Guided Rainforest Wildlife & Totem Park Tour in Ketchikan
Walk the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and watch a master totem carver at work
Duration
2.75 hours
Includes
Transportation, Totem Poles
Highlights
Explore the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary on a guided walk with a naturalist, with time to spot birds and other wildlife along Eagle Creek. Then step into local history at a sawmill stop and visit a totem carving demonstration.
- Ride along an eight-mile coastal drive to Herring Cove
- Follow Eagle Creek on an elevated boardwalk through grassy wetlands
- Look for bald eagles, bears, seals, and other wildlife (sightings not guaranteed)
- Tour the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill
- Watch a master native totem pole carver transform a red cedar log
What's Included
- Transportation
- Historic sawmill visit
- Totem poles
Things to know
Plan for over an hour of standing/walking and a half-mile trail walk. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This tour operates in rain or shine, and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Cancellation Policy
Payment in full at booking. Changes/cancellations up to 7 days prior with no penalty. Cancellations within 7 days and no-shows forfeit full fare. No refunds for unused services or for choosing not to participate due to weather. Wildlife sightings not guaranteed.
FAQs
Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing. Bring layers; rain ponchos are provided if needed.
Plan for over an hour of standing and walking, including a half-mile trail walk.
No. Children under 18 must join with a parent or guardian.
Meeting details
Ketchikan Visitors Center on Berth 2 (The Rock)
More about the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary sits just a short drive from downtown Ketchikan, tucked into a lush corner of the Tongass National Forest where moss drapes from Sitka spruce and the air carries the cool, briny scent of nearby Eagle Creek. This 40-acre private reserve is one of the most reliable places in Southeast Alaska to see bald eagles, harbor seals, and, during salmon runs, black bears fishing the very streams that have sustained the Tlingit people for generations. The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary feels worlds away from the cruise piers, even though you can reach it in minutes, making it a natural fit for travelers who want a meaningful taste of the temperate rainforest without venturing deep into the backcountry.
Your guided walk along the boardwalk and forest trails inside the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary reveals the layered life of the rainforest, from towering hemlocks and centuries-old spruce to skunk cabbage, ferns, and devil's club crowding the understory. Along Eagle Creek you may spot spawning salmon flashing in the shallows, while overhead bald eagles ride the thermals above the treetops. The route also brings you to a historic sawmill site and a collection of hand-carved totem poles that share stories of the region's Native heritage, followed by a visit to the resident reindeer and an Alaskan bear dog. Throughout the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, naturalist guides interpret the ecosystem, pointing out details that are easy to miss on your own.
This experience suits families with curious kids, photographers chasing wildlife, and cruise visitors who want a gentle, walking-paced introduction to Ketchikan's natural side. The flat, well-maintained paths make the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary accessible to most fitness levels, and the compact format means you see a remarkable amount in a short window. If you are hoping to connect with the wildlife, scenery, and cultural history of Southeast Alaska in one memorable outing, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a wonderfully grounding place to begin.
