Our Story

A Ketchikan Story, Told by the Family Who Lived It.

What began with one apartment for visiting fishermen has grown into a family of vacation homes on Knudson Cove—built, furnished, and cared for by Wanda.

We look forward to welcoming you to the place we’ve proudly called home for many years.

— Wanda Vandergriff

How We Got Here

A Family Story That Began in 1975

Hi, I’m Wanda. Alaska has been my home since 1975, when my late husband Darrell and I packed up and drove north from California. We landed in Ketchikan after a few years on Annette Island, and this place has had my heart ever since.

Almost Home got its start in 1986, when I turned an apartment into a place for visiting fishermen to stay. That grew into Totem Bight Inn, which my son and his wife now run. A few years later, Darrell and I built Knudson Cove Retreat and Knudson Cove Lodge on our property overlooking the marina — and some of the same groups have been coming back for over 30 years.

I fill every property with the little things that make a house feel like home. And I still wake up every morning to the same water and mountains that made us fall in love with this place.

What Sets Us Apart

Family-Owned Homes

Every home is one of ours — Knudson Cove Retreat and Knudson Cove Lodge — built and furnished by our own family, not managed on someone else's behalf.

Fully Equipped & Comfortable

Well-stocked kitchens, gas barbecue grills, and HE washers and dryers — everything you need to feel at home after a day out.

Local & Responsive

We live right here in Ketchikan. Questions about fishing spots, tides, or where to eat get answered by someone who actually knows.

Waterfront Views

Our properties overlook Knudson Cove, with water and mountain views right outside your window.

Clean and Comfortable

We check every detail before you arrive — clean linens, stocked kitchens, and a home that's ready the moment you walk in.

Ready to Book Your Alaska Adventure?

Whether it’s just the two of you or a group of 10 or more, we have a home that fits — take a look and find yours.

Explore Ketchikan

Wildlife, Fishing & Fjords — All Nearby

World-Class Fishing

Cast into pristine waters and reel in unforgettable memories.

Whale Watching

Witness magnificent  whales in their natural Alaskan habitat.

Bald Eagles

Spot Alaska’s iconic bald eagles soaring above the coastline.

Kayaking

Paddle through serence waters surrounded by breathtaking views.

Hiking

Discover Scenic trails and untouched landscapes at your own pace.

Misty Fjords

Explore the dramatic beauty of Alaska’s mistry fjords.

Boat Tours

Cruise the coastine and experience Alaska’s from a whole new perspective 

Northern Wilderness

Capture the raw, natural beauty of Alaska’s wild landscapes.

Inside Our Homes

A Kitchen to Cook Your Catch.
A Deck to Watch the Sunset.

You walk in tired from a day on the water, and everything you need is already there. The kitchen is stocked, the grill is ready, and there’s a spot on the deck with a view of the cove for whenever you want to sit down and just breathe.

We furnished these homes the way we’d want to find them ourselves — comfortable, well-kept, and ready for whatever your day looked like.

Whether it’s a week of fishing or a few days of slowing down, our homes are built to feel like Almost Home from the moment you walk in.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

Let’s Find Your Home.

Answer a couple quick questions and
we’ll point you to the property that fits.

STEP 1 OF 3

Q1: Who's coming?

1–2 guests

3–7 guests

8–9 guests

10–14 guests

14+ guests

Q2: What's the trip about?

Fishing

Relaxing / slowing down

A bit of both

Q3: How many nights?

A few nights

A week or more

Knudson Cove Retreat (1 Bedroom)

Knudson Cove Retreat’s 1-bedroom is your match – a comfortable, quiet stay on the water, with room for up to 7.

Knudson Cove Retreat (3 Bedroom)

You’ll want the 3-bedroom at Knudson Cove Retreat — plenty of space for the group, with the same water views.

Knudson Cove Lodge

Knudson Cove Lodge is built for groups of all sizes, right on the cove.

Contact Us

Knudson Cove Lodge is built for groups of all sizes, right on the cove.