Deer Mountain Trail
Deer Mountain
A hiking trail starting right from town, climbing through rainforest to a lookout over the town and Tongass Narrows.
Deer Mountain rises to about 915 metres, and the trailhead is about a 20-minute walk from the city centre. Zigzag wooden steps and root-strewn paths lead through temperate rainforest. After about 1.5 km you reach the first viewpoint, which overlooks Ketchikan, the cruise ships and Tongass Narrows. Continuing uphill for roughly 5 km brings you to the summit; the round trip takes 5–6 hours. The trail is slippery and muddy, so bring waterproof hiking boots and rain gear. Snow can linger at higher elevations in early summer, so inexperienced hikers are advised to stop at the viewpoint.
Opening hours
All day (best in summer)
Nearby sights
- Totem Heritage Center
- Dolly's House Museum
- Creek Street
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- Tongass Historical Museum
- Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
- Downtown Ketchikan Waterfront
- Saxman Native Village