Ketchikan: Tongass Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Small Group Tour

Summary

Walk mossy trails in Ketchikan’s Tongass forest then step into Tlingit clan house at Totem Bight

You’ll walk soft trails under ancient spruce in Tongass National Forest, pause by a hidden waterfall, taste local smoked salmon dip after your hike, then stand among towering totems at Totem Bight Park while your guide shares stories of Alaska Native culture. Expect real conversation and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out and the air is thick with green? That’s how it started—one minute we’re at the Ketchikan cruise dock, next thing, our guide (her name was Sarah) is pointing out cedar trees as we crunch along a gravel path in Tongass National Forest. There was this earthy smell everywhere, like wet wood and something sweet from the moss. I kept stopping to touch the bark—soft but rough, if that makes sense. A raven called out somewhere above us; Sarah just grinned and said they’re always watching for snacks. I believed her.

We reached a little waterfall—nothing dramatic, but the sound was steady, almost like static on an old radio. There’s a bench there, which I used as an excuse to catch my breath (I’m not as fit as I pretend). The group was small—maybe eight of us—and people actually talked to each other instead of just snapping photos. After the walk, Sarah handed out bottled water and this smoked salmon dip with crackers. I tried to be polite but honestly ate more than my share. It tasted smoky and salty and somehow colder than I expected.

The van ride over to Totem Bight State Historical Park took maybe fifteen minutes? Hard to say—I got distracted by the ocean views through foggy glass. At the park, tall totem poles stood against this gray sky backdrop, each one carved with faces and animals I didn’t recognize at first. Inside the clan house, it felt hushed—almost heavy—with stories about Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian families who built them. Our guide told us how every carving meant something specific; Li laughed when I tried to pronounce one of the names in Tlingit (I definitely butchered it). That stuck with me more than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rainforest walk and Totem Park visit

• Drive to Rainforest trailhead
• Walk 40-minute Tongass National Forest trail
• Stop at waterfall viewing area
• Enjoy smoked salmon dip snack
• Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Explore historic clan house
• Learn about Alaska Native culture
• Return to cruise ship dock

Top questions

How long is the Tongass rainforest walk?

The walking time on the trail is about 40 minutes total.

Is transportation from Ketchikan cruise dock included?

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

What’s included in this small group tour?

Bottled water, a snack (smoked salmon dip with crackers), professional guide, and transportation are included.

How many people are in each tour group?

The maximum group size is 11 guests.

What will we see at Totem Bight State Historical Park?

You’ll see Alaska Native totem poles, visit a historic clan house, and learn about Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes—it’s family-friendly and can include scavenger hunts or geocaching for kids on the trail.

What should I wear for this tour?

Dress for all weather conditions; rain ponchos or umbrellas are available if needed.

Do I need to be very fit for this walk?

A moderate level of fitness is needed; you should be able to walk 1–1.5 miles on gravel trails.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right from your cruise ship dock in Ketchikan, guided walks through Tongass National Forest with plenty of stops (including a waterfall), entry into Totem Bight State Historical Park where you’ll hear local stories inside a clan house, plus bottled water and a snack of smoked salmon dip with crackers before heading back together.