Cities and Towns in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
Founded in 1963, Ketchikan Gateway Borough is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of Ketchikan is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 130, Ketchikan Gateway Borough has a population of 13,754 and area of 4,857 square miles (12,580 km²).
List of all cities in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Edna Bay, AK | 99901 | 907 |
| 99950 | 907 | |
| Kasaan, AK | 99901 | 907 |
| 99950 | 907 | |
| Ketchikan, AK | 99901 | 907 |
| 99950 | 907 | |
| Naukati Bay, AK | 99901 | 907 |
| Ward Cove, AK | 99928 | 907 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
Ketchikan
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 5.9 square miles
- Population: 8,192 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99901, 99950
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 55.3422° N
- Longitude: 131.6461° W
Location and History
Ketchikan is the southernmost city in Alaska, located on Revillagigedo Island in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. The city was established in 1885 as a fishing and trading post and quickly grew due to its strategic location along the Inside Passage, a key maritime route for ships traveling between the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Ketchikan’s economy was historically based on fishing, particularly salmon canning, and timber, with numerous canneries and sawmills operating in the area during the early 20th century. Today, Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is a popular destination for tourists, especially those arriving by cruise ship. The city is also famous for its rich Native culture, particularly the totem poles of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ketchikan is served by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, with Ketchikan High School (known locally as Kayhi), Schoenbar Middle School, and several elementary schools providing education to local students. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Totem Heritage Center, which preserves and displays a large collection of 19th-century totem poles, and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, offering exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the region. Creek Street, a historic boardwalk lined with colorful houses and shops, was once the city’s red-light district and is now a popular tourist attraction. The Misty Fjords National Monument, located just outside Ketchikan, is a breathtaking wilderness area featuring deep fjords, towering cliffs, and pristine lakes, making it a major draw for visitors seeking outdoor adventure.
Saxman
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: 411 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99901
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 55.3164° N
- Longitude: 131.5950° W
Location and History
Saxman is a small city located just south of Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. The city was founded in 1894 by Tlingit people from the villages of Cape Fox and Tongass, who relocated to the area seeking better opportunities for education and employment. Saxman is renowned for its rich Native heritage, particularly its totem poles, which are some of the finest examples of Tlingit art and culture. The city’s totem poles and cultural practices have been carefully preserved and are showcased in the Saxman Totem Park, making Saxman a key cultural site in Alaska.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Saxman is part of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Ketchikan, including Ketchikan High School and Schoenbar Middle School. The most notable landmark in Saxman is the Saxman Totem Park, which features a collection of intricately carved totem poles, many of which are replicas of historic poles from the area. The park is also home to the Beaver Clan House, a traditional Tlingit community house where cultural events and ceremonies are held. The Saxman Tribal House and Carving Center provide visitors with insights into the Tlingit way of life and the art of totem pole carving, offering a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The annual Cape Fox Dance Festival is a significant cultural event in Saxman, celebrating Tlingit traditions through dance, music, and storytelling.
Loring
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 5 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99901
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 55.6022° N
- Longitude: 131.6319° W
Location and History
Loring is a small unincorporated community located on the western shore of Revillagigedo Island in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. The town was established in the late 19th century as a salmon cannery site, one of the first in Alaska, and became an important center for the fishing industry. At its peak, Loring was a bustling town with a population of several hundred people, but the decline of the canning industry in the early 20th century led to a significant reduction in its population. Today, Loring is largely abandoned, with only a few residents remaining, but it remains a place of historical significance due to its role in Alaska’s early commercial fishing history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As Loring is a very small and largely uninhabited community, there are no schools currently operating within the town. Students from the area typically attend schools in nearby Ketchikan. The town’s most notable landmark is the Loring Cannery, or what remains of it, which serves as a reminder of the community’s vibrant past as a key player in Alaska’s salmon canning industry. The area around Loring is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and exploring the surrounding wilderness. The nearby Naha River Trail, which leads to the remote Naha Bay, is a popular spot for hiking and wildlife viewing, offering a glimpse of the pristine landscapes that characterize this part of Alaska.
Map of Cities in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
