Ketchikan is small enough that “where to stay” mostly comes down to one question: do you want to be able to walk everywhere, or are you okay with a shuttle? Most of what’s worth doing, Creek Street, the salmon ladder, the harbor, most restaurants, sits inside a 10–15 minute walk of downtown. Once you’re outside that radius, you’re looking at a car, a taxi, or your hotel’s shuttle to get back in. Here’s how the real options break down.
Quick Facts: Where to Stay in Ketchikan
| Best for walkability | Downtown / Creek Street |
| Best for views | Cape Fox Lodge (hillside above downtown) |
| Best for budget | Super 8, or a Forest Service campground |
| Best for ferry/airport convenience | Near the Alaska Marine Highway terminal |
| Best for groups/families | Vacation rentals in Old Town or Knudson Cove |
| Best for tent/RV camping | Signal Creek Campground at Ward Lake |
| Do you need a car? | Not if you stay downtown. |
Where to Stay in Downtown Ketchikan / Creek Street
If you want to step outside and be at Creek Street, the salmon ladder, and the harbor without needing a car or a shuttle, this is the only zone that delivers that. The tradeoff is that downtown is also where the cruise crowds concentrate during ship days, so expect more foot traffic right outside your door in peak season.
The Inn at Creek Street
Not one hotel but seven historic buildings scattered along the boardwalk, 26 rooms total, each with its own personality. The Star Room, for instance, was once Ketchikan’s only registered brothel. The pick of the litter is the Bayside Hotel, the newest and most recently renovated of the group, with heated bathroom floors, Saatva mattresses, and the only elevator access in the collection.
The Gilmore Hotel
Built in 1927 and on the National Historic Register, this is the oldest hotel in Ketchikan. Three floors of old building character, right down to no elevator! So pack light if stairs aren’t your thing. It is steps from the cruise docks and Creek Street, and Annabelle’s, the on site restaurant, is known for its king crab. One nice touch for anglers: they’ll hold freezer space for your fresh-caught seafood.
For a deeper dive on all the things Creek Street has to offer, check out our full guide: Creek Street Guide: Ketchikan, Alaska’s Historic Boardwalk
Where to Stay in Ketchikan for the Best for Views
Cape Fox Lodge
Sits on a bluff above downtown, owned by the Cape Fox Corporation, a Tlingit Alaska Native village corporation, and it’s the most unique place to stay in town. 72 rooms, sweeping views over the Tongass Narrows and Gravina Island, and native artwork throughout. It’s historically connected to Creek Street by a funicular tram that climbs the hillside. There’s also a staircase up from Married Man’s Trail.
The lodge’s Heen Kahidi restaurant has real food and real prices to match the view, worth it for one dinner even if you’re not staying there.
For more dining options check out our guide: Best Ketchikan Restaurants
Where to Stay in Ketchikan Near the Ferry
There’s one main lodging option if you’re arriving by ferry or want easy airport access. Whenever we fly into Ketchikan it’s usually just a long layover, so this is the best spot for folks like me.
The Landing Hotel & Restaurant
If you’re arriving by state ferry or want easy airport access, The Landing Hotel & Restaurant sits close to the Alaska Marine Highway terminal, roughly two miles from downtown, and runs an excellent shuttle service. It also has two restaurants on site, so you’re not stuck hunting for dinner after a long travel day.
I stayed here myself passing through on the way to a Discovery Channel shoot on Prince of Wales Island, and the on site bar was a such a relief after a long travel day. The rooms were clean, big, and about as convenient as it gets. Yes, you’re a couple of miles from Creek Street, but the shuttle is easy and honestly makes that a non issue.
landinghotel.com // (907) 225-5166
Ketchikan Vacation Rentals: Best for Groups
Ketchikan has a small but real short term rental scene split into two very different flavors.
Old Town rentals
Sits right in the historic district across from Creek Street and the museum, walkable to everything, and are your best bet if you want a real kitchen and living space without giving up the downtown convenience.
Knudson Cove
About 15 miles north of downtown, has waterfront cabins and cottages with private docks, fire pits, and skiffs included. Really nice for a fishing focused trip or a group that wants privacy over walkability, but you’ll need a car and you’ll be driving in for dinner and shopping.
Ketchikan Camping: Best for Budget and Nature
Ketchikan’s public camping options sit inside the Tongass National Forest and Alaska State Parks system, all of which are a short drive from downtown. So plan on driving in for meals and attractions, but they’re the cheapest way to sleep in Ketchikan by a wide margin, and honestly some of the better scenery too.
Signal Creek Campground
24 sites at Ward Lake, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, with fishing, hiking, and old-growth forest right outside your tent. Book directly through Recreation.gov. Reservations are required here now, no more walk up payment.
Settlers Cove State Recreation Site
Mile 18 of North Tongass Highway, 13 wooded sites along Clover Passage with two sandy beaches and a trail out to a waterfall. Run by Alaska State Parks, not the Forest Service, so it book through Alaska State Parks’ reservation system
Last Chance Campground
Mile 2.2 of Revilla Road, 20 sites with forest trails and fishing access. Book through Recreation.gov
Ketchikan Bed & Breakfasts: Best for a Longer Stay
Trade hotel amenities for water views and the kind of local knowledge you only get from someone who actually lives here. Ketchikan has a handful of small, owner run B&Bs.
Black Bear Inn
Run by longtime Ketchikan residents Jim and Nicole Church, right on the water about 5 miles north of downtown. Every room has water views and a fireplace, and there’s a shared hot tub, a fire pit, and a summer kitchen built right at the water’s edge. The perfect set up for cooking your own catch after a day of fishing. Complimentary breakfast, free shuttle to the ferries and docks.
Rates typically run $150–$245/night depending on season // (907) 225-4343
Anchor Inn by the Sea
Hosted by Greg and Mary Bolshakoff, about 4 miles south of downtown, so you’ll want a car. The draw here is the view, whales and a steady parade of fishing boats and cruise ships passing by. Suites come with full kitchens, complimentary laundry, and loaner boots and fishing gear.
Rates start at $165/night for the one-bedroom suites // (907) 254-2050
When to Book
Ketchikan is now seeing over 1.6 million cruise passengers a year, and the town’s total lodging inventory is small. This isn’t a market where you can wait until the week before and expect a lot of options.
If you’re visiting June through August, book at least 2–3 months out for downtown properties and vacation rentals. Camping is more forgiving but still fills on weekends. Shoulder season (May and September) gives you more breathing room and often better rates across the board.
Compare Ketchikan Lodging
| Option | Area | Walkable to Downtown? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inn at Creek Street | Downtown, on the boardwalk | Yes | First-timers who want to be in the middle of everything |
| Gilmore Hotel (Trademark Collection) | Downtown | Yes | Historic-building fans, downtown convenience |
| Cape Fox Lodge | Hillside above downtown | Via Tram/stairs | Views, a splurge night, Native-owned property |
| The Landing Hotel | Near ferry terminal, ~2 mi out | No — shuttle | Ferry or early-flight arrivals |
| Super 8 by Wyndham | North Tongass corridor | No | Budget, no-frills |
| Black Bear Inn / Anchorage Inn by the Sea | Residential, waterfront | No | B&B charm, local hosts |
| Vacation rental (Old Town) | Near Creek Street/museum district | Yes | Groups wanting a kitchen, walkable base |
| Vacation rental (Knudson Cove) | ~15 mi north of downtown | No | Beach access, fishing, total privacy |
| Signal Creek / Settlers Cove / Last Chance Campgrounds | Forest Service land outside town | No | Tent/RV camping, budget, nature |
Where to Stay Ketchikan FAQs
Do I need a car in Ketchikan?
Not if you stay downtown, everything worth walking to is within a 10–15 minute walk. If you’re staying near the ferry terminal or want to reach Totem Bight or the trailheads on your own, a car or taxi is suggested.
Is Cape Fox Lodge worth the money?
If views and a genuinely distinctive property matter to you, yes. If you just want convenience and a bed, the downtown options are more practical and closer to everything.
Where should I stay if I’m arriving by ferry?
Near the Alaska Marine Highway terminal, The Landing Hotel is the practical choice, with a shuttle to make up for the distance from downtown.
Are hotels in Ketchikan expensive?
Rates vary widely by season and property, expect budget options to run notably cheaper than the hillside or Creek Street properties, and expect everything to cost more and book up faster during peak cruise season (June–August).