A private three-hour van tour from Ketchikan that visits rainforest waterfalls, coastal tidepools, wildlife viewing sites and a Native totem park. Ideal for families who want a flexible, curated look at Southeast Alaska’s natural and cultural highlights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Step off the dock and into wet cedar-scented air; the van eases away from the harbor and the rainforest presses in close, moss-heavy limbs brushing the windows like curious hands. Over three hours you’ll move between open grasslands, a fern-carpeted waterfall, rocky tideflats and a small Native totem park — each stop offering a different pulse of Southeast Alaska.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires brief walks on uneven terrain and boarding a van
Wildlife
History
Ketchikan sits at the mouth of the Tongass National Forest; totem poles in the area reflect Tlingit and Haida traditions and the region’s long indigenous history.
Conservation
Tidepools and salmon streams are fragile—stay off exposed organisms, maintain distance from wildlife, and pack out all trash to protect intertidal and forest habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Private Tour: Rainforest, Wildlife, Waterfalls, Totem Poles... today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check tide times
Tide level changes what you can see on the rocky shore—low tide exposes tidepools and sea stars; high tide is better for spotting seals and for whale pass-bys.
Wear grippy footwear
Expect muddy trails and slick coastal rocks; sturdy shoes with good traction reduce slips and let you explore tideflats safely.
Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens
Wildlife sightings are often at a distance—binoculars give closer views of eagles, seals, and whales without disturbing animals.
Respect cultural sites
When visiting the Totem Park, listen to the guide’s context and photography rules—these poles hold cultural meaning and sometimes ceremonial protocol.
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry during coastal showers and under the rainforest canopy.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on muddy trails and slippery rocks.
Binoculars
Helps spot distant eagles, seals, and whales without crowding wildlife.
Small daypack with water/snacks
Carries layers, camera, water and items for quick stops between sites.