Deer Mountain

Climbing Deer Mtn & Blueberry Mtn in Ketchikan, Alaska

Fun afternoon hike, took longer than expected due to not being able to walk past blueberry bushes without foraging - then couldn't help ourselves but bag a second peak, which we aptly named Blueberry Mountain. The Deer Mountain trail switchbacks steeply up the south and west faces of the mountain under a dense forest canopy offering very little view of Ketchikan and the inside passage below. Once the summit is made however, expect a wonderful panoramic view of SE Alaska and Ketchikan.

Trailhead:

On the south end of downtown Ketchikan turn NE off of Stedman Street (the main highway) onto Deermount Street. Follow Deermount to a T with Fair Street where you will turn right. Travel a block down Fair St to a stop sign then straight through and then up the hill on Ketchikan Lakes Road towards the city dump. At the top of the hill take a quick left onto gravel and you will see the trailhead for Deer Mountain.
Difficulty:

Easy but strenuous
Aesthetic Rating:

Nice forest views until the summit - then glorious expansive views.
Distance:

7 miles round trip with about 2500 feet of elevation gain. Add an addtional mile to the round trip if including Blueberry Hill.
Type:

Dayhike