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A private floatplane drops you into the rarely visited reaches of the Tongass National Forest for a guided wilderness hike. Expect mossy rainforest, coastal headlands, short floatplane transfers and expert guides who mix natural history with local cultural context.
A private floatplane drops you into the rarely visited reaches of the Tongass National Forest for a guided wilderness hike. Expect mossy rainforest, coastal headlands, short floatplane transfers and expert guides who mix natural history with local cultural context.
The floatplane lifts off Juneau’s gray harbor and the city shrinks into a grid of rooftops while the Tongass opens beneath you: a patchwork of emerald rainforest, black rock, and the silver thread of tidal channels.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bear Creek Outfitters · Juneau, Alaska
The floatplane lifts off Juneau’s gray harbor and the city shrinks into a grid of rooftops while the Tongass opens beneath you: a patchwork of emerald rainforest, black rock, and the silver thread of tidal channels.
On arrival your guide sets you down on a remote shoreline—often Admiralty Island, Chichagof Island, or the Chilkat Peninsula—and you step into a rainforest that smells of cedar and salt. The first hour moves through moss-draped hemlock and alder where the understory presses close and every creek seems to dare you to cross it. Later the trail opens to coastal meadows and headlands where surf and wind shape the landscape.
Geology here is recent and raw: glacially carved valleys, coastal fjords, and uplifted beaches tell stories of ice and tide. The Tongass is also Tlingit land; local guides usually share cultural context about traditional use of berries, salmon runs, and place names.
Practically, expect 25-minute floatplane transfers each way and a guided hike totaling roughly three hours on trail within a 5½-hour outing. Trails range from singletrack through wet coastal rainforest to rocky shorelines; elevation gain is typically moderate but can include short, steep sections and muddy stream crossings. Guides provide binoculars, drybags, rain gear, and spotting scopes, but wear waterproof hiking boots and layer for wind and rain. Hydration and steady footing matter—this is backcountry with limited cell service.
For travelers who want a concentrated taste of Alaska’s wild coast—bears, eagles, tidal flats, and old-growth canopy—this private floatplane hike is a direct, scenic, and education-rich way to stand in a rarely visited corner of the Tongass.
challenging.
5–6 hours.
Good to excellent cardiovascular fitness and experience with uneven, wet terrain; comfortable with multiple stream crossings and short steep sections.
Flight time is typically about 25 minutes each way, depending on the landing site and weather.
Yes — guides are certified, carry spotting scopes, and follow established protocols for bear country and safe wildlife viewing.
The tour is private but requires good mobility; infants may need to sit on laps in the plane and travelers with spine or heart problems are not recommended.
Trips can be canceled for safety due to wind, fog, or storms; the operator’s policy is all sales final but they cancel when conditions are unsafe.
The Tongass is traditional territory of Tlingit and other coastal communities; many place names and resource uses reflect generations of subsistence and cultural connection to the land and sea.
The Tongass is managed for multiple uses including habitat protection and recreation; visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing wildlife or cultural sites.
Bear Creek Outfitters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The floatplane lifts off Juneau’s gray harbor and the city shrinks into a grid of rooftops while the Tongass opens beneath you: a patchwork of emerald rainforest, black rock, and the silver thread of tidal channels.
The floatplane lifts off Juneau’s gray harbor and the city shrinks into a grid of rooftops while the Tongass opens beneath you: a patchwork of emerald rainforest, black rock, and the silver thread of tidal channels.
On arrival your guide sets you down on a remote shoreline—often Admiralty Island, Chichagof Island, or the Chilkat Peninsula—and you step into a rainforest that smells of cedar and salt. The first hour moves through moss-draped hemlock and alder where the understory presses close and every creek seems to dare you to cross it. Later the trail opens to coastal meadows and headlands where surf and wind shape the landscape.
Geology here is recent and raw: glacially carved valleys, coastal fjords, and uplifted beaches tell stories of ice and tide. The Tongass is also Tlingit land; local guides usually share cultural context about traditional use of berries, salmon runs, and place names.
Practically, expect 25-minute floatplane transfers each way and a guided hike totaling roughly three hours on trail within a 5½-hour outing. Trails range from singletrack through wet coastal rainforest to rocky shorelines; elevation gain is typically moderate but can include short, steep sections and muddy stream crossings. Guides provide binoculars, drybags, rain gear, and spotting scopes, but wear waterproof hiking boots and layer for wind and rain. Hydration and steady footing matter—this is backcountry with limited cell service.
For travelers who want a concentrated taste of Alaska’s wild coast—bears, eagles, tidal flats, and old-growth canopy—this private floatplane hike is a direct, scenic, and education-rich way to stand in a rarely visited corner of the Tongass.