Ketchikan is often called a “linear city.” Because we are built on the narrow strip of land between the mountains and the sea, we don’t have a complex grid of streets. Instead, we have one main road that stretches roughly 30 miles from end to end.Known locally as the Tongass Highway, this road is your gateway to everything the island has to offer. When you pick up your King’s Car Rental, you really only have two choices: turn North or turn South. Here is what you will find in each direction.
Heading South: Culture, History, and Wildlife
The South Tongass Highway takes you through the heart of Ketchikan’s residential areas and into the deep history of the Tlingit people.
- Saxman Native Village (Mile 2): Just a short drive south of downtown, Saxman is home to one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in the world. Having your own car allows you to walk through the park at your own pace without waiting for the tour bus.
- Herring Cove (The End of the Road): This is the premier spot for roadside bear viewing in Ketchikan. During salmon season, the estuary here is teeming with life.
- Rotary Beach: A local favorite for “tide pooling.” At low tide, the rocky shore reveals sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
Heading North: Rainforests, Parks, and Hidden Beaches
The North Tongass Highway is the “scenic route” for those looking to escape the cruise ship crowds and get deep into the Tongass National Forest.
- Ward Cove & Ward Lake (Mile 7): Whether you are picking up your Ward Cove car rental or just visiting, this area offers the best easy hiking trails and calm lake views on the island.
- Totem Bight State Historical Park (Mile 10): A stunning coastal park featuring re-carved totem poles and a traditional Clan House. The parking lot is large and very car-friendly.
- Settlers Cove (The End of the Road): Drive until the pavement stops. Settlers Cove offers a beautiful beach, a waterfall trail, and a sense of true Alaskan solitude.
Local Knowledge: There are only a handful of gas stations on the island, and they are mostly concentrated near the city center. Make sure to fuel up before heading to either “End of the Road!”
Why You Need a Car for the Tongass Highway
Ketchikan does have a public bus system, but it doesn’t reach the “Ends of the Road” where the best wildlife and quietest beaches are found. Taxis can be expensive for a 30-mile round trip. A rental car is the only way to see both ends of the island in a single day.
[Browse our SUVs and Trucks for your Island Road Trip]
Driving Tips for Ketchikan
- Watch for Pedestrians: Downtown can be very crowded with cruise passengers who aren’t looking for cars. Drive slowly!
- Respect the Rain: Our roads can be slick. All King’s vehicles are equipped with tires designed for our wet conditions.
- The “Ketchikan Wave”: Don’t be surprised if locals wave at you. We’re a small community, feel free to wave back!
