Waterfall · Ketchikan Gateway County, Alaska

Fish Ladder

Waterfall about 38 miles east of Metlakatla, AK.

Illustrated featured image for Fish Ladder in Ketchikan Gateway County, Alaska

About Fish Ladder

Fish Ladder is a named waterfall in Ketchikan Gateway County, Alaska, located about 38 miles east of Metlakatla. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Ketchikan B-2 SW 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 55°17′35″ N, 130°39′07″ W (55.29306, -130.65194). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Beaver Falls, 35 miles to the west.

Weather at Fish Ladder

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Fish Ladder

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in Anchorage time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Fish Ladder. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 55.29306, -130.65194. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Fish Ladder

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fish Ladder located?

Fish Ladder is in Ketchikan Gateway County, Alaska, about 38 miles east of Metlakatla. Its coordinates are 55.29306, -130.65194 (55°17′35″ N, 130°39′07″ W).

What town is closest to Fish Ladder?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Metlakatla, AK, about 38 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Fish Ladder?

The closest is Beaver Falls (35 mi west).

Which USGS topographic map shows Fish Ladder?

Fish Ladder appears on the USGS Ketchikan B-2 SW 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.