Ketchikan Wildlife Viewing
Settlers Cove State Recreation Site

photo of Settlers Cove State Recreation Site area wildlife The Lunch Falls Loop Trail at Settlers Cove State Park passes over Lunch Creek before circling through spruce-hemlock forest. Pink salmon spawn in Lunch Creek during August. The Lunch Creek Trail follows Lunch Creek for 3.5 miles, providing additional wildlife viewing opportunities. Look for black bears and Sitka black-tailed deer on either trail throughout the summer. Rocky beaches in the park overlook Clover Passage and Behm Canal. Scan the waters for marbled murrelets, harbor seals and Steller sea lions year-round, and rafts of hundreds of sea birds between October and March.

Species

  • Black Bear
  • Harbor Seal
  • Marbled Murrelet
  • Pink (Humpy) Salmon
  • Sitka black-tailed deer
  • Steller's Sea Lion

Hints

Stand on the bridge over Lunch Creek near the parking area for the best views of the pink salmon run.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Interpretive Signs
  • Picnic Facilities
  • Restrooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Notes

The Lunch Falls Loop Trail is wheelchair accessible to the bridge over Lunch Creek, then continues on a single-plank boardwalk system.

Plan to spend at least: 2 hours - full day +

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

Settlers Cove State Park is 18 miles north of Ketchikan at the end of the North Tongass Highway.

Contact

Alaska State Parks - (907) 247-8574 or http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/aspbro/charts/seketch.htm

Additional Information

Living with Bears