Ketchikan Backcountry SUV Tour
Ride Mountain Roads Through Tongass Forest Vistas
Duration
2.25 hrs
Ideal For
Up to 5 people
Includes
Pickup, water, binoculars
Highlights
Explore the Tongass National Forest from a 4x4 SUV on a backcountry drive beyond Ketchikan’s pavement. Learn about local flora, fauna, logging history, and old-growth forest protection along the way.
- Ride a groomed dirt mountain road with switchbacks, potholes, mud puddles, and washout rivulets
- Take in mountain and valley views from the backcountry
- Stop for photos along the route
- Visit a lake in the Tongass National Forest
- Learn about Southeast Alaska’s natural and logging history
Itinerary
Duration: 2.25 Hours
- 20 minutes: Drive north out of town
- 40 minutes: Drive through the Tongass National Forest to end of mountain road
- 25 minutes: Turn around and drive back through the Tongass National Forest
- 15 minutes: Quick offshoot drive to a Tongass National Forest lake and then back to main road to town
- 15 minutes: Flex time to account for unexpected traffic, bathroom stop, or delays
- 20 minutes: Drive back to Berth 3 cruise ship terminal downtown and drop off guests
What's Included
- Boxed water
- Binoculars
- Face masks if required
Important details
- Requires climbing in and out of a 4x4 SUV
- Sign a digital liability waiver before the tour
- Children age 8 and under require a child car seat; children under 8 require a private tour
- Wear a face mask during vehicle transport if required
- Few facilities are available along the route, with one pit toilet in the forest
- No tobacco, drugs, alcohol, littering, or food left behind on the excursion
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 15+ days before start for a refund minus a $30 administrative fee. Cancellations within 14 days and no-shows are non-refundable. Full refund if your ship cancels its Ketchikan port arrival.
FAQs
Yes. You must sign a digital liability waiver before the tour.
Bring the right child safety seat if you’re traveling with kids. Alaska law requires child seats for children under 8, and specific seat types apply by age, weight, and height.
Facilities are limited. You’ll find one pit toilet along the route in the Tongass National Forest, and public restrooms are available at Berth 3 before or after the tour. The vehicle also carries toilet paper and military waste kits (Wag Bags) for emergencies.
Meeting details
Inside the Berth 3 Glass Shelter, next to Sockeye Sam's at 425 Water Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901