Things to do nearSettlers Cove State Recreation Site

Settlers Cove State Recreation Site sits at the northern end of the road system in Ketchikan, Alaska, where the temperate rainforest of the Tongass National Forest meets a sheltered saltwater cove. The park preserves a stretch of old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock that has stood largely undisturbed, giving visitors a rare chance to walk beneath a genuine ancient canopy without venturing deep into the backcountry.

The centerpiece of the site is its loop trail, a roughly one-mile path that winds through dense forest before descending to a gravel and cobble beach. Lunch Creek bisects the park and becomes a focal point in late summer when salmon return to spawn, drawing both wildlife and curious onlookers to its banks. The creek mouth and adjacent tidal flats are excellent for spotting shorebirds and marine mammals, including harbor seals that patrol the cove.

The picnic area is well maintained and family-friendly, with covered shelters that offer refuge from the frequent coastal rain. For those who want to extend their time outdoors, guided hikes around the Ketchikan area provide deeper context on the rainforest ecosystem. History enthusiasts will find it worthwhile to visit Totem Bight State Historical Park on the drive back toward town.

Settlers Cove rewards visitors who appreciate quiet, unhurried encounters with the natural world, making it one of the more memorable stops along the Ketchikan road system.