ATV riding in Ketchikan: Tongass backcountry loop

You operate the vehicle on terrain most visitors never reach.

ATV riding in Ketchikan puts you behind the wheel of a Polaris RZR XP 1000 on a 14-mile mountain trail carved through Tongass National Forest, with sweeping views of Behm Canal and the Inside Passage. The experience includes a safety briefing, helmet and rain gear, transport from Ketchikan, and a guide who shares local insight at overlooks and wildlife stops. You must be at least 18 with a valid driver's license and 57 inches tall per Alaska State Law.

The experience

What separates this from a typical sightseeing tour is that you're in the driver's seat the whole time. After a scenic coastal drive and a safety meeting at the base camp, you get outfitted with a helmet, rain gear and safety glasses, then navigate the rugged 14-mile ascent yourself. The trail winds through dense rainforest, climbs steep terrain, and opens onto panoramic overlooks where your guide stops to point out eagles, bears and deer that live in the Tongass, along with views across Behm Canal to the Inside Passage.

The pace is set for comfort and safety, not speed. Your guide leads the way and handles the route while you focus on the driving: the winding dirt roads, the elevation gain, the technical sections. The whole experience runs about three and a half hours from start to finish. Transport by coach from Ketchikan to the base camp and back is included, so you don't need to arrange your own way there.

Weather in Southeast Alaska means you'll likely encounter rain, which is why the rain gear matters. The terrain itself gets muddy and wet, and the ride is physically demanding enough that you need at least moderate fitness and a stable spine. Minors as young as eight can come along, but they ride as passengers and must stay with an adult throughout.

What’s included

• Use of helmet, rain gear and safety glasses.
• air-conditioned coach transport between Ketchikan and the base camp.
• a safety briefing and guide who leads the trail and shares local insight at stops.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 Aug 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 28 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 19 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kawanti Adventures

Is this one for you?The three-and-a-half-hour commitment means you can fit this into a port day or a morning in Ketchikan and still have the afternoon free, but it's demanding enough that you'll want the rest of the day to recover. Book this if you want to operate the vehicle yourself rather than watch from a passenger seat, and if you're comfortable with rough terrain and Alaska weather.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride if I've never driven an ATV before?

Yes. The guide leads you through a safety briefing and sets a comfortable pace on the trail, so first-time drivers are welcome. You do need a valid driver's license and to be at least 18 years old.

What's the Tongass National Forest like when you're actually out there?

Tongass is temperate rainforest: dense trees, steep terrain, and frequent rain. The 14-mile trail climbs through it and opens onto high-elevation overlooks where you can see across Behm Canal and the Inside Passage. Wildlife like eagles, bears and deer live throughout the forest.

How much of the three and a half hours is actual driving versus stops?

Most of the time is spent on the trail itself. Your guide stops at panoramic overlooks to share local insight and point out wildlife, but the focus is on the drive, not on lengthy pauses.

What happens if the weather is really bad?

Rain gear is provided and the experience runs in typical Southeast Alaska weather. The trail is designed to handle wet conditions, and your guide adjusts the pace as needed for safety. Extreme weather would be communicated before your departure.

Do I need to be in great shape to do this?

You need at least moderate physical fitness. The ride involves navigating rough terrain and handling the vehicle for over three hours, and the trail includes elevation gain. The experience is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.