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Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute

5.0
10 reviews

Excursion Overview

Get ready for a stunning 4-mile roundtrip hike!

This small group tour in Ketchikan, Alaska, offers an intimate way to explore the stunning wilderness of Southeast Alaska. With a maximum of seven guests, hikers begin on an improved gravel trail alongside a scenic subalpine lake, perfect for photos. As the trail ascends, it becomes more rugged with rocks and roots, winding through undeveloped old-growth forests that provide a peaceful, immersive nature experience.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, participants learn about the region’s flora and fauna, Ketchikan’s complex logging history, and the importance of protecting endangered old-growth forests. The hike reaches an avalanche chute with panoramic mountain views before returning along the tranquil trail. This tour is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and connect with Alaska’s pristine natural landscapes.

This tour is typically available from April through October. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
  • Bottled water
  • Trekking poles, backpacks, and rain ponchos if needed

Requirements:

  • No minimum age. For children 8-years-old or younger, child car seats are required by law. Please let us know at checkout if you intend to bring a younger child. Currently 2 child car seats are available, rear or front facing. For children under 8, please book a private tour so we can better accommodate their pace.
  • Maximum guest weight is 240 lbs to account for the SUV's maximum payload of 1300 lbs.
  • Signed liability waiver
  • Guests must be comfortable hiking for 2-3 hours over uneven terrain, gaining 1100 feet of elevation. This tour is not suitable for guests with major health issues or injuries.
  • Leave no trace: no littering or items left behind.
  • No tobacco, drugs, or alcohol.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

  • 15 minutes - drive to the trailhead from meeting location
  • 1 hour 15 minutes - hike 2 miles up to avalanche chute
  • 15 minutes - enjoy the views!
  • 1 hour - hike 2 miles down to parking lot
  • 15 minutes - drive back to the cruise terminal where you'll be dropped off

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets on the cruise ship dock - Berth 3. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • 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

Yes. As part of your tour package, transportation is included from the cruise ship Berth 3 dock to the trail head and back. If you are arriving by Alaska state ferry or by plane, please leave us a comment at the end of the booking process for special pick-up arrangements depending on where you will be staying.

No. Because the tour takes place in an Alaskan temperate rainforest, rain is likely and can be a beautiful part of the experience.

If needed, backpacks and trekking poles are available to use, depending on availability - ponchos for those without raingear, bottled water, and one pair of binoculars to share.

Unfortunately no. There are a limited amount of trails that guides are allowed to commercially guide on 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.

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.

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.

This tour is not ADA accessible. Wheelchairs, walkers, or motorized scooters can not be accommodated.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Bottled water is included.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

10 total

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Theresa S

On Sep 2025

Great hike good workout. Chad did an excellent job sharing his knowledge and making sure everyone was good.

Cid R

On Aug 2025

Definitely the highlight of my trip! Hike started along a large path to a picturesque lake. The trail was fairly easy, with quite a bit of incline. Some slippery rocks and branches. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable of the plans and trees in the area.

Stewart M

On Aug 2025

We absolutely loved this beautiful hike, which was led so ably by Chad. We were met on time in an easy-to-find location, before being taken in a comfortable vehicle to the tail head. Chad was brimming with enthusiasm for the area, the nature we would see and the views we would have. He talked through both flora and fauna in great detail, giving time to take pictures. He placed safety at the heart of the trip. Really amazing stuff.

Claudine P

On Jul 2025

Teague was an awesome tour guide on our hike! It was fun to hear about the uniqueness of the forest and the history of Ketchikam! What a beautiful area! Teague even surprised us with peppermint tea at the top of our hike! 10 out of 10!

Benjamin S

On Apr 2025

Teague was a fantastic guide.

$224.50

Best Price Guarantee!

$224.50

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Adult (18+): $224.50

Child (0-17): $199.50

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