Ketchikan: Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Small Group Tour

Summary

Alaska’s mossy trails, totem poles and waterfall pauses in ketchikan

You’ll breathe in Ketchikan’s rainforest air on a small group walk among mossy trees and waterfalls, guided by a local who shares stories about Alaska Native culture at Totem Park. With pickup from your cruise dock and snacks included, this tour feels personal—leaving you with muddy boots and maybe a new word or two in Tlingit.

What’s the experience like?

I started the morning thinking it’d just be another cruise port stop—rain jacket on, coffee still warming my hands. But the air in Ketchikan was different: sharp, green, almost sweet from all that rain. Our guide, Jamie (she grew up here—her boots looked older than me), met us right at the dock. There were only six of us, which felt like cheating after those big bus crowds. We piled into her van and wound out of town fast; you could see the trees closing in before we even stopped.

The rainforest trail was soft underfoot—moss everywhere, even hanging off branches like fuzzy scarves. Jamie pointed out skunk cabbage (I laughed at the name but yeah, it does smell weird if you crush it) and told us how locals used devil’s club for everything from tea to medicine. I tried to imagine living here through winter. The creek ran beside us most of the way, louder than I expected. At one point we paused by a waterfall—just stood there listening to nothing but water and wind for a bit too long, but nobody wanted to move first.

Later at Totem Park, Jamie showed us carvings taller than any of us—she knew all their stories by heart. She even taught me how to say “thank you” in Tlingit (I probably butchered it; she smiled anyway). The clan house smelled like cedar inside—warm and earthy—and I kept running my hand along the wood just because it felt good. We finished with cookies and bottled water back at the van; honestly I didn’t expect much from a “hardy cookie,” but it hit the spot after all those stairs. My legs were tired but my head felt clear in that quiet way you only get after walking somewhere old and green.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rainforest walk and Totem Park visit

• Walk rainforest trail by cascading creek
• Stop at waterfall viewing area
• Visit Totem Park with local guide
• Enter Clan House and learn culture

Top questions

How long is the rainforest walk on this Ketchikan tour?

The rainforest walk covers about 1.5 miles on gravel trails with some stairs and hills.

Is pickup included for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship dock are included in your booking.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll get bottled water and a hardy cookie as part of your day trip.

What will I learn about at Totem Park?

Your guide shares stories behind the totem poles and explains Alaska Native culture including Tlingit traditions.

How many people are on each Wild Wolf Tours group?

Tours are limited to 11 guests or fewer for a small group experience.

What should I wear for this Ketchikan rainforest hike?

Dress for rain and cool weather; rain ponchos or umbrellas are available if needed.

Is there an easier version of this tour without stairs?

Yes, there’s a 2-hour version on an easier trail without stairs or steep inclines—see their other listing.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at your cruise ship dock, guided rainforest walk with plenty of stories from a local expert, entry to Totem Park with time inside a traditional clan house, bottled water to keep you going, plus one surprisingly good cookie before heading back into town together.