Ketchikan Alaska Native cultural tour: Totem Bight and wildlife

Totem poles carved in cedar tell stories of salmon, fog and family that have survived generations.

A three-hour guided tour of Ketchikan led by Alaska Native (Haida) guides explores Totem Bight State Historical Park, the rainforest ecosystem, and three wildlife viewing stops for bears, eagles and salmon. The tour includes binoculars, bottled water, a granola bar on request, and an umbrella. Children are welcome from age 4, and all vans are equipped with microphones so every traveler hears the narration clearly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Port of Ketchikan20m
2. Totem Bight State Historical ParkEntry included40m
3. Creek Street5m

Ketchikan cultural and wildlife tour

• See Ketchikan city highlights
• Walk rainforest trail to Clan House
• Explore Totem Bight State Historical Park
• View salmon ladder at Ketchikan Creek
• Spot bears and eagles at viewing area
• Stop at historic Creek Street

The experience

The tour starts at the Port of Ketchikan and moves through the city highlights before heading into the Tongass rainforest. A short walk beneath the canopy leads to the Clan House, a traditional home where Haida clan leaders and their families once lived and passed down teachings across generations. Outside stand the totem poles (the Devil Fish Pole and the Raven-Fog Woman Totem Pole among them) each one a carved story. Your guide explains how Fog Woman gave the people the gift of returning salmon each spring, summer and fall, and the forest itself becomes part of that story as you walk.

The route then follows Ketchikan Creek through Tlingit Town and past city parks on the way to three wildlife viewing stops: the salmon ladder (best viewed June through September, where you watch black bears and mother bears with cubs fish for salmon), Herring Cove, and other spots where eagles are often seen and heard. The van travels slowly enough that your guide can point out medicinal plants and edible berries as you move through the rainforest. A final stop at Creek Street includes historical facts about Ketchikan before statehood.

All vans are equipped with microphones, so narration reaches everyone clearly even on longer stretches. Binoculars are provided, and bottled water and a granola bar are available on request. The tour is designed so no questions go unanswered. Your guide is there to explain the culture, history and ecology of the region as the day unfolds.

What’s included

• Binoculars.
• bottled water and granola bar on request.
• umbrella.
• van equipped with microphone narration.
• guide narration in English throughout the three-hour tour.

Information

Lasts 3h, from US$ 98 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 11 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 20277 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 115 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.4 with pickup ›

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Clan House Tours LLC

Is this one for you?The tour involves a short walk on a rainforest trail and getting in and out of a van multiple times, so you'll need to move with relative ease. A step stool is available if you need it. Small groups and the microphone system mean you hear everything clearly without straining to keep up with the guide.

Traveler reviews

4.48★★★★★★★★★★

367 verified traveler reviews

5 ★281

4 ★28

3 ★28

2 ★13

1 ★17

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I actually see at Totem Bight State Historical Park?

Totem Bight holds a reconstructed Clan House (a traditional home where Haida clan leaders and extended families lived and taught their children), and standing totem poles carved in cedar. The Devil Fish Pole and Raven-Fog Woman Totem Pole are explained by your guide, along with the stories of how these carvings record family history and the gifts the land provides, like the salmon that return each season.

How likely am I to see bears and eagles on this tour?

The tour includes three stops specifically for wildlife viewing, including a bear viewing area where black bears and mother bears with cubs fish for salmon, and Herring Cove and other spots where eagles are often seen and heard. The best time to see salmon spawning is June through September, which also draws the bears.

What's included in the three hours?

The tour includes binoculars, bottled water and a granola bar on request, and an umbrella. All vans have microphones so you hear the guide's narration clearly throughout the stops at the Port of Ketchikan, Totem Bight, the salmon ladder, bear viewing areas, and Creek Street.

What should I know about the rainforest walk?

The walk to the Clan House beneath the Tongass rainforest canopy is short. Your guide points out native plants, fungi and the ecosystem that supports the salmon and the people who depend on them. A step stool is available if you need help getting in and out of the van.