Ward Lake at Ward Cove, Ketchikan

[Ingabinga]

In September, we will be docking at Ward Cove. We have been to Ketchikan before. SInce we are only there from 6:30AM to 1PM, there is only a short time in town. I am hoping to walk from Ward Cove to Ward Lake and take the trail around the lake. Has anyone from a cruise done it? Is it a bad idea? We are avid walkers and physically it isn't a problem.

[SightCRR]

I have not hiked it but from research it looks great. 

Ward Lake and Ward Creek Trail - Alaska | AllTrails

I am guessing that in Sept you may still need lots of bug repellent. 

Other than being close to Totem Bight this seems like one of the few good things about Ward Cove. 

sightcrr. 

[egurbi]

Revising an old thread to see if anyone has done this trail from Ward Cove?  Is it walkable from the Ward Cove port terminal?  Thanks in advance for any responses.

[Ingabinga]

I think that it may be walkable, it is a short distance from the port. But I would like some input from fellow cruisers. I emailed the tourist board and have not received any response yet.

[SightCRR]

You might try this site and or call. If you call remember that they are on AK time which is one hour ahead of SEA. For their 3 mile guided hike they drive 15 min to trailhead. $140. 

The Mill at Ward Cove | Ketchikan Marine Industry Businesses (ketchikan-marine-industry.com)

sightcrr

Edited July 4, 2022 by SightCRR

[egurbi]

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping to do this on my own so was wondering if it is safe to walk to the trailhead from the port.

[egurbi]

I should add that google maps lists a walking route, just don't know if there are sidewalks for the roughly 2.5 mile duration to the trailhead. Any help greatly appreciated.

[SightCRR]

Using google street view one route you can see what it is like. The other route must have had a closed gate (show open). Looks like no sidewalks. Ward Cove wasn't open much before the c-19 shutdown which I think is the reason for the lack of info. 

Ward Lake Nature Trailhead to Ward Cove cruise ship pier - Google Maps

sightcrr

[Ingabinga]

Thank you for the link. There appears to be a shoulder area on the highway that appears walkable and then take Ward Lake road to the lake and the trail that circles the lake. I wonder if there is a possible shortcut by the Alaska Marine building to avoid a major part of the highway.

[SightCRR]

After looking at the road I wonder about the "trail". It is a lot more money but the crab boat tour might be worth looking at on youtube. Here are some photos of crab boat tour. Start w/ post #67. 

Trip Report w/Pics HAL Alaska June 19-26, 2022 Seattle Roundtrip Westerdam - Page 3 - Holland America Line - Cruise Critic Community

sightcrr

[egurbi]

Thanks for the replies.  Looks a little challenging, but doable.

[karatemom2]

We were in Ward Cove last year. We rented a car and drove all over - including to Ward Lake. It’s one of our favorite spots! The walk from port to Ward Lake would be pretty long - it’s quite a ways in from the main road and there are not sidewalks or even much room to walk in some places. There were a couple of taxis servicing the passengers - I would suggest using one of those to get you back and forth.