Ketchikan’s Infamous Creek Street

Creek Street is a historic boardwalk in Ketchikan, Alaska that was once the city’s red-light district. The street is famous being built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek, and many of the original buildings have been restored and converted into shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Dolly’s famous brothel pictured above in green

Creek Street has a colorful history that dates back to the early 1900s. At that time, prostitution was legal in Alaska, and Creek Street was home to more than 30 brothels. The street was a popular destination for fishermen and loggers who came to Ketchikan for work and entertainment. During the heyday one Dolly Arthur was the most popular madam and her establishment is still there and restored (pictured above). There were many other women of negotiable affection on Ketchikan’s infamous Creek Street. Spouses looking for a quick exit to avoid being caught at one of the brothels would quickly climb the stairs up the hill. The boardwalk and stairs soon became known as Married Man’s Trail and while famous as an escape route protecting many reputations it is also still a beautiful walk.

During Prohibition in the 1920s, Creek Street became a hub for bootleggers who smuggled alcohol from Canada into Alaska. The street was also a popular spot for gambling, and several of the buildings even housed illegal casinos.

In the 1950s, Ketchikan began to crack down on vice, and the brothels on Creek Street were all closed. The street fell into disrepair until the 1960s, when it was restored and transformed into an attractive Ketchikan neighborhood.

Today, Creek Street is a popular destination for visitors to Ketchikan who come to see its historic buildings, climb the hillside up Married Man Trail to the scenic views of Ketchikan Creek and to visit the unique shops and restaurants.

The Married Man’s Trail is still there and has been restored heading upward from Creek Street, winding through the trees it provides scenic views of the creek, town and harbor below. At the top of the Married Man’s Trail is Cape Fox Lodge. There you can take in panoramic views of the Tongass Narrows waterway, Deer Mountain, and the Thomas Basin Marina through the large glass windows in the rustic lobby.

Please Note: If your plans are to spend some time in Ketchikan the Cape Fox Lodge is unquestionably the most recognized name in this towns hospitality business. It’s perched on a hill overlooking Creek St. offering modern comforts like king size beds, big tubs, and free wi-fi along with a restaurant with a good reputation. In recent years its reviews have become somewhat mixed so if you’re interested we recommend that you check out recent reviews before booking.