Ketchikan: Mahoney Lake UTV Off-Road Tour & Lunch

Summary

Off-road adventure through Tongass forest to Mahoney Lake

You’ll grip the wheel on rugged trails through Tongass Forest, swap stories with your guide near Ward Cove, and warm up lakeside with reindeer sausage or vegan chili. Expect muddy boots, real laughter, and moments of quiet by Mahoney Lake—this off-road UTV tour is less about perfect photos and more about feeling Alaska for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I honestly didn’t expect the first big splash of mud — it hit my jacket before we’d even left the gravel behind. Our guide (Tom? Todd? I was still waking up) grinned and just said, “That’s how you know you’re in Alaska.” The UTV rumbled under us as we climbed out of Ketchikan, past those old totem poles and the sleepy shops near Ward Cove. I could smell pine needles crushed under our wheels, and every so often a cold wind would cut through the trees. You know that feeling when you’re not sure if your hands are cold or just excited?

We stopped a couple times for Tom to point out something — once it was an eagle perched above the pulp mill, another time he told us about how this whole area used to be busy with logging trucks. The trail twisted deeper into Tongass National Forest, and there were moments where all you heard was the engine humming and some distant bird calls. At one point, I tried to switch seats with my friend so she could drive — not as easy as it sounds with muddy boots and laughter echoing off the trees. The keyword here really is “off-road UTV tour” because you do get bounced around a bit (in a good way), but it never felt unsafe.

By the time we reached Mahoney Lake, my face hurt from smiling and maybe from the wind too. The water was glassy and quiet except for someone skipping stones (not me — mine sank immediately). Lunch was smokin’ reindeer sausage on a bun, steaming in the chilly air, or vegan chili if you wanted it. Honestly? That sausage tasted better than anything I’ve had at home, maybe because I could still smell woodsmoke from somewhere nearby. Coffee never tasted so good either — maybe it’s just being outside that does it.

I keep thinking about that moment when everything went quiet by the lake except for our group chatting low over lunch. It’s not polished or fancy out here — you’ll probably get dirty (I did), but somehow that made it feel more real. If you’re looking for something smooth or predictable, this isn’t it… but if you want a day trip from Ketchikan that actually feels like Alaska, well… yeah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Off-road UTV tour to Mahoney Lake

• Drive UTV through George Inlet Fjords
• Explore Tongass National Forest trails
• Stop for wildlife and scenery viewing
• Enjoy lunch with reindeer link or vegan chili
• Pass by Downtown Ketchikan landmarks
• Spot Ward Cove Pulp Mill

Top questions

How long does the Mahoney Lake UTV tour take?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours including stops for wildlife viewing and lunch at Mahoney Lake.

Is lunch included on this Ketchikan off-road UTV tour?

Yes, lunch is included—choose between a smokin’ reindeer link on a bun or vegan chili plus coffee, tea or water.

Can guests drive their own UTVs during this tour?

Yes, guests drive their own UTVs and can trade off driving during the tour.

Is pickup included for this day trip from downtown Ketchikan?

The tour includes private transportation; details on pickup location are provided after booking.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will I get dirty during the Mahoney Lake off-road UTV tour?

You might! Muddy trails are part of the experience—dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.

What wildlife might I see on this Tongass Forest UTV trip?

You may spot eagles and other local wildlife along the route; sightings can vary by season.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Ketchikan to Ward Cove and into Tongass National Forest; guests take turns driving their own UTVs along mountain trails toward Mahoney Lake; enjoy a hot lunch with your choice of smokin’ reindeer link or vegan chili plus coffee, tea or water before heading back through forest scenery in comfort.