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A Rainforest Walk
Inside a Green Jewel
A Walk into the Tongass National Forest
the biggest temperate rainforest in the work -- a green jewel
Walk through a deep green forest with an expert in temperate rain-forest ecology
Imagine this forest. The branches above are twisted spidery "witches fingers" (a reaction to dwarf mistletoe), and all the branches are hung with "Witches Hair" lichens. The air is wet, and fragrant with the smell of the mosses that cover all the ground and fallen trees. Bright flowers poke up everywhere. Sunbeams slant through the canopy, and fairy dust sparkles. A tiny Pacific Wren sings its beautiful wee song - welcome to the Tongass Rain Forest.
There are about 50 wooden steps here, but it is a moderate to easy walk for people in good health. We will walk slowly and quietly, listening for wildlife.
Itinerary:
I am happy to customize this tour to your needs and interests. Message me about changing the number of people, or the duration of the tour, or any other details.
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I will meet you at the exit ramp from the ship. We will take a short walk to my vehicle.
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Then around Ketchikan, looking at some totem poles and Ketchikan Creek. After July there are salmon here.
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Then North, looking at "Newtown": North Ketchikan, The Airport, and Wolfe Point.
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Then to the North End of Tongass Highway
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We enter the Tongass Forest proper, and go down Lunch Creek
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We pass the waterfall and down to the river's Inlet.
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Cross a wooden bridge over the River. In August there is a huge salmon run here. Sometimes we see bears.
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We go deeper into the forest then turn out onto Settlers Cove.
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If the tide is out, we walk along the shore to the mouth of the River, where we can get up close to the Salmon.
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Back up the hill and stairs to Tongass Highway.
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Back to Ketchikan and town.
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Duration: 3.5 hours.
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End of tour:
After the tour, I will take you back to your ship (or, if you want to go shopping, to the best shopping area near the ship). I will make sure you are back before your onboard time.
Details:
Start, End Location, and Duration
Meeting location: I will meet you at the exit ramp from the ship. I shall carry a big sign with your name on it, or I shall wear distinctive clothes (often I wear a kilt!). Don't worry about delays at the ramp, and don't hurry -- you are on vacation, and I won't start the tour without you! You can always call me on my cell -- the number will be on your booking confirmation sheet.
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End location: I will take you back to your ship (or, if you want to go shopping, to the best shopping area near the ship). I will make sure you are back by your onboard time.
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Durations:
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3 hours 30 min (or longer if we book that)
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What’s Included
Transportation, and all entrance fees. I also carry water in the car.
Estimated Local Cash Needed
5 USD - only if you plan to pick up juice or a snack along the way. If we plan to stop for lunch, you might need $30-$50 for lunch. I will take care of any additional fees, (entrance fees, museum costs, etc.)
What’s Extra
Other than snack money, you need nothing else. But you might want to bring binoculars, a camera, some good walking shoes, some layered clothing, a raincoat, a hat, and some sunscreen for the occasional sunny day we get here.
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Transportation:
​I conduct small tours in my personal minibus – a 2025 Toyota Sienna. There is one driver seat and six passenger seats: 1 up front, 2 bucket seats second row, and 3 row seats in the third row (the middle one is for a skinny person). I can fold away a back seat or two if we need to carry a wheelchair or scooter (I am happy to do so).
I can arrange for a larger vehicle, if needed, but that will increase the price of the tour (call or email for details). I have room in the hatchback for lots of bags, a wheelchair, or a mobility scooter (that can disassemble). I am happy to set up a tour for someone who has difficulties walking, but the person must be able to climb in and out of an SUV, with a stool and assistance.
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A Recent Review of this tour
★★★★★
#1 request... SEE A BEAR! With no guarantee from him, we hooked up anyway. What a day we had. We saw a mama bear and her cub, then we saw 3 bears, you know, THE 3 BEARS! Papa, mama and baby bear. So so cool! Then we ate crab and more crab and more until I couldn't take another bite. Our rain forest hike was off the beaten track and so unbelievably gorgeous. We finished the day at a local art project. We watched locals paint real dead fish!!! Then make artistic bags. Great private tour and guide!
Maryann Stanger
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