Across the lower forty-eight, there are many big cities that are famous for pieces of their culture and unique traditions. From Mardi Gras in New Orleans to Spring Break in Miami, there are lots of exciting activities to partake in throughout the continental United States. During these big events, cities experience extreme crowding thanks to the visitors that flock to the areas to celebrate. In Ketchikan, Alaska, there is a very different type of crowding that happens each year that many people head to the area to enjoy, and this crowding doesn’t involve wading through hordes of tourists.
A school of young salmon.
The crowding that takes place in Ketchikan each year is a crowding of incredible salmon. For those looking for a once in a lifetime experience, a trip to Ketchikan, Alaska during the annual salmon run is the best vacation opportunity there is. The salmon themselves have an internal clock that brings them in droves to Ketchikan every single year at the same time, giving an incredible show to onlookers.
From mid-July to mid-September, five different types of salmon work themselves to near exhaustion trying to fight their way up stream at Ketchikan Creek Falls. As these magnificent fish crowd together, swimming and jumping in the same direction, they seem to form a solid wall between the open air and the water with their bodies. This incredible scene cannot be described, it must be seen to be believed.
The five different types of salmon that flock to the Ketchikan area are Chum Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Silver Salmon, and Pink Salmon. These different salmon all work toward the same goal of making it upstream to spawn and carry on their legacy. Watching these fish fight and climb to calmer waters is like watching the survival of the fittest in action.
These salmon face more challenges than just the rough waters ahead. Most people who take to the streams during this time are fisherman looking for their biggest catch yet. Hooking a giant King Salmon or any other type of salmon, for that matter, is a thrilling experience that will also provide an incredibly tasty meal.
Since the waters are teeming with salmon, nature’s fisherman head to the waters, as well.
View of the boat harbor and marina in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Those hoping to see one of Alaska’s native bears or eagles are much more likely to see them where the fish are thick in the water. These animals expertly pick out the salmon as they jump near the surface of the water, giving onlookers and incredible show.
The salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan, Alaska, is a terrific place for outdoor lovers, fishermen, and those who just want to check Alaska off their bucket list, to travel. For guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive amounts of salmon attempting to spawn or those who are looking to make a meal of these salmon, a trip to Ketchikan will be an unforgettable and awe-inspiring journey. Traveling to the Last Frontier has never been as exciting as it is during the annual salmon run.