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Ketchikan Rainforest Hike & Totem Park Adventure

5.0
13 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.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
  • Bottled water and gourmet cookies

Requirements:

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

Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal)

  • 25 minutes - transportation to the hiking trail head
  • 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. 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.

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.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

13 total

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Samuel C

On Sep 2025

Kevin was the best tour guide. Easy to get to and we had a blast. Loved every minute of it. Ketchikan was an awesome town!!

Nancy E

On Aug 2025

I really enjoyed this excursion. Jeff did a fantastic job. He organized the trip so that we could take advantage of low tide to scour the beach and see marine life. The hike was great; he pointed out local foliage and berries; and he was very knowledgeable of the Tlingit heritage and provided a good overview of the Totem Bight park and its contents. There was no worry on getting us back to our ship in time. Thanks for a fantastic experience!

Cid R

On Aug 2025

Guide was incredibly knowledgeable of the plants and totems in the area. The hiking portion was an easy path with a stunning view of a waterfall along the way.

Denise P

On Aug 2025

This is an awesome experience. The rainforest trail is really nice, well-maintained, and the hike can be made more or less strenuous depending on the group's preferences. There is a viewing platform over a gorgeous waterfall and a few beach clearings with a great view of the water. For the totem park tour, Ketchikan has several totem parks, and I like that this tour focuses on the smaller, less crowded ones. It really feels like you're out in nature with just a small group of people.

Bonita F

On Aug 2025

great sights

$125.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$125.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Adult (12+): $125.00

Child (0-11): $105.00

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