Ketchikan Zipline & Canopy Ropes Course: Rainforest Adventure

Soaring Through 650-Year-Old Cedars in Ketchikan's Rainforest

You get picked up at the Port of Ketchikan, geared up in a forest pavilion, and sent into the canopy on eight ropes and seven ziplines strung between 650-year-old cedars. You swing, balance, and glide 45 feet above the ground, with one zipline taking you out over the water to a platform suspended above the inlet. All safety gear is included, and the schedule is timed so you're back at your ship before it leaves port.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rainforest canopy ropes and zipline adventure

• Walk under cedar canopy
• Enter forest pavilion and gear up
• Climb 45 feet into canopy
• Visit 650-year-old trees
• Zipline over water
• Stand on unique water platform

The experience

You step off the cruise ship and into a shuttle that takes you straight to the forest pavilion. Within minutes you're geared up (harness, helmet, carabiners all checked), and walking under a canopy of massive cedars that have been standing for centuries. The rainforest closes in around you, and then you're climbing into the trees, 45 feet up, where the real course begins. Eight different canopy ropes and seven ziplines connect the platforms, and you move between them at your own pace, suspended above the ground with nothing but the forest floor far below and the sound of water in the distance.

The ropes course itself is a mix of swinging and gliding. You'll traverse cables strung between ancient trees, some of them requiring balance and upper body strength, others pure momentum and nerve. The ziplines are the payoff. You lean back, push off, and accelerate over the canopy, the wind rushing past. One of them takes you out over the water, and you land on a platform that juts out over the inlet, your feet dangling above the surface. It's the kind of moment that makes your legs feel light for a minute afterward.

Because this is a shore excursion, timing matters. The whole experience is built around your ship's schedule, so you don't have to worry about missing departure. Port pickup and drop-off are included, which means you walk off the ship, get transported to the course, and get back to the dock with time to spare. All safety equipment is provided and fitted on-site. You do need to be at least 4 feet 6 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 280 pounds, and the course requires moderate fitness. You're climbing, swinging, and moving your own body weight across cables for a couple of hours.

The whole Ketchikan zipline and canopy adventure takes place in the rainforest itself, so you're not just doing an activity. You're moving through one of Alaska's oldest ecosystems. The cedars tower above, the air is cool and damp, and between the ropes and ziplines you get real time in the forest, not just a quick photo stop.

What’s included

All necessary safety equipment (harness, helmet, carabiners), port pickup and drop-off from the Port of Ketchikan, access to the forest pavilion, and the full canopy ropes and zipline course with eight ropes and seven ziplines suspended between ancient cedars.

Information

Lasts 3h 30m, from US$ 150 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: 10 May 2027

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

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

AgesAdult (19 and older) · Child (11 to 18 years) · Under 11: 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Southeast Exposure Zipline & Kayaks

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked in Ketchikan with a few hours to spare and want something more active than a walking tour: the port pickup and fixed schedule mean you don't have to arrange transport or worry about missing your ship, which is what makes a full rainforest course possible in a short port day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (11 to 18 years). Children under 11 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.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you have moderate fitness. The course includes both ropes and ziplines of varying difficulty, and all safety equipment is provided and fitted on-site.

What happens if I'm afraid of heights?

The course is 45 feet high and involves swinging and ziplines, so it's not suitable for people with severe height anxiety. The water platform zipline is part of the standard experience.

Do I need to bring anything?

No. All safety gear is provided. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. The forest is wet and the ground uneven.

Is this included in my cruise fare?

No, this is a paid shore excursion booked separately. It's designed for cruise passengers with limited port time in Ketchikan.

What if my ship leaves early?

Port pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour is timed around cruise ship schedules, so you'll be back at the dock with time to spare.

Can I do this if I'm overweight?

The maximum weight limit is 280 pounds. If you're at or near this limit, contact the operator before booking to confirm you're within safe operating range.