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Ketchikan Rainforest Hike & Totem Park Adventure

5.0
10 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

10 total

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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

Shane P

On Aug 2025

Jamie was a great guide! She was very knowledgeable of the town and shared great information while on the hike.

Patricia B

On Jul 2025

Enjoyed learning about the Totem Poles and the walking through the Rainforest. Our guide was very friendly and informative. Would recommend if looking for a nice easy excursion.

Connie M

On Jul 2025

Great tour guide Austin! Learned so much about the rainforest and the natives and their history and traditions .

$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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