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Historic street · Ketchikan, Alaska
Creek Street
A boardwalk built on stilts along Ketchikan Creek, with colorful wooden houses that were the city’s bohemian quarter until 1954. Today it has shops, galleries, a small museum and, late in summer, salmon running up the creek.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Creek Street
Creek Street is a wooden boardwalk built on stilts along Ketchikan Creek in downtown. The wooden houses, painted bright colors, were erected in the early 20th century, when the street was Ketchikan’s red-light district, frequented by fishermen, miners and loggers. It operated until 1954.
One of the houses, Dolly’s House, belonged to one of the best-known women of the street and is now a small museum, with furniture and objects from the era. The others house craft shops, Native art galleries and cafés. A dirt path climbing the hillside is called the Married Man’s Trail, the route patrons used to leave unseen.
Late in summer, generally from July to September, the creek fills with salmon running to spawn, and seals and eagles often appear at the mouth. Fish ladders help the salmon overcome waterfalls.
Midway along the boardwalk, an inclined trolley climbs the slope to an overlook above the town and the Tongass Narrows.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half an hour to an hour.
Best time
Early, before cruise-ship groups, or late in the day. From July to September, go then to see salmon running up the creek.
How to get there
In downtown Ketchikan, a short walk from the cruise ship docks, via Stedman Street. There is no fee to walk the boardwalk; Dolly’s House museum charges separate admission.
Tip
Look down into the water from the bridges: late in summer salmon gather in pools. Wear sturdy shoes, because the boards get slippery in the rain.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Creek Street
What is Ketchikan’s Creek Street?
A wooden boardwalk on pilings along Ketchikan Creek, with colorful houses that were the town’s bohemian district until 1954.
When are salmon seen on Creek Street?
Generally from July to September, when they swim up Ketchikan Creek to spawn.
Is Creek Street far from the cruise ship docks?
No, about a 10-minute walk, in downtown Ketchikan.