Ketchikan Rainforest Walk & Totem Park: Small group, local guide

Old growth forest, cascading creek, totem poles and the stories behind them

A 3-hour rainforest walk and Totem Park visit in Ketchikan led by a local guide with pickup at the cruise ship dock and groups of 11 or fewer. The nature trail climbs about 1.5 miles through moss-blanketed forest along a cascading creek to a waterfall viewing area, then moves to the Totem Park where the guide explains the carved poles and Alaska Native culture of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people. The trail has several sets of stairs and uphill and downhill sections. An easier 2-hour option without stairs is available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rainforest walk and Totem Park visit

• Pick up at cruise ship dock
• Walk rainforest trail with guide
• Stop at waterfall viewing area
• Visit Totem Park and Clan House
• Learn about Alaska Native culture

The experience

Ketchikan's rainforest walk starts at the cruise ship dock with pickup included, so you step straight into the day without arranging transport. The trail follows a cascading creek through old growth trees and moss-covered forest floor, climbing about 1.5 miles on gravel with several sets of stairs and uphill and downhill sections. Your local guide points out the flora as you walk and stops at a waterfall viewing area where the forest opens up.

After the hike, the tour moves to the Totem Park where the guide shares the stories carved into the majestic totem poles and explains the culture of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people. You step into a Clan House to learn how these resources and traditions shaped Alaska Native life. The group stays small (11 guests or fewer), so the guide can answer questions and move at a pace that lets you take in the details.

Bottled water and a hardy cookie are included, and the tour operates in all weather, so bring layers or rain gear. If the stairs and steep sections don't suit your pace, Wild Wolf Tours offers a 2-hour version on an easier trail without stairs or steep inclines.

What’s included

• Professional local guide leading the group.
• bottled water and a hardy cookie snack.
• pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship dock.
• small group of 11 guests or fewer.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Apr 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 24 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Wild Wolf Tours, LLC

Is this one for you?Most Ketchikan cruise tours pack you into larger groups and rush the stops. This one keeps the group to 11 or fewer and includes a local guide who shares the stories behind the totem poles and points out the forest resources as you walk, so you actually learn the place instead of just passing through it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What is the Totem Park and what will the guide explain there?

The Totem Park holds majestic carved totem poles that tell the stories of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people. Your guide walks you through the park and into a Clan House, explaining the meaning behind the poles and how these resources and traditions were vital to Alaska Native culture.

How difficult is the rainforest trail and what should I expect physically?

The trail is about 1.5 miles on gravel with several sets of stairs and uphill and downhill sections, so you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. If stairs and steep inclines aren't for you, the tour operator offers a 2-hour version on an easier trail without them.

Does the tour include pickup from my cruise ship?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship dock are included. At booking, you'll need to provide your specific ship name so the guide can meet you at the right time.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional local guide, bottled water, a hardy cookie snack, pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship dock, and the small group experience with 11 guests or fewer.

What should I wear and bring?

Dress in layers for Alaska weather and bring rain gear, since the tour operates in all weather. The operator has rain ponchos and umbrellas available if you need them.