Creek Street In Ketchikan, Alaska, stands as a testament to the town’s vibrant past and captivating present. Renowned as one of Ketchikan’s most popular attractions, this historic boardwalk perched on wooden pilings over Ketchikan Creek draws countless visitors annually. More than just a picturesque walkway, Creek Street is a treasure trove of restaurants, unique curio shops, the famed Dolly’s House Museum, and charming private residences. It also provides some of the best salmon viewing areas Ketchikan has to offer. A visit to Creek Street isn’t complete without exploring the intriguing Married Man’s Trail and witnessing the impressive Salmon Ladder.
Creek Street’s distinctive over-the-water construction is a direct result of Ketchikan’s challenging terrain. Built along the steep shores of Ketchikan Creek, it was simply more practical to build over the water than to attempt to excavate the surrounding rocky hills. This innovative approach is a defining characteristic of Ketchikan, where a significant portion of the town is ingeniously built directly above the water.
View of Creek Street Ketchikan Alaska
The allure of quaint, historical buildings, the iconic boardwalk, and sturdy wooden pilings is irresistible, drawing visitors in droves to capture photos and explore some of Ketchikan’s most delightful shopping experiences.
Exploring Creek Street Ketchikan Alaska
Ketchikan Creek at Creek Street Alaska
For many, including locals and returning visitors, Creek Street is a beloved spot in Ketchikan. It’s the perfect place to indulge in shopping, savor delicious meals, and be mesmerized by the spectacle of salmon battling their way upstream. And let’s not forget the entertaining pastime of people-watching in this bustling locale!
Salmon Spawning in Ketchikan Creek Alaska
Creek Street’s Colorful Past: From Red Lights to Prohibition Tales
The history of Creek Street is as colorful and captivating as the buildings that line its boardwalk. It’s a history marked by fishermen, bootleggers, and brothels, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era. Famously known as Ketchikan’s former red-light district, Creek Street reached its peak in the mid-1920s, boasting over 20 brothels. In fact, prostitution was once Ketchikan’s leading industry, with Creek Street at its heart. The ‘working women’ of Creek Street were a popular draw for men seeking companionship and illicit liquor.
During the Prohibition era, Creek Street became the clandestine hub for alcohol in Ketchikan. Bootleggers skillfully smuggled Canadian whiskey to supply the brothels and hidden saloons. Creek Street’s unique construction over the water played a crucial role in these operations. Bootleggers would navigate rowboats up Ketchikan Creek during high tide under the cover of darkness, delivering their contraband directly to the houses. Many buildings along Creek Street were even equipped with hidden ‘trap doors’ to facilitate these secret deliveries!
Ketchikan Creek has always been a vital salmon spawning stream, and Creek Street holds a famous local saying that humorously reflects its past:
“It’s where more men – than fish – went upstream to spawn!!”
Exploring Married Man’s Trail and the Salmon Ladder
As you stroll along Creek Street, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Married Man’s Trail. This intriguing pathway, consisting of a staircase and wooden boardwalk, extends from Creek Street to Park Avenue. Married Man’s Trail meanders through the woods and over the creek, but its destination wasn’t grandma’s house! Historically, Married Man’s Trail was a discreet route used by men to secretly visit the brothels on Creek Street, avoiding the social stigma of being seen entering through the front doors.
Married Man's Trail Ketchikan Alaska Boardwalk
At the end of Married Man’s Trail, be sure to visit the Salmon Ladder. This engineered waterfall allows salmon to continue their upstream migration for spawning. Watching these determined salmon valiantly leap up the cascading water is a truly captivating sight and offers fantastic photo opportunities of jumping salmon in their natural habitat.
Salmon Ladder Ketchikan Alaska Spawning Fish
Stedman Bridge: A Creek Street Landmark in Ketchikan, AK
Creek Street is gracefully bordered by the iconic Stedman Bridge. This antique red trestle bridge is not only a picturesque element of the landscape but also a hub of activity. It’s a popular spot for fishermen to cast their lines into the waters below, hoping to catch salmon. On warmer days, you might even see adventurous locals, especially kids, climbing to the bridge’s top and jumping into the creek below! (And yes, Ketchikan does experience warm days occasionally!)
If you’re interested in fishing during your visit, you’ll find fishing gear rentals conveniently available along Creek Street. Remember, a fishing license is required! However, the rental shops can assist you with purchasing one.
Before heading to the bridge or Creek Street, consider a visit to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, located on the way to Creek Street Ketchikan. This center offers valuable information on local regulations and enhances your understanding of the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Stedman Bridge Creek Street Ketchikan Alaska Landmark
Creek Street is undeniably one of Ketchikan’s premier attractions and a must-visit destination. The charming, historic buildings nestled along the creek create a stunning and picturesque setting. Creek Street Ketchikan, Alaska, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave a lasting impression.
