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Ketchikan Black Bear Express Tour

4.7
34 reviews

Excursion Overview

Ketchikan’s Tongass Rainforest Adventure in Search of Black Bears

Amongst the lumbering trees of the Tongass National Forest lies an Alaskan Rainforest Sanctuary. Depart downtown Ketchikan on your quest for bear viewing as the sanctuary is a local hot spot for wildlife. Navigate the forest trails and boardwalk system for an eagle's eye view of your surroundings.

Coming to Alaska in search of bear sightings, this excursion is just that. The Black Bear Express is focused on bears and bears only. Depart downtown Ketchikan for a roundtrip scenic drive to the Alaska Rainforest trailhead.

Enjoy your stroll in the Alaskan wilderness in search of one of Alaska's most magnificent creatures. Bask in the sights and smells of the towering Tongass National Rainforest on this two hour roundtrip adventure.

Please note that this tour only operates late July through September.
Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from downtown Ketchikan
  • Rain ponchos (if needed)

Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 8 years old
  • Minimum of 4 participants is required to operate
  • 1/2 mile walk over relatively flat terrain. The focus of the tour will be on viewing black bears in their natural habitat. (Difficulty Level: Easy)
  • Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing and waterproof jackets are recommended
  • Groups may be required to stand for periods of time. To ensure the safety of both guests and wildlife, it is essential to follow the guide’s instructions closely. Guests are expected to remain quiet and respectful of wildlife. Inappropriate behavior may result in removal from the tour.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours (roundtrip from downtown Ketchikan)

  • 20 minutes - narrated scenic tour to Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 5 minutes - safety briefing and restroom break
  • 1.25 hours - guided rainforest trail walk
  • 20 minutes - transfer to the cruise ship pier

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in downtown Ketchikan. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility and wheelchair accessible. Guests should have a traveling companion to assist with pushing the wheelchair during the tour. If this is not an option, let us know to make other arrangements. Please leave a comment during checkout to confirm adequate space in transportation if a wheelchair will be brought on tour.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: Yes
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum capacity for this tour is 30 passengers. Guests are transferred in a 32-passenger bus or two transit vans.

You will have a guide who is knowledgeable about the wildlife that inhabits the rainforest, and it is extremely likely that you will see bears but not guaranteed. You may also see whales, salmon streams, and bald eagles on your way to the bear viewing falls.

The minimum age is 8 years and above. Groups may be required to stand for periods of time. To ensure the safety of both guests and wildlife, it is essential to follow the guide’s instructions closely. Guests are expected to remain quiet and respectful of wildlife. Inappropriate behavior may result in removal from the tour.

We recommend wearing clothes that can be layered. A lightweight shirt, sweater, and jacket will allow you to adapt to varying temperatures. Comfortable waterproof hiking shoes or sneakers are also recommended. Also, pack a hat and sunglasses. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

Guests docking at Ward Cove will need to take the complimentary shuttle into downtown Ketchikan. From there, it’s a short walk to the Ketchikan Visitor Center at Berth 2.

Return transportation to Ward Cove is available upon request at the end of your tour.

 

Guest Reviews

4.7

34 total

76%
21%
3%
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Susan B

On Aug 2026

Well organised. Saw several black bears catching salmon. Safety of visitors taken seriously by the guides.

Allyson M

On Aug 2026

WE CAME. WE SAW BEAR. WE LOVED IT! Great tour & great guides.

Allyson W

On Aug 2026

While we didn t see any bears while we were there, the guides were full of knowledge about the rainforest and the bears and it was a beautiful setting.

Robert P

On Aug 2026

This tour gives you an amazing chance to see black bears up close and personal in their own environment-- not in cages. Groups of around a dozen people go out onto an elevated boardwalk with two experienced tour guides. The boardwalk goes out by a salmon hatchery which affords visitors an excellent chance to see a bear. Unfortunately, we didn't catch any bears this time around, so understand that seeing a bear is not guaranteed. However, when we took this same tour last year, we saw at least a dozen bears, both adults and young cubs. I'm told that "strikeout" days are the exception rather than the rule, so I will not hesitate to book this same tour when we come back to Alaska next year.

Karen R

On Sep 2025

Was thrilled to see a bear in the first couple minutes and then a few more as we walked on. Got some great photos and videos. Our guides were extremely friendly and fun, we even saw a few seals.

$200.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$200.00

Duration: 2 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2 hours



Adult (8+): $200.00

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