Exploring Ketchikan’s Rainforest Trails and Totem Poles: A Two-Hour Guided Adventure

Ketchikan•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for those with moderate fitness; expect about 1 to 1.5 miles of walking on uneven surfaces.

Overview

Step into Tongass National Forest on a guided two-hour tour that pairs the lush rainforest with Alaska Native culture. Explore forest trails, a waterfall, and majestic totem poles near Ketchikan, learning the stories behind these living landscapes.

Exploring Ketchikan’s Rainforest Trails and Totem Poles: A Two-Hour Guided Adventure

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wildlife

hiking

Select participants and date

Date

Tue, Nov 4

Travelers

The damp air carries the earthy scent of cedar and moss as you step off the ship onto the rugged trails of Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. Here in Ketchikan, Alaska, the rainforest doesn’t just surround you—it dares you to enter its cathedral of towering Sitka spruces and hemlocks, their branches heavy with moisture and stories.

Adventure Photos

Exploring Ketchikan’s Rainforest Trails and Totem Poles: A Two-Hour Guided Adventure photo 1

Adventure Tips

Dress in Layers for Variable Weather

Ketchikan’s rainforest can be rainy and cool even in summer, so waterproof jackets and layered clothing keep you comfortable.

Wear Comfortable, Sturdy Shoes

Gravel and uneven trail surfaces require shoes with good traction and support to navigate safely.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

While bottled water is provided, carrying your own reduces waste and keeps you hydrated on the trail.

Arrive Early for Ship Dock Pickup

Meet your guide at the designated spot 10 minutes before departure to ensure timely boarding and avoid missing the tour.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Bald eagles perched atop ancient trees
Harlequin ducks darting in forest streams

History

The totem poles here represent the clans of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, integral to Ketchikan’s cultural heritage.

Conservation

Tongass National Forest is protected by conservation efforts aiming to preserve its unique rainforest ecosystem and cultural sites for future generations.