Ketchikan in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
This is the beginning of a salmon’s final run
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
1. This is the beginning of a salmon’s final run Marker
For the past 15,000 years – as the area’s glaciers have melted – untold numbers of salmon have made their way up Ketchikan Creek each summer, driven by deep biological forces to spawn in the grounds from which they came.
Salmon you see here in late summer have moved from open ocean back to the creek, and have acclimated once more to fresh water. The eddies and pools before you are significant, for here salmon rest, oxygenate, and find relief from the overwhelming weight of the current. Magnificent changes happen throughout the journey: sharp teeth grow, muscle turns from red to white to allow for bursts of speed and jumping, energy is directed to the reproductive organs, and backs erupt with spots and humps. Depending on the species , a single female can produce up to 5,000 eggs. Just beyond the pools are rapids, perhaps the most challenging part of the voyage, where salmon fling their bodies against the water’s indescribable force, relentlessly pursuing the perpetuation of their species.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 55° 20.564′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in Tlingit and Haida & Tsimshian Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, in the Inside Passage, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ketchikan has a strong history of community service (here, next to this marker); The Creek is the heart of the town (here, next to this marker); Raven Stealing the Sun Kootéeyaa (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Johnson Totem Pole (within shouting distance of this marker); Yak'éi Haat Yeey.aadí. (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
2. This is the beginning of a salmon’s final run Marker
More about this marker. A photograph on the left depicts salmon swimming up Ketchikan Creek.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
3. This is the beginning of a salmon’s final run Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
4. Ketchikan Creek
The Creek seen from the marker is the route salmon swim every season on their way to the spawning grounds.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 11, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
