The Ketchikan [1] area is blessed with an abundance of hiking trails and remote wilderness cabins maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. If you arrive in Ketchikan unprepared for a cabin stay, Alaska Wilderness Outfitting (907/225-7335, www.latitude56.com [2]) rents outboard motors, coolers, stoves, and dishes (but not sleeping bags). It even has a “cabin outfit” set up with the supplies you’ll need at a Forest Service cabin.
Take in a panoramic view of Ketchikan from the short trail that climbs from the highpoint along Bypass Road (Forest Ave.). The road takes off from the south end of Schoenbar Road.
The city’s Gateway Recreation Center (601 Schoenbar Rd., 907/225-9579, $5) is open daily and has an indoor track, a fitness room, basketball, racquetball, and various classes. At the Ketchikan High School swimming pool (2610 4th Ave., 907/225-2010), a swim, sauna, and shower cost $5.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alaska/southeast-alaska/ketchikan
[2] http://www.latitude56.com