Ketchikan: Jeep Safari & Canoe Lake Tour with Guide

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1/9

Duration4h

GroupUp to 40

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Jeep safari through tongass forest then canoe lake harriet hunt with snacks and nature walk

You’ll drive your own Jeep through Tongass National Forest’s winding trails before paddling a traditional canoe across Lake Harriet Hunt. Share laughs (and snacks) at camp by the water, then follow your guide into deep green forest for a short nature walk. Expect surprises—sometimes small ones stay with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep and canoe adventure in Ketchikan

Drive Jeep through Tongass National Forest
Listen to guide's commentary via radio
Stop for views and photos
Arrive at Lake Harriet Hunt
Paddle Native-style canoe across lake
Enjoy Alaskan snack at camp
Take nature walk in old-growth forest
Return to pier by motor coach

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the sound — tires crunching over gravel as we bumped along those back roads in Tongass National Forest. I’d never driven a Jeep on trails like that before, and honestly, it felt kind of wild to be behind the wheel, radio crackling with our guide’s voice. He kept tossing out little facts about the old-growth trees and how the light shifts here — sometimes you catch a bald eagle just sitting up there, looking annoyed that you noticed him. We took turns driving (I almost missed a turn because I was staring at moss hanging from a branch), but no one seemed to mind.

When we reached Lake Harriet Hunt, everything went quiet for a second — like even the birds were waiting to see what we’d do next. The canoes were bigger than I expected, painted dark and smooth to the touch. Paddling out felt steady, not rushed, and there was this smell of wet cedar that stuck to my hands. Our guide told us how these Alaska Native-style canoes were designed for speed and stability; I tried to imagine crossing this lake in winter. We laughed when someone splashed too hard (not me this time), and for a minute it was just paddles dipping, water moving under us.

On the other side, there was coffee brewing at camp — smoky and strong — plus some sort of salmon snack that tasted way better than it looked (I still think about that flavor). We wandered into the forest for a short hike; our guide pointed out tiny mushrooms poking through mossy logs and explained how everything here is layered: new growth over old, soft ground under your boots. It’s funny how you start noticing details when you slow down long enough. The ride back to Ketchikan was quieter; maybe everyone was tired or just letting it all sink in.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Ketchikan port, all necessary equipment for both Jeep driving and canoeing, guidance from local experts throughout each part of the journey, plus an Alaskan snack and hot drinks at lakeside camp before returning by coach in comfort.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Alaska Travel Adventures Inc.