Guided Old-Growth Forest Hike in Ketchikan
Trace riverside trails beneath Tongass old-growth trees
Duration
3–3.5 hrs
Ideal For
Up to 6 people
Includes
Transport, water, rain ponchos
Highlights
Explore an old-growth rainforest on a guided hike beside a river in the Tongass National Forest. Take in waterfalls, ocean views, and stories of Southeast Alaska's flora, fauna, and logging history.
- Walk an improved gravel trail through Sitka spruce and western red cedar forest
- Follow the river valley with views of waterfalls along the way
- Pause at a riverside stone bench surrounded by forest
- Discover local ecology and the history of old-growth forest protection
Itinerary
Duration: 3--3.5 Hours 5 minutes: Load up 40 minutes: Drive 17 miles to trail head at end of road 40 minutes: Hike 1.6 miles to riverside stone bench 15 minutes: Stop at the stone bench and enjoy our first destination 30 minutes: Hike back 20 minutes: Hike down to waterfall and ocean views and back to the parking lot 15 minutes: flex time for traffic and bathroom stops 40 minutes return drive to Berth 3 5 minutes: Unload
What's Included
- Round-trip transportation to the trailhead
- Boxed water
- Trekking poles if needed
- Rain ponchos if needed
- Face masks for vehicle transport if needed
Important details
- Sign a digital liability waiver before the tour
- Requires walking on an unpaved, uneven trail and climbing stairs
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Children age 8 and under require a car seat; private tour required for children under 8
- Wear a face mask during vehicle transport if required
- Bring a jacket or warm layer, hiking boots or trail shoes with traction, rain jacket, rain pants, water, and snacks
- Expect no facilities at the trailhead or along the trail; follow leave-no-trace practices
- No tobacco, drugs, or alcohol are permitted on the excursion
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 15+ days before start for a refund minus a $30 fee. Cancellations within 14 days and no-shows are non-refundable. Receive a full refund with no cancellation fee if your ship cancels its Ketchikan port arrival on your tour date.
FAQs
This hike works best if you can walk up to 3.5 miles on an unpaved trail, climb stairs, and handle uneven tread at times. It is not recommended if you lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle or have health issues or injuries.
No. There are no facilities at the trailhead or along the trail. You may be able to use public restrooms at the campground near the trailhead before or after the tour; for emergencies, the guide carries toilet paper and military waste kits (Wag Bags) to pack out.
Wear a jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt; hiking boots or trail shoes with traction and support; and rain jacket and rain pants. Bring a backpack if possible (line it with a garbage bag). You may also want your phone or camera, water, and snacks.
Meeting details
Inside the Berth 3 Glass Shelter, next to Sockeye Sam's at 425 Water Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Related locations
Settlers Cove State Recreation Site
Admission included<p>Tucked along the North Tongass Highway about thirteen miles from downtown Ketchikan, Settlers Cove State Recreation Site draws you into a landscape of towering Sitka spruce, mossy undergrowth, and the quiet rush of Lunch Creek meeting the sea.</p><p>Settlers Cove State Recreation Site offers a short loop trail through old-growth rainforest, a gravel beach ideal for tidepooling, and a sheltered picnic area where bald eagles are a common sight overhead.</p>