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Ketchikan Rainforest Hike & Totem Park Adventure

4.9
24 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 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 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

24 total

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Katie C

On Jul 2026

Gabe, our guide was fantastic. He was so knowledgeable about the rainforest and the totem poles. This is a great tour to take if you are just looking for something slower paced and more intimate than a large group activity. Definitely recommend this excursion!

Jeannine S

On Jul 2026

Beautiful hike & very informative guide. We would do this excursion again

Elaine S

On Jun 2026

Gabe was very knowledgeable and the tour was the perfect start for our visit to Alaska. We learned so much about indigenous history and we were able to identify so many plants and trees in our future solo hikes.

Patti K

On Jun 2026

It was fun and beautiful. Fairly non-strenuous

Craig H

On Jun 2026

Enjoyed this hike adventure. It wasn't difficult, but more than just a stroll through the park. Our guide, Brock, was full of interesting tidbits of the NW woods and also quite well versed in Totem Pole loreâ all in all, it was well worth our time.

$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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