Wildlife & Mountain Biking in Tongass National Forest by Ward Cove

A short shuttle ride from the pier brings you to the gear station, where your guides will outfit you in rain gear and a bike helmet and size your electric mountain bike to your height. After a few safety instructions, you’ll be pedaling, or throttling effortlessly, behind your experienced guide along a gently sloped, historic three-mile-long trail through the Tongass National Forest.

Sitka spruce and western hemlock tower all around you. Berries, native hemlock and lichens line the trail and provide the possibility of wildlife sightings such as Sitka black-tailed deer.

The bike trail ends at the picturesque Connell Lake Dam, which was purpose-built to support the Ketchikan Pulp Company, in nearby Ward Cove. Your guide will explain the importance of the pulp mill to the community of Ketchikan and how the dam provided power to the mill.

After parking your bike, proceed on foot along an active salmon spawning stream (when salmon are running). The Tongass National Forest is home to the lush rain-soaked mosses, lichens, shrubs and ferns, as well as the carnivorous sundew plant that uses tentacles with an adhesive “dew” to ensnare small insects. After pointing out the various flora and fauna, your guides will treat you to a fireside snack under the canopy of towering coniferous trees.

Finally, saddle back up for the return ride along the pipeline trail, taking in the natural sights. A short shuttle ride will return you to your cruise ship pier.

Duration:

2.5 / *3 hour guided tour

*If you are on a ship that is docked downtown, a shuttle transfer is required and increases the total trip time to approximately 3 hours.

Provided:

• Helmet, rain gear (as needed)

Snack:

• Bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, S’mores kit

Restrictions:

• Must be between 5’0” and 6’4” tall. Maximum weight is 275 pounds. Minimum age 12 years old.