Bullhead Cove to Ketchikan: Fuel, Fajitas & a Fiery Berth

After a flat calm night at Bullhead Cove, our 3.5-hour run to Ketchikan started off easy—fair currents and a smooth ride. That changed the moment we entered Tongass Narrows. The wind kicked up out of the northwest at 20–30 knots, pushing a short, steep chop right on our nose. Sloppy, whitecapped, and uncomfortable.

A rare blue sky day

First stop: the Petro Marine South fuel dock, just past the Coast Guard station. Luck was on our side—no one on the dock, despite the breeze. The dockhand was spot-on with the lines, and we took on 562 gallons while OceanFlyer bucked and rolled in the wind.

when all you can see is cruiseships, you know you’re in ketchikan

Getting into our assigned slip at Bar Harbor South was a whole new sport. Strong crosswinds and current tried to peel us off the dock, and a nearby fish boat had tied their skiff sideways across the head of our slip, leaving us precious little room to maneuver. Now we know why the harbormaster insisted on “bow in.” A heads-up about the skiff would’ve been appreciated.

a throuple in your slip makes for a challanging docking in the wind

The silver lining? Shore power and fresh water right at the slip—hard to come by when hot-berthing in busy Ketchikan.

With our rental car starting tomorrow, we hoofed it to the Oceanview Restaurant—one of the few places open on a Monday. It’s a quirky Mexican/Italian combo, and while past visits were forgettable, tonight’s meal was anything but. The chicken and beef fajitas were sizzling perfection, and Karen’s Shrimp Molcajete won serious points. We’d go back—but stick to the fajitas and Molcajete side of the menu.

Back at the dock, the commercial fleet was bustling—gearing up for the shrimp opener on May 15.