Ketchikan is one of those ports where it’s very easy to stay right along the waterfront, pop into shops, and call it a day.
We… did not do that.
Instead, we joined a small-group photography tour that promised to take us a little off the beaten path – always music to my ears. Fourteen of us started out, then split into two smaller groups, which made things feel much more relaxed (and far less like competing for the same shot).
Our day actually began in a part of downtown Ketchikan. Today it was quieter than it would be at high season with just a quiet salmon stream and a working wharf. No salmon this time of year (apparently they had other plans), but it was still a lovely place to start – textured, authentic, and a nice change from the usual postcard scenes.
One unexpected stop? The Ketchikan Public Library. Not your typical “must-see,” but it offered a surprisingly nice view of the surrounding mountains. It’s funny how often those unplanned (or lesser-known) spots end up being some of the most enjoyable.
Next up was Refuge Cove where we all made like beachcombers, but with our cameras instead. Lots of macro opportunities here. I found an almost dead starfish and put it into one of the tide pools – hoping it would revive. Someone else found two purple starfish, and there were lots of shells, barnacles, crabs and seaweed. The tide was out when we arrived, but was coming in quick by the time we were ready to leave.
We did make a more classic stop at Potlatch Totem Park, where the totem poles stood tall and colorful against the lush backdrop. There’s something about those carved figures – the stories they hold, the craftsmanship – that always pulls me in. Definitely one of those places where you slow down a bit and take it all in before lifting the camera.
Our final stop might have been my favorite.
We headed to an overlook where seaplanes dock – always a fun subject in Alaska – and tucked along the waterfront was the cutest little blue house. One of those scenes that feels almost too perfect, like it was placed there just for photographers. Of course, cameras came out immediately.
Throughout the day, our guide – a professional photographer – shared tips, local stories, and just enough direction to be helpful without ever feeling like we were being rushed or managed. That balance makes all the difference.
And yes… there were beverages and a gourmet cookie involved while photographing boats at Bar Harbor. Not a bad way to wrap things up.
What I loved most about this tour was its flexibility. It wasn’t about checking off a list – it was about seeing, noticing, and capturing what made this day, this place, unique.
Once back in town, Alan and I stopped at a local restaurant, Annabelle’s, for some beyond yummy crab cake burgers and fries.
Ketchikan may be known for its bustling waterfront…
…but just a little beyond that? There’s a whole lot more to see.