Ketchikan rainforest walk: Lunch Creek Falls & wildlife

A mile through temperate rainforest ends at a cove where whales actually show up.

A 3-hour small-group rainforest walk in Ketchikan takes you by van to Lunch Creek Falls Trailhead, then through a mile of Tongass National Rainforest to a coastal cove where marine wildlife congregates. The tour stays under 10 guests, includes a local guide, van transport, ponchos, hiking poles, water and snacks, and picks you up at your cruise dock. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rainforest and beach exploration

• Meet at cruise dock
• Scenic van ride to Lunch Creek Falls Trailhead
• Walk through temperate rainforest
• Stop at Lunch Creek Falls for photos
• Hike 1-mile loop on Lunch Falls Trail
• Descend to beach and explore cove
• Whale and marine wildlife watching

The Experience

You arrive at Ketchikan's cruise dock with a free afternoon and no car. The tour meets you there—or at Ward Cove if that's where your tender lands—and a van carries you north to the Lunch Creek Falls Trailhead. The drive takes about an hour, which gives the guide time to talk about what you're about to walk through and what to watch for once you're in it.

The hike itself is an easy mile loop through the Tongass rainforest, surrounded by towering evergreens. You stop at Lunch Creek Falls, where water cascades beneath a wooden bridge—the kind of spot where photos actually work. Then the trail descends to the beach and a cove where the water is calm enough to watch for whales, sea otters and other marine life moving through their day. You get time to explore the shoreline, and the guide stays close enough to answer questions and point out what's moving in the water.

The operator supplies ponchos, hiking poles, bottled water and snacks, so you're not figuring out what to bring or stopping to buy gear. Groups max out at 10 people, which means you're not walking in a line of thirty. The van ride back to the dock takes the second hour, and you're back in time for dinner or to catch the ship.

What’s included

• Van pickup at your cruise dock.
• local guide in English.
• ponchos and hiking poles.
• bottled water and snacks.
• small-group format with a maximum of 10 people.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by WildView Alaska Tours

Is this one for you?Cruise passengers with a few hours between dock time and departure get picked up at the ship, driven straight to the trailhead, and returned on schedule—no rental car, no navigation, no guessing whether you'll make it back in time.

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Top questions

How hard is the Lunch Creek Falls hike?

The trail is an easy 1-mile loop through the rainforest with a descent to the beach at the end. It's suitable for all fitness levels, though the operator does not recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What wildlife might I actually see on this tour?

The cove is a prime spot for whale watching and observing sea life in their natural habitat. The guide will point out what's moving in the water and in the trees, but sightings depend on the day and the season.

Do I need to bring my own hiking boots and rain gear?

Hiking poles and ponchos are provided. You'll want sturdy shoes with good grip for the wet rainforest floor, but the operator supplies the rain protection.

Can my 6-year-old come on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 5, so your child can join. The easy terrain and small group size make it manageable for younger hikers, though parents should be comfortable with a mile walk on a forest trail.

What's included in the price?

Van transport from your cruise dock, the local guide, ponchos, hiking poles, bottled water and snacks are all included. The tour runs 3 hours total, with about an hour of driving and an hour of hiking.