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This is 16' X 16' A-frame shelter that was reconstructed in 2008-09. The shelter offers great views of the surrounding mountains and alpine as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. FACILITIES: • 2 double bunks for 4 people • Sleeping loft for 4 people • Oil Stove (#1 Diesel fuel NOT provided) • Table and benches • Cooking Counter
Non-reservable; First Come, First Serve
Elevation: 2900
The cabin is above the timber line at 2900 feet elev. It is accessible by hiking 2.5 miles up the Deer Mountain National Recreation Trail from the trail head parking area, or approximately 4 miles from downtown Ketchikan. Refer To: USGS Ketchikan B5
We stopped in Ketchikan for a cruise and this was a great find. It's a bit of a walk uphill to get to the trailhead, but it's very peaceful and well laid out. The sound of the birds while hiking is great and the path is well maintained with steps built into the harder terrain areas. There are a few different options depending on how far you want to go, and these are all well laid out at the beginning of the hike.
I did this trail July 8th. Took me about 20minutes to walk to the trailhead from town. I was on a cruise ship, so had a bit of time limit and did it fast but at a comfortable pace for me. I got to the peak in about 1.5 hours, but the 2+ seems accurate based on what others did. I was recommended to go to Blue lake once on the trail, but did not have time. I did a bit of hiking towards blue lake, but encountered snow + did not have enough time to get there. Getting down was a bit faster (I jogged on flat parts).
Beautiful view, nicely maintained trails and I met friendly fellow hikers (Not crowded at all!).
Perfect. The best way to spend the day in Ketchikan. Over 10,000 passengers in town the day we arrived but only saw three other people on the trail. Lots of super entertaining ravens along the way, many waterfalls and huge, incredible trees.
Enjoyed a nice hike here on Memorial Day. Snow only at the top. Stopped at the overlook since it was pretty deep snow above. Really nice little waterfall near the start of the trail. Also lots of steps to improve handling the steeper areas. A good workout! Really worth it to take a cab from the cruise port as it’s a very uphill walk to get to the trailhead and there is plenty of vertical on the trails itself. But it’s an easy walk back down into town afterwards.
Was tough, harder than I expected. Hiking from sea level up to 900+ m would be fine, but last 250 m of height was in snow (June 7).
Trail was 1 to 2 meters below the snow so it did not help too much :-). In some areas it was so steep that I grabbed two sticks and using them and boots climbed like an icy slope with crampons. But slope just opened a vast space below with fiords, gently mountains and lakes. Top was partially without snow. Altogether there and back it took me 5 hours.
Result: I have to buy new shoes, I just damaged old ones.
But vistas were amazing. Judge yourself.
In July it will be a wonderful walk and you do not need to sacrify your shoes :-).
