A walk (or two or three) around Ward Lake is an absolute must every time I go home to Alaska. No matter the time of year, there is something calming and restorative about the lake. The weather is always a little better there, and tranquility hits you instantly when you pull into the parking lot.
Childhood memories come flooding back and I’m quickly reminded of days of catching frogs, rainy birthday parties in and out of the shelters, and wading in the water leery of leeches. The best memories are of the rare times that the lake would freeze over and be safe enough to ice skate on. With the relatively mild winters in Ketchikan, it was not something that happened every year, but when it did, it sure was exciting.
A walk around the lake is a much more reliable activity and can be done in almost any weather. Although, do beware of flooding on parts of the trail when there has been extreme rainfall. There is usually an easy way around, so turning back isn’t necessary. The walk itself is easy, mostly flat, mostly gravel and the trail is accessible for durable strollers and wheelchairs. It is mostly along the shoreline and traces the circumference of the lake for a 1-mile loop.
We always debate which way to start the walk around the lake, but most of the time we start on the right. There is often a rope swing that someone has set up, and we like that to be toward the end of the walk.
Ward Lake really is the perfect walk for kids. It’s short and easy with plenty of areas to safely venture off trail to explore. Older kids may want to run the trail, even multiple times, or start on the opposite side as the rest of the family and “race” to a middle point. There is also something about a trail with bridges that tends to appeal to kiddos.
The Tongass National Forest is almost always very wet, and there is no shortage of water flowing to and from the lake. Each bridge is unique and really adds to the entertainment value of the walk and provides different perspectives and views of the lake.
Aside from birds, and seasonal spawning salmon, we do not typically see a ton of wildlife at the lake. There are often sightings of black bear on the trail however, so if you are unfamiliar with bear country, be sure you know how to handle an encounter.
It is not uncommon to see kids swimming or wading in the lake in summer. There are leeches, so it may be safer to opt for a kayak or paddle board instead. Fly fishing is also popular along the creeks feeding into and out of the lake.
Ward Lake is beautiful even on a super socked in day, but sometimes it’s just too wet for a walk. You can always grab a shelter, build a fire and wait it out. If walking just isn’t in the cards, you can even roast some hotdogs and s’mores and watch the rain fall.
All Cedars and Sunsets adventure posts are meant for inspiration only. Always consult a proper map, tell someone where you are going, and check up on current weather and trail conditions. Be aware of potential dangers or wildlife threats and always pack extra water.
Be safe, have fun and keep adventuring!
XOXO – Jennie B.