Ketchikan self-guided driving tour with rainforest, totems & a waterfall.
A polished 6–7 hour independent route for Alaska cruise visitors who want a little adventure without overcommitting the day: Totem Bight, Ward Lake, Settlers Cove, Lunch Falls, Creek Street, and a practical return buffer.
The recommendation
Use Ketchikan as a relaxed rainforest and coastal day.
This route is designed for travelers who like doing some exploring on their own, but still want a realistic plan. It starts north from Ward Cove, adds Ketchikan’s signature Native cultural context at Totem Bight, includes an easy lake walk, makes Lunch Falls the short waterfall hike, and keeps Creek Street flexible at the end.
Route + map
The recommended Ketchikan driving route
Ward Cove → Totem Bight → Ward Lake → Settlers Cove / Lunch Falls → Creek Street → Ward Cove.
Recommended driving route
Open the recommended Google driving route with the main Ketchikan self-drive stops in order.
Open driving routeSuggested schedule
A 6–7 hour plan with room to breathe.
Adjust the start time to your ship’s actual arrival and your rental-car pickup. The most important rule is to protect the return buffer.
Disembark and pick up the rental car
If the car is delivered to Ward Cove, you can begin the north-road route quickly. If the car is downtown, build in shuttle time and shorten one stop later.
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Walk the interpretive trail, see the clan house, and enjoy the shoreline setting. This is the cultural anchor of the route.
Ward Lake Recreation Area
Take a peaceful rainforest-lake walk. This stop can be shortened if weather or rental logistics put you behind schedule.
Settlers Cove and Lunch Falls
Make this the nature highlight: a short waterfall hike, rainforest, creek views, and beach access if conditions are good.
Creek Street and downtown Ketchikan
Use downtown as the flexible final stop. If the day is running long, keep it to a quick boardwalk walk and photo stop.
Return the car early
Plan to be finished with the rental car well before all-aboard. This route is meant to feel scenic, not stressful.
Stop-by-stop
Best stops for a self-guided Ketchikan day
Totem Bight
One of Ketchikan’s strongest self-guided cultural stops, with restored and re-carved totem poles, a clan house, rainforest, and shoreline views.
Totem Bight overview
Ward Lake
An easy rainforest-and-lake reset. Alaska.org describes the trail as mostly flat and close enough to town to be popular with locals.
Ward Lake trail details
Lunch Falls
The best fit for a short hike and waterfall stop: rainforest, creek, waterfall, and beach access in one compact visit.
Lunch Falls trail details
Creek Street
The classic Ketchikan finish: boardwalk, shops, galleries, local history, and creek views. Keep this stop flexible so the day never feels rushed.
Creek Street overview
Settlers Cove
A quieter north-road nature stop with beach access, picnic areas, forest, creek, and the trail connection to Lunch Falls.
Alaska State Parks details
Optional: South Tongass Waterfall
A photogenic roadside waterfall south of town. Because it is opposite the north-road route, use it as a swap rather than an add-on.
South Tongass Waterfall detailsGood to know
Rental and timing notes
- Try to arrange a rental car delivered to Ward Cove or the most convenient downtown location.
- If your ship uses Ward Cove and your car is downtown, build in shuttle time before and after touring.
- Wear waterproof layers and shoes with traction; Ketchikan weather changes quickly.
- Pack water and snacks so lunch does not dictate the day’s timing.
Best swap
More waterfall, less town
If the priority is a waterfall photo stop, keep Totem Bight and Settlers Cove/Lunch Falls, then shorten or skip Creek Street. If adding South Tongass Waterfall, skip Ward Lake or downtown so you do not create a rushed cross-town route.
Client-ready summary
A relaxed adventure day in Ketchikan
For Ketchikan, I would make this a relaxed self-guided rainforest and coastal day rather than trying to chase every possible stop. Start north toward Totem Bight for the totem poles and shoreline setting, then continue into the Tongass rainforest at Ward Lake. The highlight is Settlers Cove, where you can do the short Lunch Falls walk for a true waterfall and rainforest experience, with time to wander down to the beach if the weather is nice. On the way back, keep downtown Ketchikan and Creek Street as the flexible final stop before returning the rental car with plenty of buffer.
Ask Carrie to plan this tripQuick answers
Ketchikan self-guided driving tour FAQ
Can you do Ketchikan on your own with a rental car?
Yes, as long as you keep the plan realistic. The best route for most cruise visitors is north toward Totem Bight, Ward Lake, Settlers Cove and Lunch Falls, with Creek Street kept flexible at the end.
What is the best short waterfall hike near Ketchikan?
Lunch Falls at Settlers Cove is the best fit for this itinerary because it combines rainforest, creek, waterfall and beach access without requiring a strenuous hike.
How much time do I need?
Plan about 6–7 hours including pickup, driving, stops, and a safe return buffer. If your ship has a short call, remove Ward Lake or downtown Creek Street.
Should I add South Tongass Waterfall?
Only as a swap. South Tongass Waterfall is south of town, while the main route goes north. Adding both directions can make the day feel rushed.
Planning links
Ketchikan driving route and source links
- Recommended Google driving route
- Ward Cove shuttle operations
- Totem Bight — Visit Ketchikan
- Totem Bight — Alaska State Parks
- Ward Lake Trail — Alaska.org
- Settlers Cove — Alaska State Parks
- Lunch Falls Trail — Alaska.org
- Ketchikan Area Trails Guide PDF — USFS
- Creek Street — Visit Ketchikan
- South Tongass Waterfall — Alaska.org
Photo note: images are included from Visit Ketchikan and Alaska.org source pages where available. Confirm licensing and attribution requirements before publishing publicly.