ATV riding in Ketchikan: George Inlet Fjords & Mahoney Lake

You operate the UTV on mountain trails carved through old-growth forest and fjord country.

ATV riding in Ketchikan takes you behind the wheel of a UTV on off-road trails through the George Inlet Fjords and Tongass National Forest, ending at Mahoney Lake with several stops for scenery and wildlife along the way. The activity runs roughly four hours and includes a guide, lunch (smokin' reindeer link or vegan chili), and the chance to trade off driving with your group. Children from age 8 are welcome, and you'll need moderate fitness for the terrain and the physical demands of operating the vehicle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Off-road UTV tour and sightseeing

• Drive UTV through George Inlet Fjords
• Explore Tongass National Forest trails
• Stop for wildlife viewing
• Visit Mahoney Lake
• Enjoy lunch with reindeer link or vegan chili
• See downtown Ketchikan shops and landmarks
• Spot Ward Cove Pulp Mill

The Experience

You drive the UTV yourself on mountain trails that wind through the Tongass National Forest and the George Inlet Fjords. The route passes Ward Cove and the Port of Ketchikan area before heading into the backcountry toward Mahoney Lake. A guide leads the way and handles the logistics, so you focus on the driving and the landscape rolling past. If you're riding with someone else, you can trade off at stops, which means both of you get time behind the wheel.

The trail has several stops built in to let you step out, take in the scenery and watch for wildlife. Lunch happens somewhere in the middle—smokin' reindeer link on a warm bun or a cup of simmering vegan chili, with coffee, tea and water available throughout the day. You'll get dirty; the operator recommends dressing for that. The whole outing takes roughly four hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the trailhead.
• your own UTV to drive with the option to trade off with your group.
• a guide leading the route through the George Inlet Fjords and Tongass National Forest.
• lunch (smokin' reindeer link or vegan chili).
• coffee, tea and water throughout the outing.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ketchikan AdventureVue

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to drive the UTV yourself rather than ride as a passenger—you'll take turns at the wheel with your group.

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Top questions

What's the terrain like on the UTV trails near Ketchikan?

The trails run through mountainous country in the Tongass National Forest and the George Inlet Fjords, mixing forest riding with views toward Mahoney Lake. The path is off-road and uneven, which is why moderate physical fitness matters and why you should dress for getting dirty.

Can I trade off driving with someone in my group?

Yes, guests can trade off operating the UTV, so if you're riding with a partner or friend, you both get time behind the wheel at the stops along the way.

What does lunch include on this ATV ride?

Lunch is a smokin' reindeer link served on a warm bun or a cup of simmering vegan chili, with coffee, tea and water available throughout the outing.

Is this ATV riding suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 8 and up. They need to be comfortable operating the UTV and have at least moderate physical fitness for the terrain and the duration.

What should I wear for this activity?

Dress for getting dirty—the trails are off-road and you'll be exposed to mud and dust. Wear sturdy clothes and closed-toe shoes; the operator will provide any safety gear needed for operating the UTV.