Berth 4 - Ketchikan, Alaska

Patrick Xu

Our Discovery Princess cruise ship last stop on our way back to Vancouver. The rain again broke for us to take a city walk tour. The town was beautiful, especially the Creek street.

Chris Carrell

Sharing insights from our recent visit to Ketchikan, AK, in late May 2024. Ketchikan boasts four cruise ship docks—Berths I, II, III, and IV—and an additional dock in Ward Cove, about 7 miles westward. Berths I & II sit adjacent to downtown, making the city practically steps away from the docks. Berth III is just slightly further west, nestled by a small marina, while Berth IV lies just beyond the marina.

On the day we arrived deboarding and boarding processes at Berth IV were notably impacted by the significant tide swings. This resulted in steep ramp angles on both ship and dock sides. With the ship's deck height as a reference, it was roughly one deck down to the floating dock and two decks up to the dock area.

Adjacent to the dock serves as the primary tour and shuttle bus loading area for Berth IV, as well as for other city shuttle buses and vans, including the free Ketchikan town shuttle and Walmart shuttle, and also serves as the city terminus for shuttles from the cruise terminal at Ward Cove. Despite adequate shelter in the loading areas, the bus terminal area experienced a lot of congestion, at times exacerbated by the influx of guests from our cruise ship and those arriving from Ward Cove.

The area near Berth IV also features a large gift shop and various food options nearby, including the renowned Jellyfish donuts. A pleasant boardwalk connects Berth IV to downtown, offering a leisurely 5 to 10-minute stroll amidst benches and themed trash cans, adding to Ketchikan's charm.

Though Berth IV sits furthest from the city center, its proximity to the bus terminal, shops, and boardwalk facilitates easy exploration of Ketchikan's attractions. Everything, from shopping, dining, to the Great Alaska Lumberjack show, Creek Street, museums, and scenic urban hikes, is within a short 5 to 10-minute walk along well-maintained city sidewalks. While the terrain remains fairly flat, expect occasional crowding, especially around Creek Street's boardwalk, where the popular Married Man's Trail offers a picturesque but sometimes slippery ascent. Utilizing the free city shuttle can be convenient, albeit crowded during peak times.

Despite its "isolation," we found Berth IV's seclusion appealing, offering a feigned sense of exclusivity, and still provided easy, comfortable access to nearly all the touristy activities Ketchikan has to offer. However, we dropped a star thinking a more efficient system could be devised for managing the Ward Cove shuttle bus terminus here.

Ron Collucci

Berth 4 is about 15 minute walk.
Your at one end . You cover one side and on the way back, you cover the other side. With Creek Road 1 h 1/2 all together.

Brandon Doyle

Easy to get on and off but there isn’t much to do at this stop, most of the shops have the same stuff all made in china. You’ll want to go a couple blocks north

Betty Crusenberry

I love this place! Ketchikan was the crowd choice on favorite Alaskan town! It was over flowing with character and charm. I have many pics and even more splendid memories to embrace and share.
I am sick from the flights-and will need to post and tell, later!
Jet Lag kicked my butt. Even though, I’d go back to Alaska in a Ben Hur moment.(location joke!)❤️ 2!
I need to fly more often.?and will!
By the grace of god, I took over 72,000 steps, while on vacation.
To know my story, is to know my glory.
Open your heart and it will happen!?

Dawn

The cruise ship pulls in and everybody just wants to rid themselves of all of their cash because, next stop Vancouver .. Ketchikan is your last glimpse of the people up there.
As interesting as the natural rugged Beauty - is the chats with the people that live there. Don't be shy, talk to the real people.

Stephen Lee

Beautiful port in Ketchikan.

Michelle Sadler

My husband was delighted to visit being a retired English fireman. The young lady was very informative and welcoming.