Historic Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska

Creek Street Ketchikan, Alaska

Creek Street is a historic boardwalk perched on pilings along the banks of Ketchikan Creek in Ketchikan, Alaska. A former Red Light District where both men and salmon swam upstream to spawn. It is now a quaint place to tour Dolly’s House museum, view totem poles, shop at locally-owned stores and galleries, enjoy local art and culture. In the summer months salmon gather by the thousands to spawn upstream; seals and otters are never far away with eagles perched in the trees above.

Married Man’s Trail

 

During the heyday of Dolly Arthur and the other sporting women of Ketchikan’s infamous Creek Street, police raids on the brothels were frequent. Spouses looking for a quick exit to avoid hefty fines for being caught at one of the brothels found the Married Man’s Trail to be the perfect escape route.

The Married Man’s Trail heads upward, winding through the trees and providing scenic views of the town and harbor below. At the top of the Married Man’s Trail, you will find Cape Fox Lodge. There you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tongass Narrows waterway, Deer Mountain, and the Thomas Basin Marina through large glass windows in the rustic lobby. Ride the tram or retrace your steps back to Creek Street and enjoy the atmosphere with museums, restaurants, local native artwork, and specialty shops all along the way.

Picturesque Thomas Basin Marina is a short walk away…

Chief Johnson Totem Pole

The Chief Johnson Totem Pole carved by Israel Shotridge stands 55 ft. tall at the entrance of Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska. This replica of the Chief Johnson Totem Pole – which originally stood from 1901 to 1982 at the center of the community at the mouth of Ketchikan Creek – was raised on October 7, 1989 to reinstate the native people’s claim to the land of their ancestors. The Chief Johnson Totem Pole tells the legend of Fog Woman and the creation of the Salmon.

More Photography by Hamilton Gelhar…