Ketchikan, often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” isn’t just a cruise port—it’s a gateway to some of Southeast Alaska’s most striking wilderness. What makes this small town special for hiking and trekking is its proximity to the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S., with lush old-growth trees, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Unlike other destinations, Ketchikan offers a mix of guided hikes, bike-and-hike combos, and off-the-beaten-path treks, all designed to give you a genuine taste of Alaskan nature. Whether you’re after a gentle walk along a creek or a challenging mountain ascent, the options here aren’t just scenic—they’re immersive.
Many tours are tailored for small groups, ensuring more personal attention and a richer experience. Some include cultural insights, like visiting Native villages, while others focus solely on the wilderness. Since port times are often limited, these tours are crafted to maximize your time in this stunning environment. Ready to explore? Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the eight best hiking and trekking tours in Ketchikan, each with its own unique appeal.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of guided adventures, from electric bike and rainforest hikes to mountain treks and cultural excursions. Some stand out for their small group size and personalized touches, like the Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour, which combines biking to the “road to nowhere” with a lush rainforest trek. Others, such as the Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute, offer more challenging mountain hikes with spectacular views. For a mix of history, culture, and nature, the Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike brings in native traditions along with scenic exploration. Each option provides a distinctive way to experience Ketchikan’s wilderness and local culture.
1. Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour
At number 1, the Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour stands out for its combination of bike riding and guided nature hiking. This tour will take you along the infamous “road to nowhere,” riding battery-powered electric bikes to the end of Ketchikan’s paved road system—an activity that’s gentle on your legs but big on scenery. Once at the trailhead, you’ll dismount for a guided hike through the Tongass National Forest—a rainforest that receives nearly 200 inches of rain annually, making it the greenest landscape you’ll see.
The hike passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, and areas offering beach views and dense foliage teeming with native wildlife. Guides are small-group oriented, which means you get personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions about local plants, animals, and conservation efforts. The tour’s reviews highlight how smooth the bike ride is—especially with electric assist bikes that make hills feel like flat ground—and many travelers mention the thrill of spotting wildlife such as deer and salmon. The experience costs $161 per person for about four hours of adventure, perfect for those who want a mix of active exploration without overexertion.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want a balanced experience of cycling and rainforest trekking in a small-group setting. Highly rated and packed with highlights, this tour is ideal for outdoor lovers who appreciate a passionate guide.
2. Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour, a focused walk into ancient forests of the Tongass. Starting with a scenic 40-minute drive, this small-group hike explores Sitka spruce and western red cedar, some of the largest trees you’ll see in Southeast Alaska. The trail stretches about 3.6 miles, winding alongside a river and past waterfalls that add to the peaceful atmosphere.
Led by guide Teague, a local with over 25 years of experience, this tour prioritizes ecological education and conservation. You’ll learn about the flora and fauna, and get insights into endangered forest protection efforts. The trail is mostly flat, with some stairs at the beginning, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Visitors rave about Teague’s knowledge—“This was probably our best tour” and “Teague gave us a good sense of history and ecology,” reflect the reviews. The tour includes park admission and trekking poles, simplifying your experience.
At $185 for roughly 3.5 hours, the value lies in the small group size (up to 7 people), which fosters a more intimate and educational environment. If you want a relaxing, informative hike through truly majestic old-growth forests, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers interested in ecology and old-growth forests, especially those who value personalized guidance and sustainable practices.
3. Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute
The Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute provides an opportunity for more rugged hikers eager to see spectacular mountain scenery. This 3-hour, 4-mile roundtrip hike begins with a scenic drive followed by a trail that climbs through old-growth Sitka spruce and offers panoramic views from 1,100 feet elevation. The path is a mix of gravel, large rocks, and roots, making it suitable for those comfortable with a moderate level of effort.
The highlight is reaching the bottom of the avalanche chute, a rare sight that only two tours per day are allowed to access. Guides, like Teague, who also runs the tour, have a knack for sharing ecology and local lore—the kind that sticks with you long after the hike ends. Reviewers mention the incredible scenery and how the hot peppermint tea at the top made the effort even more worthwhile. The tour includes air-conditioned transfers and trekking poles, making it convenient for travelers who want a comfortable yet active outing.
Costing $185, this tour is best suited for fit travelers wanting to combine mountain views with forest exploration. The limited daily permits make it special—fewer crowds, more tranquility.
Bottom Line: For those eager to combine mountain vistas with a manageable trek, this tour offers a memorable peek into Alaska’s rugged interior.
4. Ketchikan: Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike
Next up is the quite unique Ketchikan: Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike. This tour combines a guided ATV ride through mossy rainforest trails with a hiking component into Bigfoot lore territory. Starting with an adventure-packed ATV ride, you’ll cross bridges, navigate gravel trails, and learn about the infamous sasquatch stomping grounds from knowledgeable guides.
Afterward, a guided hike takes you deeper into the forest, with chances to spot wildlife or even capture the full-size Bigfoot replica. The tour emphasizes local stories and ecology, with participants raving about the hot chocolate break and the informative guides. Priced at $149 for about 2.5 hours, it’s ideal for families or those wanting a combination of adventure and storytelling.
The tour’s small-group format enhances interaction and safety. While it involves some off-road riding and walking, most of the terrain is groomed, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors. The mix of nature, lore, and fun makes this tour stand out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or those curious about Bigfoot, this tour offers a lighthearted yet informative experience in the lush Tongass.
5. Private Ketchikan Mountain Lake Extended Trek to Alpine Overlook
For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, the Private Ketchikan Mountain Lake Extended Trek to Alpine Overlook offers a personalized adventure led by the owner, Teague. This extended hike covers about 5.5 miles roundtrip, climbing about 1,100 feet to a high point at 1,600 feet. The payoff? 360-degree views of surrounding mountains, the lake, and Tongass Narrows.
This tour is only available once a day, making it a rare opportunity. It begins with a scenic forest walk through old-growth Sitka spruce and western red cedar, then ascends through a more natural trail with large rocks and roots. The guide emphasizes mindfulness and forest conservation as you explore. The small group size (up to 7) ensures a highly personal experience.
Participants should be prepared for a moderately strenuous hike but are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas and the chance to connect more deeply with the Alaskan wilderness. It costs $476.45, reflecting its exclusivity and length.
Bottom Line: Best suited for avid hikers wanting a customized, high-elevation experience with magnificent views.
6. Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion
Adding a cultural dimension, the Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike combines a visit to Metlakatla, the only Native reserve in Alaska, with a hike along Yellow Hill Trail. This 4-hour tour offers insights into Alaska’s indigenous traditions while enjoying stunning panoramic views. The highlight is the Tsimshian dance at the community longhouse, which adds a rich cultural layer to your outdoor experience.
The tour also includes a scenic cruise and opportunities to spot wildlife like eagles and seabirds. While there are no reviews listed, the itinerary promises a deep cultural connection and a chance to understand indigenous history that’s often overlooked. The tour is suitable for those with an interest in native cultures or wanting a combination of outdoor activity and culture.
For around $260, the value lies in the combination of hike, culture, and scenery. It’s best suited for history and culture buffs who want to break from traditional nature hikes.
Bottom Line: A unique blend of cultural insights and scenic hiking, ideal for travelers wanting a more meaningful experience.
7. Beautiful Hike on Tongass National Forest’s Lunch Creek Trail
Number 7 is the Beautiful Hike on Tongass National Forest’s Lunch Creek Trail. This 4-hour trail winds through dense old-growth forests of hemlock, cedar, and Sitka spruce, following the creek upstream. The trail offers a peaceful, immersive experience into Southeast Alaska’s lush landscape.
While detailed descriptions are limited, this hike is known for its serene environment and the chance to see native flora and perhaps some wildlife. It’s a straightforward trail suitable for most fitness levels, with a focus on enjoying the quiet beauty of the forest. The itinerary emphasizes a slow pace, allowing hikers to pause, take photos, and listen to the sounds of nature.
At $156 per person, it’s a very reasonable option for those wanting a timeless forest walk without the need for technical skills or strenuous effort.
Bottom Line: Perfect for relaxing nature lovers seeking a gentle, scenic walk through Tongass’s impressive old-growth trees.
8. Explore Tongass National Forest on Connell Lake Trail Hike
Finally, the Explore Tongass National Forest on Connell Lake Trail Hike offers a 3.5-hour journey through moss-covered landscapes alongside Connell Lake. The trail features stunning views of Brown Mountain and the surrounding forests, with plenty of spots for photos.
This hike is praised for its calm atmosphere and beautiful vistas, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts who want to experience Alaska’s wilderness at a comfortable pace. The trail is relatively accessible and includes views of both lake and mountain, providing a well-rounded picture of the region’s scenic diversity.
At $156, it is comparable in price to Lunch Creek and offers a peaceful, less crowded environment. It’s a good pick for those who prefer less technical hikes but still want to enjoy the beauty of Tongass.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for easygoing hikers seeking picturesque scenery and tranquil forest views.
How to Choose the Right Hiking or Trekking Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your fitness level, interests, and time available. If you’re after a balanced experience with a mix of biking and rainforests, the ecotour is hard to beat. For a more immersive hike into ancient forests, the Old-Growth Creek Trek offers personal guidance and ecological insights.
If mountain vistas are your goal, the Mountain Lake Trek and the Private Mountain Lake Overlook provide different levels of challenge—one more moderate and the other more exclusive and strenuous. For those interested in cultural experiences, the Alaska Historical Tour combines outdoor activity with native traditions.
Consider your budget, physical fitness, and interest in wildlife or culture when choosing. All tours are best booked early, especially in peak summer months, to secure limited permits and small-group sizes.
Final thoughts
Ketchikan offers a surprising range of hiking and trekking adventures, from accessible forest walks to challenging mountain climbs. If you’re after an adventure that combines scenery and storytelling, the Bigfoot ATV and Hike will amuse the family. For a more reflective experience in ancient woods, the Old-Growth Creek Trek is hard to beat. And if you want to reach high vantage points, the Extended Mountain Lake Trek rewards planning with breathtaking views.
No matter which tour you pick, early booking is recommended to ensure you get your preferred date and group size. These tours promise not just scenery, but real connection with Alaska’s wild landscape. Happy hiking!