Adventure Collective
Wildlife & Wilderness Tour with Alaska Travel Adventures - Ketchikan

Wildlife & Wilderness Tour with Alaska Travel Adventures

Ketchikaneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate physical fitness suitable for most travelers

Overview

Discover the wild heart of Alaska's Tongass National Forest with a dynamic adventure that combines boat cruising, wildlife sightings, and a scenic trail hike. Perfect for nature lovers and explorers alike!

Ketchikan, Alaska

Rainforest Island Adventure

4 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More

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About This Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating 4-hour adventure through the stunning Tongass National Forest! Cruise the coast in a motorized raft, spotting marine life and bald eagles. Then, hike a scenic trail to a secluded beach, learning about ancient trees and their cultural significance, before enjoying an Alaskan snack by the campfire.

Eagles nests, marine life and a secluded beach in the rainforest!

Duration

Approximately 4 Hours

About

A motorized rigid inflatable ocean raft provides a short, but exciting cruise along the coast of Clover Passage to a remote island in the Tongass National Forest. Guests may see whales, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles and migrating seabirds on this route.

Once ashore, join an experienced Alaskan trail guide for a walk through natural, unspoiled beauty of this coastal rainforest. The trail takes you through a beautiful old growth forest, by way of a secluded beach. The one-mile, mostly boardwalk path is well maintained.

Follow your knowledgeable guide through this ancient forest and learn about regional botanic species, such as the Western red and yellow cedar which Alaska Native cultures have depended on for spiritual enrichment, shelter and transportation. Learn about the history of the Alaska State tree, the Sitka spruce, and how it played an instrumental role in the construction of Howard Hughes' famous "Spruce Goose" and other early vintage fighter planes.

After hiking this gently sloped historic trail, gather by the campfire to enjoy an Alaskan-style snack and take some time to explore the natural beauty around you before re-boarding the vessel for the return trip.

Bring your camera and binoculars!

What's Included

Round-trip transportation from the dock; use of quality raingear and life jackets; snack and beverages.

Additional Information

  • All children must be 40lbs or more.
  • Participants should be prepared for inclement weather and dress in warm layers. Raingear is provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. Restroom facilities are limited. Moderate to good physical condition is necessary for participation in this excursion. This trail has a gradual slope and is well maintained.
  • Children must weigh at least 40 pounds in order to fit into required life jackets. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 13-17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate in the absence of a parent or guardian.
  • Multiple daily departures late April through mid-October at times to accommodate cruise ship or tour schedules. This tour operates in most weather conditions.
  • Tours conducted in the Tongass National Forest are operated under permits issued by USDA Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Alaska Travel Adventures is an equal opportunity provider.

Adventure Tips

Bring binoculars

Enhance wildlife viewing opportunities with a good pair of binoculars.

Dress in layers

Weather can change quickly; pack layers to stay comfortable.

Follow safety instructions

Listen carefully to guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Stay hydrated

Bring water to stay refreshed during the hike and boat ride.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Sea otters
  • Brown bears

History

Tongass National Forest has been home to indigenous Tlingit communities for thousands of years, with their cultural sites still present today.

Conservation

Alaska Travel Adventures promotes sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact and preserve this pristine wilderness.

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Adventure Hotspots in Ketchikan

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Binoculars

Essential

Important for enhancing wildlife sightings during boat rides and land hikes.

Rain Jacket

Essential

Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable; a waterproof jacket keeps you dry.

spring;summer;fall;winter specific

Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Essential

Necessary for comfortable walking along the trail to the beach.

Camera or Smartphone

Capture memories of the wildlife and scenery.