Why Gravina Island Stands Out
Gravina Island sits directly across the Tongass Narrows from Ketchikan, offering visitors a compact slice of Southeast Alaska wilderness without the crowds of more distant destinations. Its 21-mile length holds dense Sitka spruce and western hemlock forests, rocky beaches, and quiet coves where black bears forage at low tide. The island’s proximity to the mainland makes it an easy day trip or overnight base for travelers who want forest hikes and marine views without flying farther into the backcountry.
Getting There
Most visitors reach Gravina by the short ferry crossing from downtown Ketchikan. The crossing takes roughly 10 minutes and runs frequently during daylight hours. Travelers arriving by air land at the Ketchikan International Airport, which occupies the northern end of the island; a quick shuttle or taxi then connects to the ferry terminal. Those already in Ketchikan simply walk or drive to the waterfront terminal. No bridge currently spans the narrows, so the ferry remains the only public link.
Things to Do
Hiking ranks as the top activity. The Perseverance Trail and the shorter Gravina Island Shoreline Trail provide easy access to old-growth forest and tide-pool viewing. Anglers can cast for salmon and halibut from several public beaches or join small-boat charters that depart from the island’s modest harbors. Wildlife viewing is excellent at dawn and dusk; black bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals are common. Photographers often set up along the western shore for unobstructed views of the Inside Passage and distant Misty Fjords. Kayakers launch from sheltered coves to explore the island’s indented coastline at their own pace.
Best Time to Visit
June through early September offers the mildest weather and longest daylight for hiking and wildlife spotting. July and August bring peak salmon runs, increasing chances of bear sightings. Spring and fall shoulder seasons deliver fewer visitors and dramatic weather changes, while winter travel is possible but limited by short days and frequent storms. Rain gear is essential year-round; Southeast Alaska receives over 150 inches of precipitation annually.
Nearby Attractions
After exploring Gravina, most travelers return to Ketchikan for its totem parks, salmon hatchery, and historic Creek Street. Day cruises into Misty Fjords National Monument depart from Ketchikan and offer a dramatic contrast to the island’s gentler terrain. The Tongass National Forest extends across both islands and the mainland, so the same trail networks and marine life continue beyond Gravina’s shores.
