Hikers and campers enjoy this gravel and natural dirt trail that starts in an old growth forest and switchbacks into high alpine country. Wildlife viewing of Sitka black-tail deer, mountain goats, black bears, and ptarmigan are frequent. A Forest Service cabin 2.5 miles from the trailhead is available for rent. The trail originally provided access to a ski hut in the 1930s on the upper flank of the mountain.
Length:
9.9 miles one way
Elevation:
3350 feet elevation gain
Difficulty:
Difficult
Starting Point:
For access from the city center, walk or drive up Ketchikan Lakes Road for 1/2 mile to the landfill street junction. Turn left and the parking area is towards the mountain, 100 feet northeast of the junction. The trailhead at the other end of the trail is 12 miles south of Ketchikan at the end of South Tongass Highway. Visitors are allowed to park within the Beaver Falls Powerhouse administrative site.
Recommended Hikes near Ketchikan
ReplyDeleteA number of maintained trails are easily accessible from town via the Tongass Highway. Several short paths are found near fishing lakes and campgrounds. Two of note are:
Deer Mountain Trail (10 miles, 2,000' gain)—This rugged route through the high country is Ketchikan’s best. The trail climbs directly from town for 2.5 miles to the Forest Service cabin near the summit of Deer Mountain. From here, the route winds through open, rocky terrain with small lakes and a couple of 3,000-foot summits, then drops to Silvis Lake and the trailhead at the end of the Forest Service road. It’s 15 miles back to town by road. Through trail—overnight.
Perseverance Trail (2.3 miles, little gain)—This moderately easy route is mostly boardwalk through mixed muskeg and forest. The trailhead is near Ward Lake on the Ward Lake Road. RT—3 hrs.