The best walks and hikes in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

The idyllic shores of Perseverance Lake are a popular destination, especially on weekends. When the weather is warm enough, swimmers — both human and canine — may even take a dip off the "swimmer's rock."

On a clear day you can easily see Ketchikan sprawling below you from the summit of Deer Mountain. Ketchikan International Airport is also visible just across the water, on neighboring Gravina Island. As always when running in Alaska, you should be alert to the risk of unexpected wildlife encounters, and the possibility of fast-moving, rapidly changing weather.

The name of this trail might feel a little misleading, because the official trail doesn't go all the way up to the summit of Minerva Mountain. Instead, it passes close by on the slopes of Minerva Mountain, then continues on to tag the peaks of Juno Mountain and Ward Mountain. This trail can also be linked up with the Perseverance Trail, to create a long, challenging alpine traverse that requires a car shuttle to get from one trailhead to the other. Only expert hikers who are prepared to be self-sufficient in the face of unpredictable weather and wildlife encounters should attempt this traverse.

The flat nature trail around Ward Lake is designated as ADA accessible, however it is a gravel surface. Look for benches and interpretive signs spaced around the lake, along with areas for fishing, berry-picking and picnicking. Heads up: Some parts of this trail pass so close to the lake, they sometimes flood during periods of heavy rain.

Dude Mountain offers a profusion of beauty, large and small: As you walk the ridge toward the peak you can enjoy an up-close view of wildflowers and berries, set against the background of neighboring mountain peaks and ridges.

The idyllic shores of Perseverance Lake are a popular day-hiking destination, especially on weekends. When the weather is warm enough, swimmers — both human and canine — may even take a dip off the "swimmer's rock." When the trail forked shortly before the bridge across Perseverance Creek, you turned left to get here. If you were to turn right instead, you could continue in a long, challenging traverse to Carlanna Lakes, with an optional detour to Minerva Mountain in between. (There is no mass transit service at the Carlanna and Perseverance trailheads, so you would have to arrange for a taxi or other vehicle transfer to get back to your starting point.)

Carlanna Lake is a slice of wild Alaska, positioned conveniently close to Ketchikan's city streets. If you continue past the bridge at the far end of the lake, the trail becomes much rougher and eventually links in with the Perseverance Trail: A long, challenging traverse that only hikers who are well-prepared, and well-informed about local conditions and hazards, should attempt.

The Cape Fox Lodge is one of the finest hotels in Ketchikan, owned by one of the local Alaska Native corporations. Even if you're not staying there, take a moment to step inside and visit both the gift shop and the mini-museum for a glimpse of truly fine, authentic Alaska Native artwork. The lodge windows also offer remarkable vistas overlooking Ketchikan and the water beyond.