Get ready for a stunning 5.5-mile roundtrip hike! This small group tour of 7 guests or less provides the perfect opportunity to connect with the beautiful wilderness of Southeast Alaska.
You'll hike on an improved gravel trail to begin your journey, alongside a picturesque subalpine lake. Be sure to have your camera ready for photo ops along the way!
Be prepared for conditions to get a bit more rugged as you ascend higher. The trail becomes a more natural tread, mixed with gravel and interspersed with large rocks and roots. Many of the old-growth forests surrounding Ketchikan have been allowed to remain undeveloped, allowing for a peaceful experience with nature on this tour.
Don't forget to ask your passionate local guide about how we can preserve Alaska's forests, which are incredibly vital to our local ecosystems. Your guide can also teach you about practicing mindfulness in your daily life, drawing inspiration from the beauty surrounding you.
You'll come to an avalanche chute, which is a large crevice running down the mountain created by huge masses of snow, ice, and rock tumbling downward. This spot provides an excellent view of the top of the mountain.
Your final destination is an alpine overlook at 1650 feet of elevation. You'll be rewarded for your hiking efforts by 360 degree-views of the mountains, the lake, and Tongass Narrows down below.
Don't miss the chance to be one of only two tours a day allowed on this trail!
This tour can be made private for small groups of 1-5 people. If you would like a private tour for your small group, please select the appropriate "Private Group" pricing option.
Note: For a shorter version of this hike, please check out the
Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute.
Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise terminal. )
Does this hiking tour include transportation?
Yes. Transportation is provided from Berth 3 of the cruise terminal. Guests docking at Ward Cove can take the shuttle to the main terminal to catch this tour. Pick-up at Ward Cove may be provided upon request, and further details are included on your ticket voucher.
Guests arriving by air/ferry, locals, and all other non-cruise guests can arrange an alternative pick-up location with the tour operator. Further details are included on your ticket voucher.
Will the tour be canceled due to rain?
No. Because the tour takes place in an Alaskan temperate rainforest, rain is likely and can be a beautiful part of the experience.
Is there any rock climbing or scrambling required.
No. You will be walking on a trail the whole way. The route may include boulders, roots, and other obstacles to navigate around.
What is provided on the tour?
If needed, backpacks and trekking poles are available to use. Depending on availability, we have ponchos for those without rain gear, bottled water, and one pair of binoculars to share. Please bring your own rain gear if possible.
Can I book a tour with you on one of the many other trails in the Ketchikan area, such as Deer or Dude Mountain?
Unfortunately no. There are a limited amount of trails that allow commercial tours in the Ketchikan area. Deer Mountain and Dude Mountain are regulated by the Tongass National Forest, and commercially guided hikes on these trails are not allowed.
With your guide, you will be one of only a few tour groups permitted on the trail for this Mountain Lake Extended Tour.
Where do we meet the guide for our tour?
If arriving on a cruise ship, you will meet your guide at the cruise terminal's Berth 3. Please note the listed tour time is the time of the tour’s departure. Further instructions are included in your ticket voucher.
Will I see any wildlife on this tour?
This trail is not high-traffic for wildlife, so large animals are not often spotted. We have seen a deer on the trail once, and occasionally black bear scat can be found. In late summer, mountain goats are sometimes spotted on the ridges above us. Ravens, eagles, and loons are more common sights. This is not a designated wildlife tour.
Do you carry bear spray?
Yes, your guide will have bear spray. You are unlikely to see a bear, but it is an important precaution anywhere in the Alaskan wilderness.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
This tour is not ADA accessible. Wheelchairs, walkers, or motorized scooters can not be accommodated.
Can I bring a backpack? What do I need to wear/bring?
Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour. Water bottles are provided, but you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own. Please be aware that this is a Leave No Trace excursion. If no trash facility is available on the trail you will need to carry any/all trash with you.
We recommend a warm outerwear layer (sweatshirt/jacket/sweater), rain gear, and hat/gloves as needed. Ketchikan is very rainy and you should anticipate getting wet. Please wear sufficient hiking boots/shoes.
Face masks may be required on this tour, which the operator can provide. If you have a specific type of mask requirement or preference, please bring your own.
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