Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike: Small-Group Ecotour

Pedal to the rain forest edge, then walk where salmon spawn and waterfalls meet the coast

This 4-hour ecotour combines an electric bike ride along the "road to nowhere" with a guided hike through Tongass National Forest in Ketchikan. You pedal to the trailhead on a scenic coastal route, then walk a maintained trail beside an active salmon stream, past a waterfall and beach overlooks where black bears and marine mammals sometimes appear. The tour stays under 10 people, includes roundtrip transport from the cruise docks, and ends with smoked salmon and vegan snacks at the marina.

Step-by-step itinerary

Electric bike ride and rainforest hike

• Ride electric bikes to trailhead
• Hike guided trail in Tongass Forest
• View waterfall and beach wildlife
• Return bike ride to marina
• Enjoy smoked salmon snacks and beverages

The Experience

You arrive at the Ketchikan cruise docks or Ward Cove and get picked up for transport to the marina. From there, you ride electric-assist bicycles on the "road to nowhere"—a scenic route that dead-ends at the edge of Tongass National Forest. The e-bikes let you choose how much pedal assist you want, so the effort is yours to set; they have step-through frames and are quiet enough that you notice the ocean views and the forest closing in as you ride. The road itself is half the adventure, and the group stays small—no more than 10 people—so nobody gets lost in a crowd.

At the trailhead, you leave the bikes and hike a well-maintained loop through the dense rainforest with a local guide. The trail runs beside an active salmon spawning stream, and a waterfall appears along the path. The forest floor is thick with flora and fauna; depending on the season, you might see deer or salmon moving upstream. The loop also opens onto beach views where intertidal creatures live in the rocks, and the coast is where black bears, seals, sea lions, porpoises and sometimes humpback whales or orcas show up. With nearly 200 inches of rain annually, the rainforest is always changing—what grows and what moves through it shifts with the season.

After the hike, you cycle back to the marina. Smoked salmon snacks, vegan options and beverages are waiting; you eat and rest before the return transport to the cruise docks. The tour runs rain or shine, and excellent rain gear is provided if you need it. Minimum age is 16.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transport from the cruise docks.
• electric-assist bicycles with step-through frames.
• a guided hike through Tongass National Forest with a local educator.
• smoked salmon, vegan snacks and beverages at the marina.
• rain gear if needed.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Ketchikan Kayak Company

Is this one for you?You have a few hours between ship arrival and departure and want to see the rainforest without renting a car or building an itinerary yourself. The small group, included transport and fixed route mean the day holds together without negotiation—you show up, ride, hike and eat, and the guide handles the rest.

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Top questions

What is the "road to nowhere" and why ride it on an e-bike?

The road to nowhere is a scenic coastal route in Ketchikan that dead-ends at the Tongass National Forest boundary. E-bikes let you cover the distance to the trailhead without exhaustion, so you arrive ready to hike instead of tired from the ride, and the ocean views along the way are part of the experience itself.

Will I see bears or whales on this tour?

Black bears, seals, sea lions and porpoises live along the Ketchikan coast and in the forest, and sightings are not unusual, especially during salmon season. Humpback whales and orcas appear sometimes. The guide will point out what moves through the area and explain the ecosystem, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

How much pedaling do I actually do on the e-bike?

You pedal the e-bike and shift gears like a regular bicycle. The electric assist has multiple levels, so you choose how much help you want—you can make it easy or work harder depending on your preference. Pedaling is necessary, but the assist means you set the effort.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs in rain, and excellent rain gear is provided if you need it. Southeast Alaska gets nearly 200 inches of rain annually, so the rainforest thrives in wet conditions—rain does not cancel the tour.

How do I get from the cruise ship to the tour?

Roundtrip transport is included from both the Downtown Cruise docks and the New Dock at Ward Cove. The operator picks you up, takes you to the marina to start the e-bike ride, and returns you to the docks after the snacks.

What is included after the hike?

Smoked salmon snacks, local vegan options and beverages are provided at the marina after you return from the hike. You rest and eat before the return transport to the cruise docks.