Guard Island Lighthouse

The Guard Island Lighthouse is both historically significant and one of the most accessible lighthouses in the state of Alaska. It’s a popular excursion for cruisers and other travelers passing through Ketchikan. While the island itself is closed to visitors, stellar views of the historic structure are available from the decks of the Alaska State Ferry, cruise ships, or even the road on the mainland. Many whale and wildlife viewing boat tours spend some time in the waters just offshore in search of marine mammals.

• Don’t forget your camera as the lighthouse is one of the region’s most scenic photo ops.
• Dress in warm layers for boat tours to the Guard Islands because temperatures are often chillier on the water.
• Many wildlife cruises that pass the lighthouse are accessible to wheelchairs, but it’s always best to check in advance.

The Guard Island Lighthouse is 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Ketchikan along the N. Tongass Highway, near the entrance to the Tongass Narrows. You can see it from the road aboard the Silver Line bus but the best views are from boat tours.

Since spotting the lighthouse often means spending time outdoors, it’s best to visit in April or May, when rain tends to be more scarce. Tours are generally available throughout the year, but be sure to book ahead if you’re visiting in the summer high season (June to August).

The Ketchikan region was one of the most productive areas during Alaska’s gold rush days and remnants of this history still exist. Get an overview of the region’s gold rush history at the Tongass Historical Museum, which includes a collection of historic mining photographs. The Poker Creek Gold shop on Creek Street features a working model of a sluice box and a collection of historic mining artifacts.

Guard Island—technically a pair of small, rocky islets—is located near the entrance to the Tongass Narrows in the Clarence Strait in southeastern Alaska. It’s 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Ketchikan, along the North Tongass Highway. The Guard Island Lighthouse sits atop the northern and larger of the two islands.

Yes. The Guard Island Lighthouse is a highlight of many boat tours from Ketchikan. The landmark was established in 1904 and still guides mariners through the Tongass Narrows today. Here, you might be able to spot seabirds, seals, sea lions, and humpback and orca whales, depending on the season.

The best time of year to visit the Guard Island Lighthouse is in April or May, when there’s less chance of rain. The summer high season (June–August) is the busiest time, so book tours in advance. In May and September, you’ll have the chance to spot humpback and orca whales.

No. The grounds of the Guard Island Lighthouse are permanently closed to shore excursions, but the site is still accessible and viewable by driving north through downtown Ketchikan, riding the Alaska State Ferry, or taking a guided boat tour. It’s considered one of the most accessible lighthouses in Alaska.

Although you technically can’t tour the lighthouse grounds, boat tours that depart from Ketchikan and include the Guard Island Lighthouse on the itinerary typically run about three hours. Longer multi-day excursions are available. The lighthouse currently is in the hands of the US Coast Guard.

Yes, make reservations to see the Guard Island Lighthouse via boat tour from Ketchikan—especially if you’re visiting in the busy summer season. From land, you can spot the lighthouse while driving north through downtown Ketchikan, or while taking the Alaska State Ferry, which runs daily and doesn't require advanced reservations.