Totem Bight State Historical Park
4.7(1.3K)google
4.3(24)yelp
Folk CultureHistorySculptureOutdoor
Overview
Totem Bight State Historical Park is a stunning, 11-acre coastal historical preserve located in Ketchikan, set within a lush temperate rainforest overlooking the Tongass Narrows. Established during the late 1930s as a major CCC restoration project, the park features a magnificent collection of replica native totem poles and a massive, authentically detailed clan house. Visitors can stroll along gravel paths under towering hemlock trees to learn about the intricate symbolic storytelling traditions of the Tlingit and Haida peoples, celebrating West Coast native artistry.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeBest experienced during summer mornings (May to September). Nestled along a scenic rocky beach under dense rainforest canopies, speckled daylight illuminates a rare collection of hand-carved historical totem poles and a massive clan house, capturing true Southeast Alaskan Native art.
Getting ThereLocated roughly 10 miles north of downtown Ketchikan. Drive north via the North Tongass Highway for about 15-20 minutes straight to the dedicated free visitor lot. Alternatively, you can ride the local municipal Silver Line transit bus directly to the state park entrance gates.
Travel Tips
- The totem trails wind through temperate coastal rainforest; wooden boardwalks harbor moss slick, making non-slip trekking outsoles essential.
- Ketchikan logs immense annual rainfall; wide umbrellas that risk striking low totems are banned, heavy rain capes are recommended.
- The automated gate kiosk accepts credit cards only and dispenses zero cash change; hold the paper receipt for active ranger sweeps.
Reviews
Positive
- The exquisite totems and traditional clan houses neatly lined up by the sea carry immense visual impact, showcasing native carving art and history.
Heads up
- The overall park is very small, consisting mainly of a short loop trail; if you don't study the signboards, you finish in 15 minutes, lacking content.