Ketchikan offers excellent rainy day activities for cruise passengers. Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Tongass Historical Museum, or Totem Heritage Center for indoor cultural experiences. Browse Creek Street’s historic boardwalk shops and galleries. The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary provides covered wildlife viewing. Many tour operators offer rain gear, making outdoor excursions like rainforest walks still enjoyable despite wet weather.
Quick Facts About Rainy Ketchikan
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Annual Rainfall | 150+ inches (yes, really) |
| Chance of Rain During Cruise Season | 60-70% |
| Walking Distance from Cruise Dock | Most attractions within 0.5 miles |
| Rain Gear Availability | Provided by most tour operators; also available at downtown shops |
| Best Indoor Museums | Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Heritage Center |
Want to know more about all the ports on your Alaska cruise? We’ve got you covered.
Why Rain in Ketchikan Isn’t Actually a Problem
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Ketchikan receives about 150 inches of rain annually. That’s not a typo. But here’s the thing cruise passengers often don’t realize – locals don’t cancel plans for rain, and neither should you. The Southeast Alaska rainforest exists because of this moisture, and experiencing it is actually part of the authentic visit to Ketchikan.
The rain here is different from what you might experience back home. It’s usually a gentle mist or light drizzle rather than a downpour. Locals call it “liquid sunshine” and they mean it. The temperature stays mild, typically in the 50s and 60s during cruise season, so you won’t be shivering.
Top Indoor Activities That Beat the Weather
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
This is your first stop off the ship. The facility sits just a few hundred feet from the cruise dock and offers context for everything you’ll see in Ketchikan. Interactive exhibits explain Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures, plus the unique temperate rainforest ecosystem. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and the building itself is beautiful with Native artwork throughout.
Totem Heritage Center
Home to the largest collection of original 19th-century totem poles in the United States. These aren’t replicas – they’re authentic poles retrieved from abandoned village sites. The intimate setting means you can get close to these masterpieces and the interpretive information is exceptional. Admission is reasonable and it’s an easy walk from downtown.
Creek Street Historic District
This raised boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek was once the red-light district. Now it houses galleries, shops and Dolly’s House Museum (a former brothel that’s charmingly preserved). The covered portions of the boardwalk mean you can window shop without getting soaked. The area is especially photogenic in the rain with reflections on the wet wooden planks.
Tongass Historical Museum
Small but mighty, this museum packs Ketchikan’s fishing, Native and pioneer history into compact exhibits. Located upstairs in the library building, it offers an excellent overview of how this town developed. The exhibits on the fishing industry are particularly fascinating.
Outdoor Activities That Work in Rain
Counterintuitive but true: some of Ketchikan’s best experiences happen in wet weather. Most rainy day shore excursions in Alaska provide quality rain gear, and the animals you came to see don’t hide when it drizzles.
- Rainforest walks: The forest is literally designed for rain. Everything looks greener, the moss glows and you’ll see why this ecosystem is so special. Many tours provide rubber boots and rain jackets.
- Wildlife viewing: Eagles, bears and salmon don’t care about precipitation. In fact, salmon are more active in streams during rain, which means bears are more likely to be fishing.
- Misty Fjords flightseeing: While heavy fog can cancel flights, light rain often creates dramatic conditions with clouds clinging to mountainsides and waterfalls at maximum flow.
- Creek Street salmon viewing: The salmon ladder operates rain or shine, and watching salmon jump upstream is actually more impressive when water levels are higher.
Where to Warm Up and Dry Off
Strategic stops at the right places can break up your rainy day perfectly:
- Parnassus Books: This independent bookstore (the southernmost bookstore in Alaska) has a coffee bar and comfy chairs. It’s a local favorite hiding in plain sight.
- Cape Fox Lodge: Take the funicular up to this hotel perched on the hillside. The lobby has massive windows overlooking the harbor and their restaurant serves excellent salmon chowder.
- Soho Coho: Contemporary Alaskan cuisine in a warm atmosphere right on the waterfront. Great for a sit-down meal when you need to get out of the weather.
For more dining options, check out our guide to Ketchikan’s best restaurants.
What to Wear and Bring
Getting your gear right makes all the difference. Here’s what actually works:
- Layers are everything: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece or light insulating layer, and a waterproof outer shell. Cotton is your enemy.
- Waterproof jacket with hood: A good rain jacket is worth its weight in gold. Make sure the hood is adjustable.
- Waterproof pants or rain skirt: Often overlooked but crucial if you’re doing any outdoor activities. Rain doesn’t just fall down.
- Closed-toe waterproof shoes: Trail runners with Gore-Tex work great. Save the sandals for Caribbean cruises.
- Small backpack with dry bag or plastic bags: Protect your camera, phone and anything else that shouldn’t get wet.
Most tour operators provide rain jackets and sometimes rain pants, but they’re one-size-fits-most and not always the best quality. Bringing your own ensures a better fit and comfort.
For more details on packing appropriately, see our comprehensive Alaska shore excursion weather guide.
Tours That Excel in Wet Weather
Some excursions are specifically designed knowing rain is likely:
- Lumberjack shows: Held under covered grandstands, these entertaining demonstrations of ax throwing, log rolling and chainsaw carving happen rain or shine.
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: Features covered platforms for wildlife viewing and a covered walking area through the rainforest. The name says it all – they embrace the rain.
- Saxman Native Village tour: The totem park has some covered areas and the cultural center performances happen indoors. The totems actually look more dramatic when wet.
- Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour: Takes place mostly under cover at a working crab processing facility. You’ll learn about Deadliest Catch-style fishing while staying dry.
Shopping Strategies for Rainy Days
Ketchikan’s shopping district is compact and mostly covered. Here’s the smart approach:
- Salmon Market: Climate-controlled and you can ship salmon home. They’ll vacuum-seal and box it for travel.
- Soho Coho Art Gallery: Features local artists and Native crafts. Much more authentic than tourist trap shops.
- Creek Street galleries: Multiple art galleries line the boardwalk, perfect for hopping between while staying mostly dry.
- Ray Troll’s Soho Coho store: This Alaska artist’s quirky fish-themed art is iconic. His store is a Ketchikan institution.
Family-Friendly Rainy Day Options
Keeping kids entertained in wet weather requires some planning. The family activities in Ketchikan that work best when it’s raining include:
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Kids love the competition format and high-energy demonstrations. It’s campy but genuinely entertaining.
- Discovery Center’s interactive exhibits: Touchable displays and a film room keep younger visitors engaged.
- Deer Mountain Hatchery: Indoor viewing areas let you watch salmon in various life stages. Educational and dry.
- Dolly’s House Museum: Older kids and teens find the former brothel’s history fascinating (it’s handled tastefully).
Insider Tips Only Locals Know
Bonus Tips
- The public library (same building as the museum) has free WiFi and a beautiful reading room with harbor views – perfect for regrouping
- The covered bus shelters downtown make excellent photo spots without getting your camera wet
- Pawn shops on Mission Street sometimes have better deals on Alaska Native art than tourist galleries
- The Bar Harbor Restaurant upstairs dining room has windows overlooking the dock and serves local halibut that rivals fancier restaurants
- If rain is heavy, duck into St. John’s Church – this beautiful historic church welcomes visitors and offers peaceful respite
- Many shops offer “rain checks” – discounts if it’s actively raining when you make a purchase
- The funicular to Cape Fox Lodge is free and provides covered transportation up the steep hillside
- Walmart is about two miles from downtown and offers cheap rain gear if you forgot yours (locals use the shuttle service)
What Not to Do in the Rain
A few activities really do suffer in wet weather:
- Avoid long hikes without proper gear: Deer Mountain trail becomes slippery and muddy. It’s still doable but only for experienced hikers with good boots.
- Skip open-air boat tours in heavy rain: You’ll be miserable. Enclosed cabin boats are much better.
- Don’t plan elaborate hair and makeup: Embrace the weather. Everyone looks a bit bedraggled in Ketchikan rain.
- Don’t rely solely on umbrellas: Wind often accompanies rain here, making umbrellas frustrating and ineffective.
Comparing Ketchikan Rain to Other Alaska Ports
Ketchikan gets more precipitation than other popular cruise ports. If you’re visiting multiple Alaska destinations, you might find Juneau’s rainy day activities helpful for comparison. Juneau receives about 60 inches annually compared to Ketchikan’s 150+ inches, so Ketchikan truly is the rainiest port you’ll encounter.
The upside? Ketchikan has developed the best infrastructure for wet weather tourism. The town embraces its reputation rather than fighting it.
Photography in the Rain
Don’t let wet weather stop you from capturing memories:
- Use a rain sleeve for your camera or a waterproof point-and-shoot
- Overcast skies provide even lighting without harsh shadows – ideal for photography
- Wet surfaces create beautiful reflections, especially on Creek Street boardwalk
- Mist adds atmospheric depth to landscape shots
- Keep a microfiber cloth handy to wipe lens between shots
- Modern smartphones are often water-resistant enough for light rain (check your model’s rating)
Making the Mental Shift
The secret to enjoying rainy Ketchikan is adjusting your expectations before you arrive. This isn’t a Mediterranean cruise where rain ruins the day. In Southeast Alaska, rain is the norm and sunshine is the pleasant surprise. The rainforest exists because of this moisture – you’re experiencing the environment exactly as it should be.
Locals have a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Once you’re properly dressed, rain becomes background ambiance rather than an obstacle. You might even find you prefer the moody, atmospheric conditions to bright sunshine.
Common Questions and FAQ
Will my shore excursion be cancelled if it rains?
Almost never. Tour operators in Ketchikan are equipped for rain and it would take truly severe weather (heavy storms, not normal rain) to cancel. If you booked through your cruise line, they’ll notify you of any cancellations.
Should I buy rain gear in Ketchikan or bring my own?
Bring your own if you have quality gear that fits well. Buying in Ketchikan works in a pinch but tends to be expensive tourist-priced items. Many tours include rain jackets as part of the package.
Can you still see wildlife when it’s raining?
Absolutely. Eagles, bears and salmon are active regardless of precipitation. In fact, salmon are often more active in streams during rain, which can mean better bear viewing opportunities.
How long does rain typically last in Ketchikan?
It varies widely. Sometimes it’s a brief shower, other times it’s a gentle all-day drizzle. Heavy downpours are less common than steady light rain. Weather can change quickly, so don’t assume morning conditions will last all day.
Are there any covered areas near the cruise dock?
Yes. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is immediately adjacent to the dock. The Salmon Landing Market area has covered sections. Creek Street has partially covered boardwalks. Downtown shops have awnings providing some shelter.
What’s the driest month for Ketchikan cruises?
June statistically receives slightly less rain than July and August, but the difference is marginal. Any cruise season month will likely include some precipitation.
Do I need waterproof pants or is a rain jacket enough?
For walking around town, a good rain jacket usually suffices. For outdoor excursions like rainforest hikes or ziplines, waterproof pants make a significant comfort difference. Your legs will thank you.
Personal Experience
We rolled into Ketchikan on our Alaska cruise to find the town living up to its reputation as one of the rainiest places in North America. Instead of letting the drizzle dampen our spirits, we ducked into the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center right off the dock, and it turned out to be perfect timing. The exhibits about Tlingit culture and the rainforest ecosystem gave us context for everything we were seeing, plus the kids loved the interactive displays. From there, we made our way to Creek Street, where the historic boardwalk actually looks more magical in the rain, with mist rising off the water and the colorful buildings reflecting in the wet planks beneath our feet.
The real surprise was Parnassus Books, a cozy independent bookstore tucked away on a side street where we warmed up with coffee and browsed local authors while rain drummed on the roof. Our guide at the Totem Heritage Center explained that the moisture actually helps preserve the ancient totem poles, which made us appreciate the weather in a new way. By afternoon, when we popped into the bar at the Cape Fox Lodge for their famous smoked salmon chowder, we realized we’d experienced a side of Ketchikan that sunny-day visitors might miss entirely. The rain wasn’t an obstacle – it was just part of the authentic Southeast Alaska experience.