At the north end of the Tongass Highway, the only major road through Ketchikan, is a small parking area that provides access to the Lunch Creek Trail. The latter, winding through rich Pacific rainforest, soon reaches Lunch Creek Falls and then follows the stream down to a scenic bay.
Far from the cruise ships and the tourist throngs in downtown Ketchikan, the rocky beach offers spectacular views of distant islands and their forested mountains, rising above the cold blue water. We enjoyed a peaceful visit for an hour or so, disturbed only by an occasional fishing boat or float plane; indeed, even the wildlife was relatively scarce, represented by a lone ruddy duck and a flock of black scoters.
This was the Alaska that I had pictured in my mind's eye before flying up from Seattle: tranquility, solitude and an abundance of natural beauty; my thanks to Patty and Sam for their hospitality and for directing us to this beautiful and inspiring refuge. More excursions are planned over the next few days.
Far from the cruise ships and the tourist throngs in downtown Ketchikan, the rocky beach offers spectacular views of distant islands and their forested mountains, rising above the cold blue water. We enjoyed a peaceful visit for an hour or so, disturbed only by an occasional fishing boat or float plane; indeed, even the wildlife was relatively scarce, represented by a lone ruddy duck and a flock of black scoters.
This was the Alaska that I had pictured in my mind's eye before flying up from Seattle: tranquility, solitude and an abundance of natural beauty; my thanks to Patty and Sam for their hospitality and for directing us to this beautiful and inspiring refuge. More excursions are planned over the next few days.
