Hi there!
Ketchikan is one of the best cruise ports to see totem poles during your Alaska cruise!
It’s possible to see totem poles in Ketchikan on your own.
You can get to totem parks in Ketchikan by bus, and you can walk to see totem poles too.
Since almost all Alaska cruises go to Ketchikan, if you are doing an Alaska cruise, this more than likely means you can see totem poles!
Did you know?! US passport pages have totem poles! I am not sure if passport pages have changed recently, but I got my passport in 2016, and there are totem poles on pages 23 and 49. Go check!
Where to see totem poles in Ketchikan
1. Totem Bight State Historical Park
One of the best places to see totem poles in Ketchikan is Totem Bight State Historical Park.
It’s leisurely walk through the forest and along the coast to see several totem poles.
At the entrance of the park, be sure to look for the state park brochure in a box for more info about the totem poles!
You can go to Totem Bight State Historical Park on your own.
There is a bus stop near the Ketchikan cruise port, and you can take a bus to get to there.
There is a $5 entry fee for Totem Bight State Historical Park, to be paid by credit card.
See more about totem poles in Ketchikan:
Tours with totem poles:
- Totem Bight State Historical Park tour (look for “customer reviews”)
- Look for more Totem Bight State Park combination tours
2. Saxman Park
Saxman Park is another spot in Ketchikan where you can see a collection of totem poles.
Saxman Park doesn’t feel as much of a nature walk as Sitka National Historical Park or Totem Bight State Historical Park.
But it is an easy way to see a number of totem poles near a cruise port on your own.
It’s not so near the cruise port that you will want to walk there… for most people anyway.
It’s around 3 miles from the Ketchikan cruise port to Saxman Park.
I did meet people who did walk to Saxman Park, and then took the bus back, though!
But once again, there is a bus stop near the cruise port, and there is a bus that goes to Saxman Park.
See more about totem poles in Ketchikan:
Tours with totem poles:
- Saxman Native Village, Dance Performance & Totem Park (look for “customer reviews”)
- Look for more Saxman Village combination tours
3. Chief Johnson totem pole
The Chief Johnson totem pole is just one totem pole, but chances are that you are going to be in the area.
Creek Street is the most famous historic street in Ketchikan.
So if you decide to go to Creek Street like almost everyone else, then the Chief Johnson totem pole is an easy totem pole to see.
It’s located at the Creek Street entrance that is at the junction of the Married Man’s Trail.
See more about totem poles in Ketchikan:
And those are some of the best ways to see totem poles in Ketchikan!
What I did to give you more ideas for your Alaska cruise:
HAPPY SEEING TOTEM POLES IN KETCHIKAN!
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