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Ketchikan Rainforest Hike & Totem Park Adventure

4.9
30 reviews

Excursion Overview

Immerse yourself in Ketchikan's culture and natural beauty

Journey into the heart of Southeast Alaska's natural beauty and rich history. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive along the Tongass Narrows, where your local guide will share stories about Ketchikan's vibrant past. As we make our way into the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, you’ll hike through towering trees and lush, verdant landscapes. Along the trail, you’ll stop to admire a stunning waterfall and take in panoramic views of Behm Canal. Throughout the hike, your guide will offer insights into the unique ecosystem, discussing everything from the vital role of salmon to the forest’s importance in maintaining air quality and biodiversity.

Next, you’ll visit Totem Bight State Park, home to beautiful totem poles that tell the stories of the indigenous Tlingit people. As we stroll through the forest, you’ll learn about the cultural significance of the totems and visit a traditional clan house. Your guide will explain how the Tlingit people thrived in this community, passing down stories, trades, and traditions through generations. After the park, enjoy a tasty smoked salmon dip before we head back to your ship. This small-group tour offers a rare, off-the-beaten-path opportunity to experience Ketchikan’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, all while avoiding the crowds.

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
  • Bottled water and gourmet cookies

Requirements:

  • Guests must be comfortable walking up 125 stairs and comfortable walking for 1.5 miles

Duration: Approximately 3 hours (roundtrip from cruise ship terminal)

  • 25 minutes - transportation to the hiking trailhead
  • 1.25 hours - hike the rainforest trail
  • 15 minutes - transportation to Totem Bight State Park
  • 45 minutes - walk the totem park trail
  • 20 minutes - transportation back to the cruise ship terminals

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the Ketchikan Visitor Center by the bronze statue at Berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers. Guests docking at Ward Cove will be picked up and returned to the Ward Cove welcome center.

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

This hike is moderately strenuous. You should be comfortable walking for 1.5 miles up slight inclines. You should also be comfortable climbing 125 stairs

There are no age restrictions for children however, all children must have a purchased ticket.

This tour has a maximum capacity of 11 passengers.

Wildlife is abundant in Alaska however, this is not a designated wildlife viewing tour and we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings.

Yes, our tour provider has a limited number of car seats for children. If you need a car seat for your child, please leave a comment at checkout so that our tour provider can make the appropriate accommodations.

Layered clothing and waterproof outerwear are recommended. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

This tour includes roundtrip transportation from Ward Cove. Guests should not take the shuttle to downtown Ketchikan. Please refer to the finalized ticket voucher for additional details on meeting the guide at Ward Cove.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

30 total

93%
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Amy F

On Jul 2026

Our Ketchikan Rainforest Hike & Totem Park Adventure was very fun and beautiful! Everything was on time and fit into our scheduled port time! Would definitely recommend!

Sylvia R

On Jul 2026

Loved our guide. I could tell that he loves and respects nature.

Joyce K

On Jul 2026

Loved our mini adventure! A moderate stroll through the rainforest followed by a short totem tour. The hike was moderate with slippery stairs and wooden boards. (Make sure you are up for that- a couple in our group struggled a little.) Everything was very wet, so bring a raincoat. Tori was extremely knowledgeable about both the rainforest and the culture that creates such interesting totems. She was awesome- one of those tour guides that really knows her stuff and hasn't just memorized talking points. It was an intimate-sized group, and a cookie snack was served between activities. I highly recommend this tour!

Midori H

On Jul 2026

Tori's tour service was beyond my expectations. She was knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly. She took plenty time to show and explain the beautiful rain forest and the unique beach creatures. She also took us to an affordable souvenir store and the educational totem pole park. In addition, she is a professional photographer and kindly taught us useful tips to take better photos. Tori, thank you very much. You made our day in Kitchikan. I highly recommend the tour.

Warren S

On Jul 2026

We had a great hike with Joe in a small group setting. We loved experiencing and learning about the Tongass National Forest.

$125.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$125.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Adult (12+): $125.00

Child (0-11): $125.00

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