5 Best Ketchikan hiking tours in 2024 (hand-picked guided rainforest hikes in Ketchikan!) 🏔 Alaska cruise excursions

Hi there!

With 160 inches of rain every year (that is over 13 FEET of rain!), one of the best things you can do when you are in Ketchikan is see the product of all that rain… the rainforest!

Take for example, on October 17, 2023, Ketchikan got nearly SEVEN INCHES of rain!

Hiking in Ketchikan through the rainforest is an amazing experience, and the best way to learn about all of the flora and fauna you see as you hike is through a guided hiking tour.

You can make it a hiking only excursion to immerse yourself longer in the rainforest, or you can add on another activity to get an intro to the rainforest and then do another unique experience in Ketchikan for a combo tour that includes rainforest hiking or walking.

No matter which hiking excursion you choose, just remember, it IS a RAIN-forest, and Ketchikan is known for the massive amount of rain it gets.

Don’t be disappointed by the rain. Embrace it!

So be prepared for hiking in the rain, and consider it a true Southeast Alaska rainforest experience!

Several Ketchikan hiking tours offer a hike through Tongass National Forest. This is the largest national forest in America, and it covers much of Southeast Alaska!

And yes, you can have a guided rainforest hike in Tongass National Forest in Ketchikan!

 

I make recommendations for tours for partner websites. I may earn a commission.

 

 

Best hiking excursions in Ketchikan cruise port during your Alaska cruise

 

1. Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour

Months this tour is available in 2024: April, May, June, July, August, September, October… if it’s not sold out! (Earliest available date is April 25. Latest available date is October 26.)

 

⭐ Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) by all 27 people who did this tour! ⭐
⏳ How long is the tour? 3.5 hours
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Maximum group size: 7 people
🚶 How many miles do you hike? 3.6 miles
💪 How fit do you need to be: You should have a moderate physical fitness level.
🎒 What gear is included? Trekking poles are included. Come prepared for hiking in the rain!
📍 Meeting point for cruise ship passengers: Ketchikan cruise ship dock Berth 3 in downtown Ketchikan (map)

 

📆 Select your date to find out if it’s available: Check availability

 

Why choose this tour? You will go to an Alaska state park and Tongass National Forest to get a true Southeast Alaska experience by learning about the flora and fauna of the magical old-growth rainforest that you are hiking through! You’ll get a riverside walk and see some waterfalls too! Your guide is Teague, a local Ketchikan resident who is passionate about sharing his rainforest knowledge with you! If you want hiking to be the main focus, then this is the best Ketchikan hiking tour to do!

 

Here is what a hiker had to say about the tour they did in June 2023:

This was an absolute highlight of our trip to Alaska.

The beauty and stillness of the forest were mind blowing.

The hike itself was totally manageable by our group, only one of whom is really a “serious” hiker.

There’s gravel for most of the path, only a small number of steps/elevations changes, and it helped that I was breathing the freshest air I believe I’ve ever experienced.

 

Here is what hiker Greg said about the tour he did in April 2023:

When travels take you to Ketchikan and you want to get away from the crowds, take a hike with Teague, you will not be disappointed!!!

 

⭐ Read more reviews and book this hiking tour:
Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour

⭐

2. Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour

Months this tour is available in 2024: May, June, July, August, September (Earliest available date is May 9th. Latest available date is September 23rd.)

 

⭐ Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) by 346 people out of 380 who did this tour ⭐
⏳ How long is the tour? 4 hours
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Maximum group size: 10 people
💪 How fit do you need to be: You should have a moderate physical fitness level.
🎒 What gear is included? Rain jackets and rain pants will be provided if necessary.
😋 Smoked salmon and local vegan options provided
📍 Meeting point for cruise ship passengers: Ketchikan cruise ship dock Berth 3 in downtown Ketchikan (map) OR Ward Cove (NCL cruise ships)

 

📆 Select your date to find out if it’s available: Check availability

 

Why choose this tour? You can bike to your hike with minimal effort, and when it’s time to start hiking through the rainforest, you will see a salmon-spawning stream, waterfalls, and maybe even a bear! During the bike ride (either on the way there or the way back), you’ll pass by a shoreline from which you’ll get beach views and maybe even see harbor seals or sea lions. (Wildlife is never guaranteed, though!) If you have never ridden an e-bike, no problem. Instruction will be give at the beginning.

 

Here is what Charlene had to say about the overall tour in July 2023.

Amazing experience!!!

Never rode an e-bike before but Logan our guide was a great teacher.

It was a great bike ride and hike thru the rain forest.

I would definitely recommend this tour.

 

Here is what Clyde saw during the tour in July 2023.

We had the best time and ride today!

We saw eagles, deer in the road, eels, starfish, crabs, and whales!

 

Here is what Terri said about the tour in September 2023:

What a beautiful hike!

The trail was very well maintained with wooden walkways and stairs in certain areas.

The guides were very informative and fun.

We saw a bear walk into Lunch Creek, snag a spawning salmon, and proceed to eat it in a tree!

 

Belinda fully immersed herself in Alaskan nature during the tour in September 2023:

We saw a bear in a tree, a whale, pink salmon spawning and a harbor seal.

I ate an elderberry, smelled aromatic sap, learned about skunk cabbage and muskeg (like quicksand).

We learned do not lick banana slugs.

Banana slugs?! 🤣 What an experience you will have!

 

⭐ Read more reviews and book this hiking tour:
Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour

⭐

3. 3 Hour Rainforest Walk and Totem Park

Months this tour is available in 2024: April, May, June, July, August, September, October (Earliest available date is April 25th. Latest available date is October 11th.)

 

⭐ Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) by 91 people out of 103 who did this tour ⭐
⏳ How long is the tour? 3 hours
🚶 How many miles do you hike? 1.5 miles on a gravel trail. There are also stairs
💪 How fit do you need to be: You should have a moderate physical fitness level.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Maximum group size: 11 people
🎒 What gear is included? Rain ponchos or umbrellas, but still best to come prepared for hiking in the rain!
📍 Meeting point for cruise ship passengers: At the time of booking, you will provide the name of your cruise ship and details on meeting location will be sent to you.

📆 Select your date to find out if it’s available: Check availability

 

Why choose this tour? Ketchikan is one of the best cruise ports to see totem poles. You can combine 2 of the best things to do in Ketchikan (rainforest hiking and totem poles) into one excursion! Learn from your guide about both Alaskan nature and Native Alaskan culture. You’ll be going to Potlatch Totem Park for your totem walk and Settlers Cove State Recreational Area for your rainforest walk! Many people use the word “amazing” to describe the rainforest during this tour.

 

Here is what Pat said about the rainforest part of the tour he did in July 2023:

The temperate rainforest was an amazing place — never expected the lushness of a forest like this in Alaska.

 

Here is what Judith said about the totem park part of the tour that she did in July 2023:

The totem park was amazing! Our guide was very knowledgeable and helped us see the stories behind the carving.

 

⭐ Read more reviews and book this hiking tour:
3 hour Rainforest Walk and Totem Park

⭐

4. Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike

Months this tour is available in 2024: April, May, June, July, August, September, October (Earliest available date is April 20th. Latest available date is October 15th.)

 

⭐ Rating: 4.7 stars (out of 5) based on 16 people who did this tour ⭐
⏳ How long is the tour? 2.5 hours
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Maximum group size: 8 people
💪 How fit do you need to be: You should have a moderate physical fitness level.
📍 Meeting point for cruise ship passengers: Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau in front of Ketchikan cruise ship dock Berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan (map) OR Ward Cove (NCL cruise ships)

📆 Select your date to find out if it’s available: Check availability

 

Why choose this tour? Explore the rainforest and have a backwoods wilderness adventure by driving it in a small vehicle and by hiking it! Oh, and most importantly, look for Bigfoot. 😉 Your guide is a Bigfoot enthusiast who is a born and raised Alaskan, who designed the trail that you’ll be walking.

 

Here is what Elizabeth Anne said about the tour she did in July 2023:

Our guide, Marcus, was exceptional!

He provided so much information about the Tongass rainforest and built the entire tour himself which was incredible.

We all loved the slightly spooky sighting of Big Foot and driving the 4 wheelers were so fun.

My children are 8 and 10 and loved this adventure as did my husband and I, we highly recommend it.

 

⭐ Read more reviews and book this hiking tour:
Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike

⭐

5. Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute

Months this tour is available in 2024: April, May, June, July, August, September, October… if it doesn’t sell out! (Earliest available date is April 25th. Latest available date is October 26th.)

 

⭐ Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) by all 10 people who did this tour ⭐
⏳ How long is the tour? 3 hours
🚶 How many miles do you hike? 4 miles round trip
💪 How fit do you need to be: You should have a strong physical fitness level.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Maximum group size: 7 people
📍 Meeting point for cruise ship passengers: Ketchikan cruise ship dock Berth 3 in downtown Ketchikan (map)

📆 Dates are limited. Select your date to see if this hike is offered when you’re in Ketchikan: Check availability

 

Why choose this tour? People who have done this tour report back with over the top excitement over how amazing this hike is because of how much the whole experience is enriched by Teague the local Ketchikan tour guide. If you are looking for a longer guided hiking tour in Ketchikan, the hike to Avalanche Chute is it! If that’s what you’re looking for, I will let everyone else tell you why you should choose this tour! 👇

 

Here is what Rob said on tripadvisor in September 2023:

10+ tour!!

My wife and I booked this tour after reading positive reviews, never visiting Alaska before.

It exceeded our expectations.

Teague our tour guide and owner was amazing!!

Cannot say enough good things: he was very knowledgeable and he was extremely easy to talk to.

The avalanche chute was such a great site.

I strongly suggest this hike.

 

Here is what Kaishaly said on tripadvisor in September 2023:

Our hiking experience was amazing to say the least.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the Tongass Forest.

He was super funny, easy going and very accommodating.

I would highly recommend this hike!!!

10/10

 

Someone who did this hiking tour as a family wrote on tripadvisor in May 2023:

I am so grateful that we found this excursion and booked it!

It was the best of our entire vacation.

We could have probably found a hike and gone on our own- but would have missed out on the knowledge that Teague was able to share.

He just made it so easy, he picked us up, took us to the trail, had hiking poles, tea and water.

He was able to evaluate how each hiker was doing and adjusted as needed.

He brought everyone into the conversation and provided such great knowledge of the area.

If we come back to the area- Teague will be the first person we call!

 

⭐ Read more reviews and book this hiking tour:
Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute

⭐

6. 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour

Months this tour is available in 2024: April, May, June, July, August, September, October (Earliest available date is April 25th.  Latest available date is October 11th.)

 

⭐ Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5) based on 77 people who did this tour ⭐
⏳ How long is the tour? 2 hours
🚶 How many miles do you hike? 1.5 miles on a gravel trail
💪 How fit do you need to be: You should have a moderate physical fitness level.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Maximum group size: 11 people
🎒 What gear is included? Rain ponchos or umbrellas, but still best to come prepared for hiking in the rain!
📍 Meeting point for cruise ship passengers: At the time of booking, you will provide the name of your cruise ship and details on meeting location will be sent to you.

📆 Select your date to find out if it’s available: Check availability

 

Why choose this tour? If you are looking for an easy nature walk through the rainforest and also want to learn about totem poles, then this may be the best Ketchikan tour for you! There were many people who said it was the best (or close to the best) part of their entire Alaska cruise. Ketchikan is one of the best cruise ports to see totem poles. You can combine 2 of the best things to do in Ketchikan (rainforest hiking and totem poles) into one excursion. Learn from your guide about both Alaskan nature and Native Alaskan culture. You’ll be going to Totem Bight State Historical Park for your totem walk and Tongass National Forest for your rainforest walk. Compared to the other “totem + rainforest” tour earlier on this list, this is an easier walk.

 

Here is what Daniel said about the tour he did in September 2023:

No better activity in Ketchikan.

Absolutely wonderful time hiking in a beautiful forest and even saw jumping salmon.

Then a great tour of the totem pole park with lots stories and history of the natives.

Our tour guide was wonderful.

Highly recommended!

 

Here is what Tamara said about her tour in Sept 2023:

A peaceful, relaxing and very easy walk on a local trail, followed by a tour of Bight Park.

The small group size and endless local knowledge passed on by our amazing guide, on everything from flora, fauna, cultural history and modern Ketchikan, made the experience even better.

We were also fortunate to witness the salmon run.

One of the best tours we had on our Alaska cruise.

Thanks to Zachary for such a fantastic experience and great coffee recommendation.

 

Here is what Temi said in September 2023:

Personally, I’d skip the cruise excursion and take this one if you are able to hike.

This tour was THE highlight for my Alaska excursion.

I had an amazing time and our group was lucky enough to spot a mama bear and her two cubs.

The Totem Park was equally beautiful.

The ride back was picturesque.

Our guide was a walking encyclopedia which was great.

The discussion varied from Alaska lifestyle to nature talks.

I was extremely satisfied and will rebook or insist all my contacts book this experience if ever they visit Ketchikan, AK.

As a solo traveler and from a group traveler perspective, I’d recommend 10/10.

 

⭐ Read more reviews and book this hiking tour:
2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park

⭐

Is Ketchikan a good cruise port to do a rainforest hiking tour?

Ketchikan is one of the best cruise ports in Alaska to do a rainforest hiking tour!

Known for being the rainiest place in Southeast Alaska, it can only be perfect to do a rainforest hike in Ketchikan, right?!

As you decide which tour you want to do, you want to think about how much time you want to spend actually being in the rainforest.

The combination tours are great if you want to experience a little bit of a couple different things, and if you will be happy to have an introduction to an Alaskan rainforest.

Most people who do the combination people are very happy about their experience, but there are also a few people who express disappointment in the lack of time in the rainforest.

So just make sure you are okay with a shorter time in the rainforest if you want to do a combo tour like the e-bike and hike or ATV and hike.

 

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the rainforest, then choose a hiking only excursion so you won’t be disappointed by the lack of time in the rainforest, like the old growth creek trek or the mountain lake trek!

 

 

Where do you meet for your Ketchikan hiking tour if you’re arriving by cruise ship?

All Ketchikan hiking tour companies are very experienced with serving cruise ship passengers, and as such, have a system to make it as easy as possible to meet you!

Tour companies will meet you at the main Ketchikan cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan!

All major cruise lines not named NCL will dock in downtown Ketchikan. (I’ll talk about NCL in a bit.)

So if you are on Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival, among others, then your meeting point will be a 1 to 10 minute walk as soon as you walk off the cruise ship. Yes, it might be as little as a 1 minute walk from the moment you step off the cruise ship, depending on where your cruise ship is docked and where your meeting spot is!

You will receive specific meeting instructions when you book, so be sure to read that carefully. Whether your meeting point instructions are for any of the berths, you will walk no more than 10 minutes. Once at the meeting area, you will look for the sign of the tour you are taking. Have access to the contact phone number included in your booking email in case you have trouble locating your tour guide.

Once you’ve arrived in Ketchikan, you can use google maps to navigate you through walking directions to your meeting spot.

If you just really like to know things ahead of time, you can know which berth your cruise ship will dock at by looking at the 2024 Ketchikan cruise port schedule, although this is subject to change. As I write this, the berths haven’t been listed for 2024, but in 2023, the berth numbers were listed next to the ships. So if you’re looking at the 2024 schedule and don’t see anything, you can check back later.

I have booked a couple of Ketchikan tours not through the cruise line, and it was easy to meet the tour guide. Just follow the instructions you’re given! Note carefully of the meeting time. Some might be 15 minutes before the official tour start time.

 

If you are on a Norwegian cruise ship, you will arrive at Ward Cove. This is a 20 to 30 minute free shuttle ride from downtown Ketchikan.

Depending on the tour you choose, you may get a tour pick-up at Ward Cove, or you may need to get to downtown on your own, in which case you should leave plenty of time to get there (There can be a long line for the shuttle.)

Likewise, if you won’t be getting a Ward Cove pick-up, you probably won’t be getting a Ward Cove drop-off, so be sure to factor the time it will take to get from downtown back to the cruise ship at Ward Cove on your own.

Otherwise, if you still have a few hours left, the tour will drop you off in downtown Ketchikan at the end of your tour, so you can do all the downtown Ketchikan things on your own!

 

What to bring on your Ketchikan hiking tour

• Waterproof hiking shoes
• Rain gear, like a rain jacket, rain pants, and/or a poncho at the very least

 

That’s the absolute minimum you’ll want, especially if you’re doing a hiking only excursion.

When hiking in Ketchikan, you’re more likely to get rain than not! As such, pack as though you will be hiking in the rain.

Don’t go hiking in one of the rainiest places in America without preparing for hiking in the rain!

More to bring: Your tour may provide water, but it’s good to be in the habit of bringing water (and snacks!) anytime you’re going hiking! So pack a water bottle too! You can fill up water bottle on the cruise ship at one of the free water stations in the buffet area.

 

Happy doing a Ketchikan rainforest hiking excursion!