2-3 days for a visit

Question

We fell in love with Ketchikan on our multiple cruises. It is now time to spend some time there. The question is where should we go after, for 2-4 days? We will fly in from Seattle, so need to fly back there from somewhere. We are in our 50s and in pretty decent shape like to hike, fish, eat, drink, see all the things.

Answer

Spending 2–3 days in Ketchikan is a wonderful idea, as it allows you to explore beyond the quick cruise stop and really enjoy its culture, scenery, and outdoor activities. After your time in Ketchikan, you have several options for a 2–4 day continuation before flying back to Seattle, depending on whether you want more hiking, wildlife, or city experiences.

In Ketchikan, consider:

Exploring the historic Creek Street and local art galleries.
Visiting Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village for totem poles and cultural history.
Fishing excursions or kayaking trips in the surrounding waters.
Short hikes such as Rainbird Trail for views of the Tongass National Forest.

After Ketchikan, here are some recommended options for 2–4 days:

Juneau (1–2 days): Accessible by flight or ferry, Juneau offers great hiking trails (Mount Roberts Tramway, Perseverance Trail), whale watching tours, and the Mendenhall Glacier. Dining options are excellent, with local seafood and breweries.
Sitka (2–3 days): Also reachable by flight, Sitka has stunning coastal scenery, Russian heritage sites, and excellent hiking trails such as Fortress of the Bear and Indian River Trail. Fishing and kayaking are popular.
Wrangell or Petersburg (2–3 days): Smaller towns with fewer crowds, excellent fishing, and authentic Alaskan culture. They provide more off-the-beaten-path experiences and hiking opportunities.
Anchorage (2–4 days): Flying south from Ketchikan to Anchorage allows for a broader set of activities: hiking in Chugach State Park, visiting local museums and breweries, or taking day trips to nearby glaciers and wildlife areas.

Tips for planning:

Alaska flights can be expensive and weather-dependent, so book early and allow some flexibility.
Consider combining Ketchikan with Juneau or Sitka for a manageable travel plan within 2–4 days.
Pack layers for variable weather and rain gear, as Southeast Alaska is wet and cool even in summer.
Check ferry schedules if considering the Alaska Marine Highway as an alternative to flights; ferries provide scenic travel and a chance to see wildlife.

In conclusion, a trip could look like 2–3 days in Ketchikan exploring culture and hikes, followed by 2 days in Juneau or Sitka for additional hiking, wildlife viewing, and glacier sightseeing, before flying back to Seattle. This balances outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and Alaskan culture in a short timeframe.

2-3 days for a visit

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