Ketchikan Landausflug: Silverking Lodge Adventure & Seefest

A short drive from Ketchikan to Clover Pass Resort, which is one of the oldest resort in Alaska, to catch a boat to sail through narrow channels passing small island 30 minutes later arrive at Grant Island in a sound high in the Haida Gwaii main channel. Landing at the pier and a short walk takes one up to the Frank Hendershot Memorial Trail passing the Silverking Lodge. An elevated boardwalk trail lets you to walk into the normally difficult-to-access rainforest. A great variety of flora is visible and helpfully there are panels explaining the item such as Old Man's Beard and nursery trees. At the end of the trail, a majestic largest known red cedar stands in the Tongass National Forest. This large evergreen tree has upturned 'J' shaped branches and the bark is used by indigenous people to weave baskets which are traditionally used for carrying water and storing food. More than 55 inches of rain along the Southeast Coast of Alaska and British columbia makes Tongass Forest the largest temperate rain forest in the world. The ground is covered in vegetation and 'Muskeg'. Muskeg consists of dead plants in various stages of decomposition. It acts as a sponge continually absorbing and releasing water in to streams and rivers. Although not a wildlife reserve, small wild life is abundant and sightings are possible on any given day. Rooms are rustic in style with two twin beds and plenty of hot water for showers. The living area includes a fireplace, games, and satellite TV. Anglers love to come for the King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Chum Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon, Halibut, and Rock Fish. The seafood boil lunch which consists of fresh Dungeness Crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, sausage, corn on the cob, garlic, pearl onions, and potatoes as well as perfect lemonades and 'cookies'. Anyone with allergies will be offered an alternative meal on request. On the way back to Clover Pass Resort seals are seen lounging on shores of Joe Island and Bald eagles swoop down from high trees to catch fish off Hump Island. US Naval Surface Warfare Centre based on Back Island is a submarine identifying training establishment.

With 4 cruise ships in port of Ketchikan, we decided to take an adventure away from town. Silverking lodge is situated on an island making it a 'personal' experience. (ok, there were 40 of us, but not a crowd). The boat ride included numerous eagle siting, and sea lion. The rainforest walk was very interesting. I would not have figured the dense growth of the area would be attributed to a rain forest environment. The crab feast was plentiful, and delicious. But more importantly, the hosts were warm, friendly and very helpful.

This tour was incredible. We saw several orca and two humpback whales. Jameson, our fantastic tour guide got a bald eagle to fly down to the water right by our boat. We saw harbor seal and deer. We walked though the lush forest. Saw the 4th largest spruce in the world. Then we feasted on fresh seafood. I loved this tour. Jameson and Captain Trevin made it a day to remember.