Settler's Cove

Settlers Cove State Recreation Site protects a scenic beach and forest area at the north end of the Ketchikan road system. The 52-acre site offers camping, hiking, and beach access in the temperate rainforest environment of Southeast Alaska. The recreation site serves as a popular destination for Ketchikan residents seeking accessible outdoor recreation.

The marine environment supports sea otters, harbor seals, and occasionally whales visible from shore. Black bears inhabit the surrounding forest and may be encountered on trails. Bald eagles are abundant, nesting in tall trees and fishing in the cove. Seabirds and shorebirds utilize the beach and intertidal areas.

Lush temperate rainforest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock covers the site, with red and yellow cedar in protected areas. The understory is dense with devil's club, salmonberry, ferns, and moss-covered everything in the wet maritime climate. The beach zone supports salt-tolerant plants and colorful marine algae.

The coastline exposes ancient oceanic rocks accreted to North America through plate tectonics. These metamorphosed sediments and volcanic rocks have been folded and faulted by ongoing tectonic activity. The fjord-indented coast reflects extensive glacial carving during the ice ages.

Ketchikan experiences one of Alaska's wettest climates, with over 150 inches of annual precipitation. Temperatures remain mild year-round, rarely exceeding 65°F in summer or dropping below 25°F in winter. Rain and clouds dominate the weather, though clear days reveal spectacular scenery.

Tlingit peoples have inhabited the Ketchikan region for thousands of years, with the rich marine resources supporting large permanent villages. Ketchikan developed as a fishing and logging town in the late 1800s. The road system remains limited, with this site at the northern end of drivable roads.

Settlers Cove State Recreation Site was developed to provide public beach and camping access at the north end of the Ketchikan road system. The site offers Ketchikan residents an accessible escape to natural shorelines without requiring boat travel. Its popularity demonstrates the value of protected coastal access in road-limited Southeast Alaska.

Beach exploration and tide pool viewing are primary attractions, with the rocky shore revealing marine life at low tide. A trail loops through the rainforest, offering immersion in the moss-draped old-growth environment. The campground provides overnight facilities in a spectacular coastal setting. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bears, eagles, and marine mammals.

The recreation site offers 14 campsites, a day-use area with pavilion, vault toilets, and beach access. Located 18 miles north of downtown Ketchikan at the end of the North Tongass Highway, it is accessible by paved road. Ketchikan is served by the Alaska Marine Highway and daily jet service.

The site preserves a section of accessible coastline while minimizing impacts to the rainforest and beach environments. Old-growth forest management protects the exceptional trees that frame the site. Leave-no-trace practices help preserve the site's natural values for future visitors.