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Hotels · Alaska, Alaska

Cape Fox Lodge

  • Price$$
  • CategoryMid Range
  • Rating★ 4.4

Cape Fox Lodge is perched 130 feet above the historic Creek Street district of Ketchikan, Alaska, accessible from downtown via a funicular tram that descends the hillside to the city center.

Cape Fox Lodge

Cape Fox Lodge is perched 130 feet above the historic Creek Street district of Ketchikan, Alaska, accessible from downtown via a funicular tram that descends the hillside to the city center. Located at 800 Venetia Way, the lodge is operated by Cape Fox Corporation, a federally recognized Alaska Native Tlingit corporation serving the Saxman tribal community, and its design draws deeply on Tlingit cultural traditions — totem poles, clan crests, and original artwork by regional indigenous artists are integral to the property's aesthetic throughout.

The lodge occupies a commanding viewpoint above Tongass Narrows, the protected waterway separating Ketchikan from Gravina Island, and many rooms and the outdoor deck areas offer panoramic sightlines across the narrows to the forest-covered slopes beyond. Room types include Standard Rooms, King Rooms, and Suites, all appointed with Northwest Coast Native art details, warm wood tones, and furnishings that complement the forested hillside setting.

The Heen Kahidi Restaurant, located within the lodge, specializes in Alaskan seafood — fresh halibut, Dungeness crab, and wild salmon prepared with regional ingredients — in a dining room adorned with Tlingit art. The adjoining lounge provides cocktails and lighter fare and serves as a social space for guests and cruise ship visitors who ascend by tram for the views and dining experience.

The funicular tram connecting the lodge to Creek Street below operates daily and is a defining element of the Cape Fox Lodge experience. Creek Street, a historic district built on wooden boardwalks over Ketchikan Creek, now houses boutiques, galleries, and the Dolly's House Museum. From Creek Street, the downtown cruise ship docks are a short walk along the waterfront.

Ketchikan is renowned as the Salmon Capital of the World and the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument. The hotel's tour desk can arrange fishing charters targeting king salmon and halibut, flightseeing tours over Misty Fjords, sea kayaking in the surrounding channels, and cultural tours of nearby Saxman Native Village, which holds one of the largest standing collections of Tlingit totem poles in existence.

Room types

  • Standard Room
  • King Room
  • Suite

Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Panoramic views
  • Totem pole art
  • Tram
  • Wi-Fi

Location

800 Venetia Way, Ketchikan, AK 99901

55.3435, -131.6508 View on map

Highlights

  • Hillside Tlingit-owned lodge above Ketchikan with panoramic Tongass Narrows views
  • Funicular tram connecting the lodge to the historic Creek Street boardwalk district below
  • Extensive Tlingit and Northwest Coast Native art collection throughout the property
  • Heen Kahidi Restaurant serving fresh halibut, Dungeness crab, and wild salmon
  • Tour desk arranging Misty Fjords flightseeing, salmon fishing charters, and Saxman Village cultural tours

Tips for visiting

  • Ride the funicular tram to and from Creek Street — it operates regularly and the hilltop view is excellent.
  • Book fishing charters early in the season; summer slots for king salmon fill well in advance.
  • Visit Saxman Native Village, about 2 miles south of Ketchikan, for a guided totem pole cultural tour.
  • The outdoor deck off the lodge's main level is the best vantage point for watching cruise ships navigate Tongass Narrows.
  • Ketchikan averages over 150 inches of rainfall annually — pack waterproof gear regardless of the season.

Accessibility

Cape Fox Lodge is accessible via funicular tram and elevator within the property. Accessible guest rooms with grab bars and widened doorways are available. The tram generally accommodates wheelchair users, though guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the lodge before arrival to confirm access details.

Frequently asked questions

How do guests get from downtown Ketchikan to Cape Fox Lodge?

The lodge is connected to downtown Ketchikan via a funicular tram that runs from Creek Street up the hillside to the lodge. Taxis and rideshares are also available. The tram is a signature part of the Cape Fox Lodge experience and runs on a regular schedule.

Is Cape Fox Lodge affiliated with an Alaska Native corporation?

Yes, Cape Fox Lodge is owned and operated by Cape Fox Corporation, a federally recognized Alaska Native corporation representing the Tlingit people of Saxman Village near Ketchikan. The lodge's artwork, cultural programming, and design reflect this heritage.

What fishing opportunities are available from Cape Fox Lodge?

Ketchikan is one of Alaska's premier sportfishing destinations. The lodge's tour desk can arrange fishing charters targeting king salmon, coho salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Guided trips depart from Ketchikan's harbor, minutes from the lodge via the tram.

Is Cape Fox Lodge open year-round?

Cape Fox Lodge primarily serves the summer cruise ship season from approximately May through September, when Ketchikan's visitor traffic is highest. Off-season availability and services are reduced; guests visiting outside summer should confirm current operating hours before booking.

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Cape Fox Lodge

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