Overview
Perseverance Lake Trail offers a different kind of Tongass experience than the urban-edge hikes accessible from downtown Ketchikan. The trail begins at the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 6 miles north of the city on Revilla Road, and climbs 800 feet in 1.3 miles through old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest to a clear mountain lake with views of the surrounding ridgeline. It is a moderate trail by mainland standards, though the wet trail surface and rooted terrain make good footwear important.
The Tongass National Forest Ward Lake area is a well-maintained recreation site with the feel of a traditional forest service facility: picnic shelters, fishing access on Ward Lake, a paved loop trail around the lake for casual visitors, and the Perseverance Lake Trail branching off for those wanting a more serious forest walk. The contrast between Ward Lake's developed amenity and Perseverance Lake's quieter, wilder character a half mile up the trail is significant.
In September and October, pink and coho salmon enter Perseverance Creek and eventually the lake, drawing brown bears and bald eagles into visible proximity to the trail. Fall salmon season here is quieter and less managed than Anan Wildlife Observatory near Wrangell, but visitors who time their hike well during the run may encounter bears fishing the creek on the approach. Checking conditions before you go is useful for timing the salmon run and verifying current bear activity in the area.
The Route
Miles 0 to 0.3: Ward Lake area. The Perseverance Lake Trail departs from the Ward Lake parking area and immediately enters old-growth forest, separating from the Ward Lake loop trail. The initial section passes through stands of large Sitka spruce with a well-developed understory. The trail surface is packed gravel transitioning to dirt and roots.
Miles 0.3 to 0.8: Lower forest climb. The trail begins ascending steadily through old-growth forest. Perseverance Creek runs below and to the right, audible throughout this section. In salmon season, the creek pools here attract bears. Make noise consistently when moving through this section. The grade is moderate, with switchbacks where the slope steepens.
Miles 0.8 to 1.1: Upper approach and lake basin. The trail continues climbing through thinning forest to the lake's outlet stream, then follows the shore to the main lake. The ridgeline becomes visible above the far shore. On calm days, the surrounding mountains reflect in the lake's surface. This is the standard turnaround point at mile 1.3 (2.6 miles round trip).
When to Visit
May through July offers lush forest conditions with the creek running high and the vegetation at its greenest. The trail is quieter than the midsummer peak, and the lake is accessible without seasonal bear viewing crowds.
August and September bring the salmon run, which peaks for pink salmon in August and coho through September. Bear activity increases near the creek. The lake and surrounding ridgeline show early fall color by mid-September.
October can still be good, though weather becomes more unsettled and the trail is muddier. The salmon run is winding down but bears may still be active near the creek as they build fat reserves before denning.
What to Bring
Rain gear is appropriate on all Ketchikan-area hikes year-round. Waterproof boots are strongly useful here, as the lower trail sections and creek crossings can be wet and muddy even after dry periods. Waterproof footwear is less optional than on drier mainland trails.
Bear spray is recommended for any trail in the Tongass, and particularly here during salmon season when bears concentrate near the creek. Make noise consistently on the approach to the lake, especially at stream crossings and around blind corners in dense vegetation. Review the Leave No Trace principles for food handling practices in active bear habitat.
The lake water should be filtered or treated before drinking. Many hikers carry 1 liter of water for this moderate-length trail; individual needs vary.
Practical Details
Parking: Free gravel parking lot at Ward Lake Recreation Area. The lot is larger than most Tongass trailheads and rarely fills, even on summer weekends.
Restrooms: Vault toilet facilities are available at the Ward Lake Recreation Area parking area. No restrooms on the Perseverance Lake Trail itself.
Cell service: None in this area. Revilla Road loses service north of Ketchikan. Download offline maps before departing.
Ward Lake loop: The 1.3-mile paved loop around Ward Lake is an easy alternative for family members or visitors who do not want the Perseverance Lake climb. It is flat, well-maintained, and provides access to Ward Lake's fishing and picnic facilities.
Combined visit: Many visitors spend a half day at Ward Lake Recreation Area, combining the Perseverance Lake Trail hike with the Ward Lake loop and a picnic at the shelter. The drive from Ketchikan and back, plus both trails and a lunch stop, makes for a comfortable full morning or afternoon outing.
Getting There
From downtown Ketchikan, head north on North Tongass Highway, then follow signs for Ward Lake Recreation Area on Revilla Road. The recreation area is approximately 6 miles from downtown. Total drive time is about 15 minutes. There is no public bus service to this area. Taxi, ride-share, and rental car are the practical options from downtown or the ferry terminal.
From the Ketchikan Airport on Gravina Island, take the airport ferry to the Ketchikan side and drive or take a taxi north on Tongass Highway to Revilla Road.
For visitors planning a full Ketchikan hiking day, the Deer Mountain Trail in the city provides a strenuous summit option, and the Rainbird Trail near Ketchikan High School is a shorter urban-edge alternative. For those new to Alaska national forests, our national forest vs. national park guide explains the key management differences. Bear canister requirements cover food storage regulations for overnight trips in the broader Tongass backcountry.