Deer Mountain (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deer Mountain |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,001 ft (915 m) |
| Geography | |
 Deer Mountain
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska, US |
| Parent range | Coast Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Ketchikan B-5 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Deer Mountain National Recreation Trail |
Deer Mountain is a mountain peak in Alaska that stands tall behind the city of Ketchikan. It's about 3,000 feet (914 meters) high. This mountain is part of the huge Tongass National Forest, which is the largest national forest in the United States.
Deer Mountain is famous for its challenging but rewarding hiking trail. This trail, called the Deer Mountain National Recreation Trail, takes you all the way to the top. It's a great way to see different types of nature found in Alaska.
Exploring Deer Mountain
Deer Mountain is located in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. This area is in the southeastern part of Alaska. The mountain is a key landmark for anyone visiting or living in Ketchikan. You can easily spot it from downtown.
The Hiking Trail
The Deer Mountain National Recreation Trail is a popular path for hikers. It starts right in Ketchikan and climbs steeply to the summit. The trail is about 2.75 miles (4.4 kilometers) long. Along the way, you gain about 2,600 feet (792 meters) in elevation. This means it's a tough climb, but the views are amazing!
What You'll See on the Trail
As you hike up Deer Mountain, you'll pass through several different natural areas:
- Temperate Rainforests: At the lower parts of the mountain, you'll walk through dense forests. These forests get a lot of rain and are full of tall trees and lush plants.
- Muskeg: Higher up, you'll find muskeg areas. These are like spongy wetlands with mosses and small shrubs. They can be a bit wet underfoot!
- Alpine Meadows: Near the top, the trees become smaller or disappear completely. You'll enter alpine meadows with low-growing plants and wildflowers. This is where you start to get incredible open views.
Reaching the Summit
Once you reach the summit of Deer Mountain, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views. You can see the city of Ketchikan below, the surrounding islands, and the vast ocean. On a clear day, you might even see far-off mountains. It's a perfect spot to take photos and enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.
