Ketchikan: Tongass Trolley Tour with Totem Heritage & Wildlife

Summary

Totem poles wildlife stops & Creek Street in Ketchikan

You’ll ride through Ketchikan on the vintage Tongass Trolley with a local guide sharing stories as you pass towering totem poles at Saxman Village, watch salmon leap at Herring Cove, and pause for photos at Rainbow Falls. Explore native artifacts at the Totem Heritage Center before ending near historic Creek Street—leaving you with more memories than you’d expect from just one morning.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—woodsmoke and seaweed, kind of tangled together as we climbed onto the old-fashioned Tongass Trolley in Ketchikan. Our guide, Mike, had this way of talking that made you lean in, like he was letting you in on some local secret. We rolled past an eagle’s nest (I squinted but honestly couldn’t spot it until someone else pointed), and then suddenly we were surrounded by these tall totem poles at Saxman Native Village. Mike told us about the Tlingit and Haida stories carved into each one—he even tried pronouncing a few names, which made everyone laugh a little because none of us could get it right either.

We bumped along the coast with that salty wind sneaking through the trolley windows. When we stopped at Herring Cove, there was this hush—everyone hoping for a glimpse of black bears or maybe an eagle swooping down. No bears for us that day (nature’s not on a schedule), but watching salmon thrash upstream was wild enough. The water sounded angry, all white foam and spray. At Rainbow Falls, sunlight caught the mist just right—a faint rainbow showed up for maybe two minutes before clouds moved back in. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear running water.

The last stop was the Totem Heritage Center, which felt quieter than everywhere else—almost respectful. Old carvings and woven baskets behind glass; it smelled faintly musty but in a comforting way, like old books or cedar chests. Mike explained how some of these totems were rescued from abandoned villages—it made me wonder about all the hands that shaped them over generations. We ended near Creek Street where some folks peeled off for shopping; I just wandered a bit, watching gulls bicker over scraps and thinking about how much history fits into such a short tour. Didn’t expect to feel so connected after just 2.5 hours, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ketchikan cultural and wildlife tour

• Drive past eagle's nest to Saxman Village
• View Tlingit and Haida totem poles
• Drive down the coast to small cove
• Look for wildlife at Herring Cove
• Stop at Rainbow Falls for photos
• Visit City Park fish hatchery site
• Tour Totem Heritage Center artifacts
• Return to town and stop at Creek Street

Top questions

How long is the Tongass Trolley tour in Ketchikan?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Does the tour include stops to see wildlife?

Yes, there’s a stop at Herring Cove where you might spot black bears, eagles, seals or salmon—but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Are totem poles included on this Ketchikan trolley tour?

Yes, you’ll see collections of Tlingit and Haida totem poles at Saxman Native Village and authentic ones at Totem Heritage Center.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ketchikan day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start from the Visitors Center on Front Street.

Can infants join the Tongass Trolley tour?

Yes, infants are allowed—they can sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Where does the tour end?

You can end where you started or get dropped off near Creek Street for shopping or exploring.

What is included in the price of this Ketchikan trolley tour?

Parking fees are included in your ticket price.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since most activities are gentle and accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes parking fees covered by your ticket; travel by vintage-style trolley with a local guide; stops at Saxman Native Village for totem pole viewing; time spent searching for wildlife at Herring Cove; photo opportunities at Rainbow Falls; entry to Totem Heritage Center with its collection of native artifacts—and flexible drop-off options near Creek Street or back at your starting point.