Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Ketchikan, Alaska
3 natural swimming holes
Ketchikan punches above its weight as a swim town: 3 natural swimming holes in our directory sit in or near town. The standout listing is Settlers Cove State Recreation Site. The mix runs 1 lake, 1 spring, and 1 waterfall. They all fall in Ketchikan Gateway Borough.
Swimming holes in Ketchikan
- Settlers Cove State Recreation Site
Settlers Cove State Recreation Site at Mile 18 of the North Tongass Highway has two sandy beaches on Clover Passage where campers swim and paddle in the tidal waters.
- Shelokum Hot Springs (Bailey Bay)
Shelokum Hot Springs, reached via Bailey Bay, is a completely undeveloped wilderness hot spring in the Tongass National Forest about 90 miles north of Ketchikan.
- Ward Lake
Ward Lake in the Tongass National Forest is Ketchikan's local swim lake, where kids swim and wade in summer and someone usually rigs a rope swing.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Ketchikan, AK?
Our directory lists 3 natural swimming holes in and around Ketchikan, Alaska, across Ketchikan Gateway Borough. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Ketchikan?
The 3 listings cover 1 lake, 1 spring, 1 waterfall. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Ketchikan should I try first?
Settlers Cove State Recreation Site is a well-documented local listing. Settlers Cove State Recreation Site at Mile 18 of the North Tongass Highway has two sandy beaches on Clover Passage where campers swim and paddle in the tidal… Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
Do swimming holes near Ketchikan charge a fee?
Some do — state parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee. Each listing shows reported fee info where known.