ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼

Totem Historic District – Kasaan

Southeast Alaska


This is one of the great Haida cultural centers in Alaska. It's in Kasaan, one of only two Haida villages in the state, and, since 2002, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district benefited from an extensive renovation in 2016. Things to see include a forested trail meandering past numerous totem poles (both Haida and Tlingit), the Totem Trail Cafe and – the centerpiece – the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House.

The Whale House, with its exquisite house poles, dates from 1880 and was moved to its present site from Old Kasaan in 1904. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were the first to restore it in 1938, along with other totem poles brought from Old Kassan. The complex also contains a couple of native cemeteries, the more southerly of which guards the remains of Chief Son-i-Hat (1829–1912). Guided tours are available.

Kasaan is 66 miles south of Coffman Cove by road.


ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼'s must-see attractions

Nearby Southeast Alaska attractions

1. Dog Salmon Fish Pass

16.18 MILES

This is one of best places to see black bears on POW Island as salmon attempt to negotiate a couple of fish ladders during the summer spawning season …

2. Sandy Beach Picnic Area

18.24 MILES

An excellent place to see humpback whales, orcas and harbor seals in Clarence Strait or examine intriguing tidal pools at low tides. It's around 6 miles…

3. Totem Bight State Park

26.13 MILES

Ten miles north of downtown Ketchikan is this seaside park that contains 14 restored totem poles, a colorful community house and a viewing deck…

4. Potlatch Park

26.25 MILES

Potlatch Park is right next door to Totem Bight State Park. It's less manicured, but still home to a dozen totems, one of which is 42ft high. There are…

5. Klawock Totem Park

27.26 MILES

Of the three totem parks on POW, the Klawock Totem Park is by far the most impressive and obviously a great source of community pride. Situated on a hill…