!OAvalanche Chute

Fishing Platforms

MinervaMountain Trail

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Page 11: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

Carlanna Lake Trail

Length: 1.5 miles/2.5 km (one way), 1 hour (one way)

Elevation Gain: 150 feet / 46m

Rating: Easy

Access: Follow Carlanna Lake Road uphill from Tongass Avenue. From Carlanna Lake Road, turn left on Baranof Avenue and continue straight for approximately 5 blocks. From the end of Baranof Avenue, turn right on Canyon Road and continue to the dead-end where you will see a locked rust-red gate. Parking is on the left and the trail begins up the gravel road behind the gate.

Description: From the parking area, the trail follows a steep gravel road for 0.25 miles up to Carlanna Lake Dam. From the dam, a flat gravel trail begins off to the south side of the lake and continues along the shoreline to the main creek inlet where a bridge is present. From the bridge, the trail begins to gain elevation, and is composed of gravel and natural tread up to the avalanche chute on Juno Mountain. At the avalanche chute, the trail turns into the Minerva Mountain Trail (p.38) and eventually links to Perseverance Trail (p.42). A large section of Minerva Mountain Trail is primitive and is only recommended for experienced hikers with good route-finding skills. Map, compass, and/or GPS are recommended for hikers who continue beyond the avalanche chute.

Attractions: One of the most accessible trails within Ketchikan, Carlanna Lake trail provides a perfect day hike for those looking for a quick getaway from the city. By connecting to the Minerva Mountain trail, hikers looking for a challenge can access Perseverance Lake Trail and the Ward Lake Recreation Area. Three fishing platforms along Carlanna Lake provide trout fishing opportunities for anglers as well as swimming access to the lake. Keep an eye out for mountain goats on the rocky slope above the lake.

Trails accessed within Ketchikan 11.

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12. Trails accessed within Ketchikan

D e e r M o u n t a i n T r a i l

E Deer Mt.3,001 ft. (915 m)

#To Silvis Lakes

![

![

1st Overlook(1 mile)

2nd Overlook(2 miles)

!1Deer Mt.Shelter

Tongass Ave.

Nordstrom Dr.

Ketchikan

Lakes Rd.!C

To n g a s s N a r r o w s

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¯100 foot contour interval

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Page 13: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

Deer Mountain Trail

Length: 2.75 miles/4.42 km (one way), 3.5 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet / 915 m

Rating: Most Difficult

Access: Follow Stedman Street south from Creek Street to Deermount Street. Take a left onto Deermount Street and follow to the intersection with Ketchikan Lakes Road. Turn right onto Ketchikan Lakes Road and continue for 0.5 miles to the junction with Nordstrom Drive. Continue straight through the junction and turn right immediately after into the Deer Mountain trailhead parking area.

Description: Shortly after leaving the parking area, the trail begins to climb steeply, with many switchbacks, to the Deer Mountain summit. While there are brief sections of gravel, boardwalk or wooden stairs, most of the trail is narrow with natural tread. At the first and second mile points along the trail, scenic overlooks provide vast views of the surrounding waterways and islands. After 2.5 miles, the trail forks, with the right fork continuing 0.25 miles to the Deer Mountain summit. The left fork continues 0.25 miles to the Deer Mountain shelter and then continues 10.5 miles along the Deer Mountain to Silvis Lakes traverse (p.14).

WARNING: Weather on Deer Mountain is unpredictable and may change rapidly. Above the 2nd overlook, snow persists on the trail into the summer. Notify friends or family of your trip plan, and bring proper safety gear (p.5) to ensure your hike is safe and successful.

Attractions: Above the tree line, there are stunning alpine meadows and a variety of wildflowers. Deer Mountain Shelter, located on the northeast side of the mountain, provides a first come-first served opportunity for an overnight stay. This trail is also the beginning of the Deer Mountain to Silvis Lakes traverse, which provides access to Blue Lake Shelter and several mountain summits. Late spring hike along Deer

Mountain trail.

Trails accessed within Ketchikan 13.

Page 14: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

14. Trails accessed within Ketchikan

K e t c h i k a n L a k e s

IS

LA

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PE

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Upper Silvis Lake

Lower Silvis Lake

Silvis Lakes Trail

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Whitman Lake

MahoneyLake

Mahoney Mt. S

pur

J o hn M

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pur

!1

Blue Lake Shelter

t o S i l v i s L a k e s T r a v e r s e

D e e r M o u n t a i n

!1

Deer Mt.Shelter

!B

Sout

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s H

ighw

ay

E

Deer Mt.3001 ft (915m)

E

John Mt.3238 ft (987m)

E

Mahoney Mt.3350 ft (1021m)

ENorthbird Peak3350 ft (1021m)

UpperMahoneyLakes

South TongassHighway

KetchikanLakes Rd.

George Inlet

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¯0 21 Miles

0 31.5 Kilometers100 foot contour interval

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Page 15: Ketchikan Area Trails GuideBefore departing, leave a trip itinerary and estimated time of return with family or friends to ensure that proper help can be provided in case of an emergency

Deer Mountain to Silvis Lakes Traverse

Length: 13.75 miles/22.1 km (one way), 1-2 days (one way)

Elevation Gain: About 3,000 feet/ 914m

Rating: Most Difficult

Access: To access the Deer Mountain trailhead, follow Ketchikan Lakes Road to the junction with Nordstrom Drive. Continue straight and turn right into the Deer Mountain trailhead parking area. The Silvis Lake trailhead is accessed 13 miles south of Ketchikan at the end of South Tongass Highway.

Description: From the Deer Mountain trailhead, the trail begins a steep 2.5 mile climb to the Deer Mountain summit junction. From this junction, the traverse continues on the left fork of the trail for 0.25 miles to the Deer Mountain Shelter junction. Here the traverse continues along the left fork for 2 miles to Blue Lake Shelter. The trail beyond Blue Lake to John Mountain and Upper Silvis Lake has some markers but very little tread is present. Hikers venturing beyond Blue Lake should be experienced with the use of maps, compass, and/or GPS as well as having knowledge of the trail route. Between Upper Silvis Lake dam and Lower Silvis Lake there is 1 mile of maintained trail. The route then follows a gravel access road for 2 miles to the South Tongass Highway.

WARNING: Weather on the traverse is unpredictable and may deteriorate rapidly. Snow persists on this trail well into summer. Notify friends or family or your trip plan, and bring proper safety gear (p.5) to ensure your hike is safe and successful.

Attractions: This traverse offers a premier alpine hike in Ketchikan’s backyard. Along with Deer Mountain, several other summits can be accessed by this traverse, including Mahoney and John Mountains. Above the tree line there are stunning alpine meadows and vast views of the surrounding islands and waterways. First-come, first-served shelters at Deer Mountain and Blue Lake provide opportunities for overnight stays.

Trails accessed within Ketchikan 15.

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16. Trails accessed within Ketchikan

Ra

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To n g a s s A v e nu

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!OUniversity of Alaska SE

Th

i rd A

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J e f fe r s

o n St .

To n g a s s Na r r o w

s

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¯0 0.250.125 Miles

0 0.50.25 Kilometers

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Rainbird Trail

Length: 1.3 miles/2.1km (one way), 1 hour (one way)

Elevation Gain: 300 feet/ 91m

Rating: More Difficult

Access: On Water Street, near the Berth 4 dock, follow Schoenbar Road up a steep hill to Third Avenue. Once you have reached the top, head west (left) onto Third Avenue and follow to the trailhead on the north side of the road. The second trailhead on Third Avenue is close to Washington Street and features a large paved parking lot with a 300-step staircase to the trail. A third trailhead is located at the University of Alaska Southeast parking lot, accessed by following Jefferson Street up from Tongass Avenue past Ketchikan High School to College Avenue (left turn at the top of Jefferson). The trail starts at the rear of the parking lot.

Description: The trail is composed of natural tread with brief sections of stairs and boardwalk. The trail meanders through a low elevation forest, logged more than 50 years ago. Remnants of the logging road are marked by a mature stand of red alder trees. Access via the UAS and Third Avenue trailheads requires short, steep climbs. The trail then levels off with several small stream crossings along the route.

Attractions: The trail offers a quick, easily accessible rainforest experience close to downtown Ketchikan. Several locations along the trail offer a panoramic view of Ketchikan and surrounding islands. The trail has lush areas of ferns as well as blueberry, huckleberry and salmonberry. Although the area was logged, several large western redcedars can still be found along the trail near the university. Ravens and bald eagles may be seen flying high overhead or roosting on trees across the road. Sitka black-tailed deer are common in the area during the spring.

Trails accessed within Ketchikan 17.

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18. Trails accessed within Ketchikan

BE

RT

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BE

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TO

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AS

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Spruce Mill

Way

Mill St.

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Fron

t S

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den

St.

Mission St.

Dock St.Stedm

an Street

East St.

Thom

as

St.

Deermount St.

Creek

Stre

et

Baw

den

St.

Harris St.

Park Ave.

Grant St.

Mai

n St

.

Grant St.

Thomas Basin

Pine St.

Forest Ave.

Waterfront Promenade

Waterfront Promenade

Schoenbar Trail

!C

Married Man's Trail

Schoenbar Road

Park Avenue

!C

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!C

!C

!C

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K e t c h i k an

Cr e

ek

Venetia Ave.

Married Man's and Schoenbar Trails

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Married Man’s Trail

Length: .20 mile/ .32 km (one way), 20 minutes (one way)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet /30 m

Rating: Easy

Description: This is the historic route for men to access Ketchikan’s former red-light district on Creek Street without being seen. It now provides a shady, forested walk along the rocky gorge area of Ketchikan Creek.

Attractions: Just before the Creek Street trailhead is a viewing platform looking up the narrow, rock gorge of Ketchikan Creek. The trail ends at Park Avenue and has nice views and sounds of the roaring creek and the fish ladder. The dense, shaded forest is also a nice contrast from the busy downtown area.

Schoenbar Trail

Length: .25 miles / .4 km (one way), 30 minutes (one way)

Elevation Gain: 80 feet / 24 km

Rating: Easy

Description: This trail goes through the Ketchikan Park District which contains City Park and the Totem Heritage Center. The trail connects Schoenbar Road to both Harris Street and Grant Street, providing a pleasant forested alternative to the road system.

Attractions: A forest experience right in town. Good access to Ketchikan Creek between the Harris Street Bridge and the trailhead parking lot.

Trails accessed within Ketchikan 19.

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20. Trails accessed within Ketchikan

BE

RT

H 2

BE

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Spruce MillWay

Mill St.Mai

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Dock St.

Stedman Street

East St.

Thom

asSt.

Deermount St.

Creek

St r

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Venetia Way

Baw

den

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Harris St.

Park Ave.

Grant St.

Mai

n St

.

Grant St.

Water St.

Schoenbar Rd.

City Float

Thomas Basin

Pine St.

Forest Ave.

Waterfront Promenade

Waterfront Promenade

Schoenbar Trail

!B

!C

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Waterfront Promenade

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Waterfront Promenade

Length: 1.3 miles / 2.1 km (one way) 1 hour (one way)

Elevation Gain: not significant

Rating: Easy

Access: The waterfront promenade can be accessed from a variety of locations in the downtown Ketchikan area. See the Ketchikan walking tour map for specific access locations.

Description: This waterfront walkway follows the downtown Ketchikan coastline, providing views of Tongass Narrows, Pennock Island, and Ketchikan’s busy harbors.

Attractions: This trail passes by two boat harbors (Thomas Basin and the Casey Moran Harbor, aka City Float) with moorage for numerous commercial and recreational boats. Cruise ships docking at Berths 1, 2, 3, and 4 dwarf most of the buildings in town. Watch for many locally-crafted items along the Promenade, including wooden benches, stained glass, and piling covers designed with native and marine wildlife themes. Two visitor information centers are along the trail, as well as the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Interpretive signs provide information on Ketchikan’s past and present. Many businesses along the Promenade provide goods and services of interest to visitors.

Trails accessed within Ketchikan 21.

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22. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

Co

ast

G

uard Be ach Tr a

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Point Higgins Elementary School

!

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North Point

!C

Clover P

assage

Higgins Rd.

Coast Guard Beach Trail¯

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Coast Guard Beach Trail

Length: 1 mile/ 1.6 km (one way), 45 min. (one way)

Elevation Gain: The trail begins at an elevation of 170 feet / 52 m and terminates at sea level.

Rating: Easy

Access: From Ketchikan, follow the North Tongass Highway 14.5 miles to North Point Higgins Road. Turn left and follow about 1 mile to Point Higgins Elementary School on the left. The trailhead is located at the south end of the parking lot behind the school.

Description: The trail begins at the parking lot and enters a large, open muskeg winding among scattered yellow-cedar and shore pine trees. The trail skirts the muskeg on fairly level terrain until it enters a thick forest of western redcedar and western hemlock and begins its descent toward the beach. The last quarter mile of trail meanders through the rolling forest along the coastline. The tread is mostly gravel with some log steps on steep slopes and wooden bridges over drainages. The section of trail near the beach has several short, steep inclines.

Attractions: Coast Guard Beach provides a unique experience along Ketchikan’s road system as it is accessible only by trail. The trail offers a delightful hiking experience through a diversity of environments, from the miniature gardens in a blossoming muskeg to the deep forest of western redcedar and western hemlock. Tantalizing glimpses of Tongass Narrows draw hikers toward their destination, a broad sandy beach with spectacular views of Guard, Gravina and Prince of Wales Islands. Hikers are rewarded with a lovely secluded setting for swimming, sun-bathing, beach combing and whale-watching.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 23.

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24. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

Connell Lake Trail

Re

v i l l a R

oa

d

Connell Lake Trail

Connell Lake

TalbotLake

!9TentPlatform

!B

Pipe

line Tra

il

Sa lvage Trail C

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Connell Lake Trail

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Connell Lake Trail

Length: 2.1 miles/3.44km (one way), 1.5 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet / 30 m

Rating: Easy

Access: Follow the North Tongass Highway 6 miles from Ketchikan to the Revilla Road junction. Turn right on Revilla Road and follow approximately 2 miles to Connell Lake Road, just past the entrance to Last Chance Campground. Turn right on Connell Lake Road and follow to the parking area at the end of the road. The trail begins on the north side of the parking lot, opposite from the dam.

Description: The trail leaves the parking area near the dam and skirts the steep shoreline of Connell Lake. At the northeast shore of Connell Lake, the trail veers from the shoreline and continues to Talbot Lake. Just before reaching Talbot Lake, a junction provides access to a viewing bridge on the right trail, or continues to a wooden tent platform on the left trail. The trail is narrow with few steep inclines, and is composed of natural tread with brief sections of boardwalk and stairs.

Attractions: This trail offers a secluded, less traveled route in the popular Ward Lake Recreation Area. Connell Lake offers canoe and kayak access as well as opportunities for trout fishing. Talbot Lake provides trout fishing as well as an overnight camping site at the wooden tent platform near the lake. For a good picnicking spot, hike to the bridge crossing at the northwest shore of Connell Lake.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 25.

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26. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

!B

E

Dude Mtn.2,848 ft (868 m)

Du

de

Mo

un

t ai n

Tr a

i l

Brown Mtn. Road

1000

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Dude Mountain Trail

Length: 1.5 miles/ 2.4 km (one way), 2 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet / 457 m

Rating: Most Difficult

Access: Follow the North Tongass Highway 6 miles from Ketchikan to the Revilla Road junction. Turn right on Revilla Road and follow approximately 6 miles to Brown Mountain Road (Road 8005-120).Turn right and follow 3 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. The road is steep and narrow with other traffic, so drive with caution.

Description: The trail begins in a recently harvested timber unit, and quickly gains elevation, then heads through a dense forest before opening into muskeg and alpine meadows. For about the first mile, the trail is a combination of boardwalk and gravel tread. Some of the boardwalk in this section is leaning and slippery, so hikers should take caution. After the gravel and boardwalk ends, the final section of trail follows a narrow ridge to the summit of Dude Mountain. The final section of trail is unimproved, steep, and may be covered with snow until late summer.

WARNING: Weather on Dude Mountain is unpredictable and may change rapidly. Notify friends or family of your trip plan, and bring proper safety gear (p.5) to ensure your hike is safe and successful.

Attractions: The trail offers an exhilarating alpine hiking experience that can be accessed quickly from the road system. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Brown Mountain and Diana Mountain as well as the Tongass Narrows. During the summer season, the muskegs and alpine meadows bloom with a variety of wildflowers. There are blueberry, salmonberry, and huckleberry bushes present in the lower section of trail during the summer months. Scan the surrounding ridges and peaks for mountain goats once you have reached the summit.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 27.

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28. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

W a r d L a k e

Ward Lake

Trail

Pond Trail

Wa r d C o v e

!;

!C

Ward Lake RoadRevilla Road

Signal Creek C.G

!B

Perseverance Trail

Frog

!3Day Use Area

!3!3

Ward Lake Road

North Tongass Highway

Wa

r d C

ree

k

!; 3C's Group Campground

Frog Pond Trail

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Frog Pond Trail

Length: .5 miles /.8 km (one way), 30 minutes (one way)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet / 30 m

Rating: Easy

Access: Follow the North Tongass Highway 5.5 miles from Ketchikan to Ward Lake Road. Turn right on Ward Lake Road and follow 0.5 miles to the dead end. The trailhead is located at the parking area at the end of Ward Lake Road.

Description: Frog Pond trail begins at the end of the Ward Lake Road near two small ponds and continues 0.5 miles to the Signal Creek Campground in the Ward Lake Recreation Area. The trail is flat, with gravel tread and follows the path of the original access road to Ward Lake.

Attractions: This trail offers non-motorized access to the Ward Lake Recreation Area from the North Tongass Highway for hikers and bikers. For those who are headed to Ward Lake from Ketchikan without a vehicle (for example, by bus), Frog Pond Trail offers a quick shortcut to and from the North Tongass Highway compared to the Revilla Road access.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 29.

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30. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

!C

Beach

Acc

ess Trai l

Ho llow Cedar

N o r th T

o n g a s s Hi g

h w a y

Lun ch Fall

s Trail

!;!3

!_

!_

Settlers Cove Campground

!C

C l ov e r P

a s s a g e

LunchCreek Trail

100

200Hollow Cedar Beach Access Trail¯

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Hollow Cedar Beach Access Trail

Length: 500 feet/152 m (one way)

Elevation Gain: 50 feet / 15 m

Rating: Easy

Access: Follow the North Tongass Highway 18 miles north of Ketchikan to the Settlers Cove State Recreation Site. Turn left into Settlers Cove and follow the road a short distance to a paved parking lot on the left, near the campground host cabin.

Description: This wide, flat gravel trail begins at the parking lot and provides quick access to the beach along the recreation site. This trail is ADA accessible but may require assistance due to a steep slope when accessing the beach.

Attractions: Enjoy a short walk through temperate rainforest before emerging onto the beach with excellent views of Clover Passage and Betton Island. Marine mammals, including humpback whales and harbor seals, are commonly spotted here, and a covered picnic shelter is available on a first come-first served basis. Lunch Creek Trail (p.34) and Lunch Falls Trail (p.36) are easily accessed from this location.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 31.

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32. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

!C

!B

Mountain Point

Whitm

an La ke

Villa

ge o

f Sax

man

TO

NG

AS

S N

AR

RO

WS

PE

NN

OC

K I

SL A

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o u t h To

ng

as s

Hi g

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!O

!O

U.S. Coast Guard Base

City of Ketchikan

Jo

es

ep

h C

. W

i ll

i am

s S

r.

Co

as

ta

l

Tr

ai l

!O

Rotary Beach

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Joseph C. Williams,Sr. Coastal Trail

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Joseph C. Williams, Sr. Coastal Trail

Length: 4.3 miles/ 6.9 km from the Coast Guard Base to Mountain Point (one way)

Elevation Gain: Not significant

Rating: Easy

Access: Follow Stedman Street south from Ketchikan to access each of the trailheads. The closest access to Ketchikan starts at the Coast Guard Base. The southernmost access begins at the gravel parking area at Mountain Point, just past mile marker 5 on the South Tongass Highway.

Description: This trail is named in honor of Joseph C. Williams, Sr., an Alaska Native tribal leader and longtime mayor of the Village of Saxman. From its beginning at the Coast Guard Base, this paved 8-foot wide pathway closely follows the shoreline of Tongass Narrows and South Tongass Highway. Several sitting benches are provided along the initial half-mile. There is a 0.7-mile break in the trail near the community of Saxman; users can continue along South Tongass Highway for these 0.7 miles, but the shoulders are narrow and pedestrians should be cautious of vehicle traffic. The trail then returns to a paved path and continues an additional 2.0 miles, passing Rotary Beach and ending at the Mountain Point pullout.

Attractions: Most of this trail has excellent views of the waterways south of Ketchikan. There are two large trees with eagle nests on the coastal side of the trail in Saxman. The trail provides easy access to Totem Row (Village of Saxman), where there are historic totems, a clan house, and traditional native carving displays. Rotary Beach is a popular community beach and day use area with views down Nichols Passage. Mountain Point, at the south end of the trail, has expansive views south and is an excellent shore fishing spot. This trail also provides an excellent biking path for accessing attractions south of Ketchikan.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 33.

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34. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

N.Tongass H ighway

Lu

nc

h C

r ee

k T

r ai lLake Emery

Tobin

!B

C l o v e r P a s s a g e

Settlers Cove State RecreationArea !;

Lunc

h C

reek

Tra

il

!OBridge and Waterfall

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Lunch Creek Trail

Length: 4.8 miles/ 7.7 km (one way), 4 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet / 396 m

Rating: More Difficult

Access: Follow the North Tongass Highway 18 miles north of Ketchikan to the end of the road, just past the turn off for Settlers Cove State Recreation Site. Parking is located at the end of the road, along the perimeter of the turnaround.

Description: The trail begins at the terminus of the North Tongass Highway. Soon after starting out, before the trail begins to parallel Lunch Creek, there is a trail junction. By following the trail on the left, you will tie into the Lunch Falls Trail (p.36) that originates in Settlers Cove State Recreation Site. By staying to the right, you will continue on the Lunch Creek Trail. The first 2.2 miles of Lunch Creek Trail has wide gravel tread that winds through stands of western redcedar and Sitka spruce. The trail then transitions into natural tread interspersed with boardwalk for the next 1.6 miles. After crossing a bridge, a 0.5 mile section of boardwalk will take you to an open muskeg. Follow the path across the muskeg 0.5 miles to Lake Emery Tobin.

Attractions: Scenic views abound as the trail winds through dense, rolling forest along Lunch Creek. Lunch Creek provides several pools great for fishing and swimming, as well as rapids and waterfalls. The trail continues through muskeg and sub-alpine forest, ending with scenic views of Lake Emery Tobin and the surrounding mountain peaks.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 35.

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36. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

Lu

nc

h F a l ls T

r ai l

North T

onga

ss H

ighway

Lunch Creek Trail!i

!;

Settlers Cove Campground

!BC

l ov e r

P a s s a g e!B!_L u n c h C r e e k ![ Lunch Creek

Waterfall

Lunch Falls Trail

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Lunch Falls Trail

Length: 0.5 miles/ .8 km (one way), 45 minutes (one way)

Elevation Gain: 200 feet / 61 m

Rating: Easy

Access: Follow the North Tongass Highway 18 miles north of Ketchikan to Settlers Cove State Recreation Site. Turn left into the site and follow the road to a small parking area located within the campground loop which provides direct access to the trailhead. A larger parking lot near the campground host cabin offers additional parking.

Description: The trailhead is located at the parking area within the campground loop. The trail begins as a wide, gravel path paralleling the beach for a short distance before reaching a junction just before the Lunch Creek Bridge. At this junction, the stairs on the right lead up to Lunch Creek Trail (p. 34). To continue on the Lunch Falls Loop, continue across the bridge where another trail junction is present. At this junction, either the lower or upper section of the loop will lead you on a short hike ending back at the bridge. The trail after the bridge is mostly boardwalk, with sections of stairs and natural tread.

Attractions: This trail provides great views of Lunch Creek and Lunch Falls as well as access to the beach at several points along the lower section of the loop. The trail winds under large western redcedar, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock with salmonberry, blueberry, and huckleberry bushes making up a delicious understory.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 37.

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38. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

CarlannaLake

!9

Ward Mtn.2,670ft (814m)

E

Juno Mtn.2,600ft (792m)

E

!BWard Lake

Mi

n

e r va

M

ou

nt

ai

n T r a i l

Perseveran ce Tra il

TentPlatforms

!OAvalanche Chute

!C

Carlanna Lake Trail

Pe

r s ev e

r an

ce

La

ke

!9

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Minerva MountainTrail

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Minerva Mountain Trail

Length: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km (one way) from Perseverance trailhead to Carlanna Lake trail, 8 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet/ 792.5 m

Rating: Most Difficult

Access: Minerva Mountain trail is accessed by Perseverance and Carlanna Lake trails. For access details see Perseverance Trail (p.42) or Carlanna Lake Trail (p.10).

Description: The trail starts approximately 2.25 miles up the Perseverance trail (p.42) at the junction before Perseverance Lake. Take the right fork and follow the boardwalk trail along the shoreline of the lake. After about 0.5 miles, the trail begins to climb steadily up the ridge. About 1.25 miles from the trailhead, the boardwalk ends and the trail emerges into a large muskeg. A marked, natural tread trail continues for 1 mile to just below the summit of Ward Mountain and from there follows the alpine ridgeline to Juno Mountain, 0.25 miles away and across to Minerva Mountain another 0.75 miles away. The trail then links with the Carlanna Lake trail (p.10) at the avalanche chute on Juno Mountain. The section between the end of the boardwalk and Carlanna Lake is unmaintained but marked with yellow and orange trail diamonds.

WARNING: Weather on this trail is unpredictable and may change rapidly. Notify friends or family of your trip plan, and bring proper safety gear (p.5) to ensure your hike is safe and successful.

Attractions: The trail offers a difficult, but rewarding access to the Ward Lake Recreation Area directly from Ketchikan via the Carlanna Lake trail. Alpine ridgelines and expansive muskegs offer year-round panoramic views and blooming wildflowers in the summer months. Perseverance Lake provides a great picnic and fishing spot as well as a tent platform for overnight stays.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 39.

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40. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

Totem Bight State Park Trail

RefugeCoveTrail

North T

onga

ss H

ighway

Whipple Creek Rd.

!C

!B

N

or t

h T

on

ga

ss

Ro a d s

i de

Tr a

i l

TO

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North Tongass Roadside Trail

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North Tongass Roadside Trail

Length: 2.9 miles/ 4.6 km

Elevation Gain: Not significant

Rating: Easy

Access: From Ketchikan, follow the North Tongass Highway past mile marker 8 to Sunset Drive. Turn left on Sunset Drive to access parking at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site. The trail starts across the highway from Sunset Drive. The north end of the trail is accessed at mile marker 11.6, at the beginning of Whipple Creek Road, where there is a gravel parking area.

Description: Along the entire route, this paved trail is separated from the highway. Near highway mile 10, on the ocean side of the highway, is the entrance to Totem Bight State Historical Park. The park entrance is located where the trail is elevated, running along a long retaining wall, which prevents crossing the highway. In order to access the park, the highway must be crossed before or after the retaining wall section. At the north end of the trail is Whipple Creek Road, providing parking and access to the Whipple Creek road system.

Attractions: The major attractions along this trail are two state recreation sites. Refuge Cove State Recreation Site is a day use area with beach access, a beach trail (Refuge Cove Trail, p. 46), as well as picnic tables and toilets. Totem Bight State Historical Park features a trail (Totem Bight State Historical Park Trail, p.52) providing access to numerous totem poles, clan house, and a protected gravel beach. This trail also provides an excellent biking path for accessing attractions north of Ketchikan.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 41.

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42. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

!B

!;W a r d

L a k e

!3

Wa r d C r e e k

Ward Creek Trail

Ward La k e R

oad

!9

Pe r s e v e r a n c e T r a i l

Tent Platforms

Con

nell

Lake

Per

sver

a nc e

La k

e

!;

P e r s e v e r a n c e T r a i l

Minerva Mountain Trail

!9

3C's Group Use Campground

Signal Creek Campground

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1000

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Perseverance Trail

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Perseverance Trail

Length: 2.4 miles/ 3.9 km (one way), 1.5 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 450 feet / 137 m

Rating: More Difficult

Access: Follow the North Tongass Highway 6 miles to the Revilla Road junction and turn right. Follow to the intersection with Ward Lake Road, turn right and follow to the parking area just past the Ward Creek bridge. The trail starts approximately 100 feet beyond the entrance to the 3 C’s Group Use Campground.

Description: The trail begins near Ward Lake and winds through dense forest, providing brief views of Ward Creek before climbing to Perseverance Lake. Just before Perseverance Lake, the trail reaches a junction. The trail to the left provides access to the outlet of the lake. The trail to the right provides access to the Minerva Mountain Trail (p.38) as well as a tent platform for overnight camping. The trail is comprised of gravel and natural tread with brief sections of boardwalk.

Attractions: The trail provides scenic views of Ward Creek, Perseverance Lake, and surrounding peaks. Salmonberry, blueberry, and huckleberry bushes provide great berry picking along the trail. At Perseverance Lake, a tent platform provides a first come-first served overnight camping spot as well as a great picnic site for day hikers.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 43.

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44. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

!C

!C

!B

!B

Ward C

r eek Tra il

Connell

Lake

PERSEVERANCE

LAKE

Ward

Lake

Revil

la R

oad

Conne

ll La

ke R

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N.Tongass Highway

Ward Cove

!;

!;

Pipeline Trail

!;

Salv

age

Trai

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Pipeline Trail

Perseverance TrailWard Lak e Road

!B

Pi p

el i

ne

Tr a

i l

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000

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Pipeline Trail

Length: 2.5 miles/ 4 km (one way), 2 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet / 30 m

Rating: Easy

Access: This trail is divided into two sections, each with multiple access locations. The main trailhead for the lower section of trail is uphill of the Ward Cove Market, accessed by following the North Tongass Highway 6 miles from Ketchikan, just past Revilla Road junction on the right. The other trailhead for this lower section of trail and the trailheads for the upper section of trail are accessed by taking a right from North Tongass Highway on to Revilla Road. To access the second trailhead of the lower section of the trail follow Revilla Road 1 mile to the junction with Ward Lake Road, take a left and park in the gravel parking area. The trailhead is located on the north side of the parking area. The upper section of trail has three access points. The first trailhead is accessed by following Revilla Road north, just past the Ward Lake Road junction to a small, gated access road on the left. There is one more gated access road further along Revilla Road, just past Connell Lake Road on the left. Finally, the upper section of trail may also be accessed from a pullout on the side of Connell Lake Road.

Description: The trail begins at the North Tongass Highway and parallels Revilla Road following a wooden pipeline to Connell Lake. The trail is comprised of gravel and natural tread, and follows an old road that is fairly level with few steep inclines. Young alder and salmonberry grow along the trail making some areas thick and brushy.

Attractions: This level, gravel trail offers hiking and mountain biking along a large wooden pipeline. The trail provides links to the Salvage (p.48) and Ward Creek (p. 54) trails, and the Last Chance Campground. During the summer months, salmonberry, blueberry and huckleberry bushes provide an easily accessed berry picking spot.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 45.

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46. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

Re

f u g e C o v e T r a i l

No

r t h T

on

ga

ss

Ro

ad

si d

eT

r ai l

Su n s e t D

r i v e

N. To n g a s s H

i gh

wa

y

!C

!_

!3

T o n g a s s N a r r o ws

100

Refuge Cove Trail¯0 0.10.05 Miles

0 10050 Meters

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Refuge Cove Trail

Length: 0.25 miles / 0.4 km (one way), 15 minutes (one way)

Elevation Gain: Not significant

Rating: Easy

Access: The trailhead is accessed by following the North Tongass Highway 8 miles from Ketchikan to Sunset Drive. After turning left onto Sunset Drive, a parking lot is located on the left side of the road just after the restroom facilities at the Refuge Cove State Recreation Site.

Description: This is a short, gravel trail that provides easy access to the Refuge Cove beach as well as the interpretive signs created by Ketchikan students which focus on Ketchikan’s natural history.

Attractions: This trail offers great views of the Tongass Narrows and opportunities to observe marine mammals such as humpback whales and harbor seals. Interpretive panels created by Ketchikan’s students provide creative interpretation of Southeast Alaska’s natural resources. There is also a picnic shelter available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 47.

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48. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

!B

!B

!BP

i pe

l in

e T

r ai l

Connell

Lake

WARD

LAKE

Revil

la H

ighw

ay

!;

Pipeli ne T rai l

Sa

lv

ag

e

Tr

ai

l

Wa

r d Cr

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i l

Pip

elin

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Re

vi l l a

Ro

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Ward Creek Trail

Connell Lake Trail

Conne

ll Lak

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Ward Lake Road

Last Chance Campground

!3

500

1000

1500

50 0

500

500

Salvage Trail

¯0 0.50.25 Miles

0 10.5 Kilometers100 foot contour interval

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Salvage Trail

Length: 1.5 miles/ 2.4 km (one way), 1 hour (one way)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet / 30 m

Rating: Easy

Access: The Salvage trail has two trailheads accessed by following the North Tongass Highway 6 miles from Ketchikan to Revilla Road. Turn right and follow to the intersection with the Ward Lake Road. To access the main trailhead and good parking, turn left (opposite of Ward Lake Rd.) and park in the gravel area on the left hand side. The trailhead is on the north side of the road, across from the parking area. The second trailhead is a small access road 1.1 miles north on Revilla Road from the first trailhead, on the left hand (north) side. There is limited parking here. Please do not block the gate.

Description: The trail follows an old gravel road and improved gravel trail over rolling terrain providing flat and easy hiking with a few steeper inclines. This trail is linked to the Ward Creek Trail (p.54) via a tunnel under Revilla Road, providing access to the Ward Lake Recreation area. The opportunity for a loop hike exists by linking to the Ward Creek Trail via Revilla Road and Last Chance Campground and back through the trail tunnel (3.4 miles) to the main trailhead.

Attractions: The trail offers some interpretive signage with views across the valley towards Brown, Dude, and Diana Mountains. The signs provide educational insight into the ecology of harvested sites and second-growth regeneration. The area has been cleared and thinned at various stages, demonstrating silvicultural practices used to manage post-harvest regeneration. The opportunity for year round access exists for activities such as hiking, running, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 49.

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50. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

Upper Silvis Lake

Lower Silvis Lake

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Silvis Lakes Trail

Length: 2 miles/ 3.2 km to Lower Silvis Lake, 3 miles/ 4.8 km to Upper Silvis Lakes (one way), 1.5 hours to Lower Silvis Lake, 2 hours to Upper Silvis Lake (one way)

Elevation Gain: 1,112 feet / 339 m to Upper Silvis Lake

Rating: More Difficult

Access: Follow the South Tongass Highway 13 miles from Ketchikan to the end of the road. Parking is available at the Beaver Falls Powerhouse administrative site. The trail begins behind the locked gate uphill of the parking area.

Description: This trail follows an aqueduct service road for 2 miles to Lower Silvis Lake. The gravel road is steep, but walking is easy. Recreation facilities at Lower Silvis Lake include two picnic tables and a vault toilet. The road continues past the lower lake 0.5 miles where it ends at the Lower Silvis Lake Powerhouse. To access Upper Silvis Lake, cross the bridge at the powerhouse. After crossing, take a left and follow a gravel and natural tread trail for 1 mile. From the this point, a steep, primitive trail continues to Mahoney Basin and along the Deer Mountain to Silvis Traverse (10.75 miles, one way from upper dam to Deer Mountain trailhead).

Attractions: Remnants of an old cannery, located at the saltwater shoreline, can be seen to the north from the trailhead. The trail passes through a dense forest of Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western redcedar and opens into muskeg and alpine meadows which offer great birding opportunities. The picnic area near Lower Silvis Lake is a great spot to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding waterways and peaks. Access to the Deer Mountain to Silvis Lakes Traverse (p.14) provides a challenge to hikers looking for a backcountry hiking experience and overnight stays.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 51.

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52. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

North Tongass H

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North Tongass R

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Totem Bight Trail

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Totem Bight State Park Trail

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Totem Bight State Historical Park Trail

Length: .5 miles / .8km (one way), 30 minutes (one way)

Elevation Gain: Not significant

Rating: Easy

Access: To access the trailhead, follow the North Tongass Highway 10 miles to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Turn left, then park in the paved area to your right.

Description: This ADA accessible trail makes a short loop through Totem Bight State Historical Park. It is composed of a gravel surface and is flat and easy to hike.

Attractions: The trail provides an opportunity to view totem poles and a clanhouse that is representative of the Alaska Native villages in Southeast Alaska. There is also access to a small beach and tidepools. The trail and beach provide views of the Tongass Narrows as well as opportunities to observe marine mammals such as humpback whales and harbor seals.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 53.

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54. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

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Ward Creek Trail

Length: 2.5 miles/ 4 km (one way), 2 hours (one way)

Elevation Gain: 100 feet / 30 m

Rating: Easy

Access: You can access any one of the four trailheads by following the North Tongass Highway 6 miles from Ketchikan to the Revilla Road Junction. The primary trailhead is a paved parking lot on the right side of Revilla Road, about 0.5 miles past the Ward Lake Road junction. The three other trailheads are located at the Ward Lake Day Use Area (turn right from Revilla Road on to Ward Lake Road), within the campsite loop at Last Chance Campground (right turn about 0.5 mile past the main paved trailhead parking lot described above), and at the gravel parking area on the north side of Revilla Road opposite of the Ward Lake Road junction (turn left across from the Ward Lake Road junction) (Salvage Trail access, page 48).

Description: The trail is gravel-surfaced with rolling terrain providing easy hiking with a few steeper inclines. As the trail parallels Ward Creek, three spurs provide access to fishing and viewing platforms. The trail also provides a link between the Last Chance Campground and the Ward Lake Day Use Area as well as connection with the Salvage Trail via a tunnel under Revilla Road.

Attractions: Three viewing sites along the trail provide access to fishing, waterfall viewing and wildlife viewing as black bears frequent the creek during late summer. There are rest stops with benches along the trail and an accessible restroom at the paved parking area 0.5 miles north of Ward Lake Road.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 55.

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56. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

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Ward Lake Trail

Length: 1.3 miles/ 2.1 km (one way), 1 hour (one way)

Elevation Gain: not significant

Rating: Easy

Access: To access the trailhead parking area follow the North Tongass Highway 6 miles to the Revilla Road junction. Turn right, follow to the intersection with Ward Lake Road, and turn right again. Follow Ward Lake Road about 0.5 miles to the Ward Lake Day Use parking area. There is also access from a small parking area between Unit 9 and Unit 10 in the Signal Creek Campground, or from the parking area at the Grassy Point Picnic Area.

Description: From any of the trailheads, hikers may follow the trail in either direction looping about 1.3 miles back to the starting point. The trail follows the shoreline of Ward Lake and crosses two scenic bridges at the lake’s inlet and outlet. The gravel trail is flat and has been designated as ADA accessible. During times of heavy precipitation, areas of the trail may flood due to the close proximity to Ward Lake.

Attractions: This easily accessible trail provides year-round opportunities for recreation. Along the trail, look for interpretive signs that highlight the interesting features of Southeast Alaska’s ecology and wildlife. The trail also provides access to fishing, berry picking, benches, and picnic areas. Old-growth Sitka spruce can be found along the shores of the lake. The Ward Lake Day Use area provides a swimming beach and picnic shelters available for reservation. The area also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 57.

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Non-Wilderness Remote Trails Due to Ketchikan’s small road system, many Forest Service trails may only be accessed by boat or float plane. These trails are often rugged, with natural tread and little maintenance. Before hiking these trails, contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District at (907) 225-2148 for current conditions. All distances listed below are for one-way travel.

Black Mountain: This 1.2 mile / 1.9 km trail offers great views of Twin Peaks and Mahoney Mountain. Low Lake:This 2.1 mile / 3.4 km trail offers fishing and access to the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Reflection Lake: (Mainland)This 2.3 mile / 3.7 km trail offers access to a Forest Service cabin as well as trophy fishing. One stream crossing is required (bridge is washed out). Margaret Creek:This 1.5 mile / 2.4 km trail offers access to the Margaret Creek Wildlife Observation Site. McDonald Lake: (Mainland)This 1.3 mile / 2.1 km trail offers access to a Forest Service shelter and cabin. Naha River Trail:This 5.8 mile /9.3 km trail offers premier fishing, wildlife viewing, and access to two Forest Service cabins on Jordan Lake and Heckman Lake. Orchard Lake:This 1.2 mile/ 1.9 km trail offers access to a Forest Service cabin as well as trophy fishing. Lake Shelokum: (Mainland)This 2.2 mile / 3.5 km trail offers access to a Forest Service shelter and hot springs. One stream crossing is required.Titan: (Mainland)This 6.2 mile / 9.9 km trail is located in Hyder, Alaska and offers views of surrounding ice fields.

58. Trails accessed outside Ketchikan

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Wilderness Remote Trails

Some remote trails near Ketchikan are located within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles (p.7) when visiting these trails. Many of the remote trails (Wilderness and Non-Wilderness) are also located on the mainland in brown bear habitat. Review the bear safety information (p.6) to ensure your visit is safe and successful. All distances listed below are for one-way travel.

Bakewell Lake: (Mainland)This 1 mile / 1.6 km trail offers access to great fishing. Checats Lake: (Mainland)This 1.1 mile / 1.8 km trail offers quick access to Checats Lake. Ella Lake: This 2.5 mile / 4 km trail offers access to Lower Ella Lake and fishing opportunities.Hugh Smith Lake: (Mainland)This quick 0.5 mile / 0.8 km trail offers access to Hugh Smith Lake and great fishing. Humpback Lake Trail: (Mainland)This 3 mile / 4.8km trail offers access to trophy stream and lake fishing. Manzanita Lake:This 3.5 mile / 5.6 km trail offers access to trophy fishing and is known for wolf activity. Nooya Lake: (Mainland)This 1 mile / 1.6 km trail offers access to scenic Nooya Lake and a Forest Service Shelter as well as brown bear viewing in Nooya Creek estuary. Punchbowl Lake: (Mainland)This 0.9 mile / 1.5 km trail offers stunning scenery, a Forest Service shelter and opportunities for brown bear viewing. Winstanley Lake: (Mainland)This 2.75 miles/ 4.4 km trail offers access to a Forest Service Shelter and Winstanley Lake.

Trails accessed outside Ketchikan 59.

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Acknowledgements

The Ketchikan Area Trails guide was created through the cooperative efforts of the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District, the Ketchikan Outdoor Recreation and Trails Coalition, Alaska State Parks, the City of Ketchikan, and the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

Please recycle this guide by sharing with future users.

60.

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The maps and trails within this guide are located on Tongass National Forest, State of Alaska, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, and City of Ketchikan lands and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. They have been produced from sources believed to be reliable. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the Tongass National Forest regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of this information. The Tongass National Forest is not liable for any damages (of any type, for any reason, however caused, or under any theory of liability) arising in any way out of the use of this information.

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District3031 Tongass Avenue

Ketchikan, Alaska 99901(907) 225-2148 • TTY (907) 225-0414

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass

Follow @TongassNF

USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.