Totem Bight State Park tour from Ketchikan with local guide

The guides are local Tlingit and Haida who grew up around these poles.

A 2-hour guided tour of Totem Bight State Park and the Tongass National Rainforest from Ketchikan, limited to 11 passengers, with transportation from the cruise ship docks and a moderate walk through Ward Creek Nature Area. Local guides share the history and stories behind the totem poles and the Native cultures they represent. Snacks and all fees are included.

The Experience

You arrive at the Ketchikan cruise docks and the van is waiting — no haggling over pickup, no confusion about where to go. The tour holds at 11 people maximum, which means the guide can actually talk to you instead of projecting to a crowd. You'll drive through historic Ketchikan first, then head to Ward Creek Nature Area for a brisk 30-minute walk on one of the local trails. The guides point out the vegetation and explain what grows here and why; they'll tell you what animals you might spot, though the island keeps its surprises.

The second half takes you to Totem Bight State Park, where some of the most distinctive totem poles on the island stand. This is where the guides' knowledge shifts from ecology to culture — they share the stories and history of the poles themselves and the Tlingit and Haida people who carved them and lived here. It's not a museum explanation; it's someone from the community telling you about their own place.

Transportation runs from the cruise docks both ways, so you don't need to arrange a separate ride back. Snacks are included, and the whole thing fits inside a 2-hour window.

What’s included

• Transportation to and from the cruise ship docks.
• guided walk through Ward Creek Nature Area.
• entry to Totem Bight State Park.
• snacks.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ketchikan Native Tours: Totem Parks, Rainforest Hike, Wildlife Sightseeing

Is this one for you?The 2-hour window fits a port day when you want to leave the ship but don't have time for a full-day excursion — the pickup is immediate, the walk is moderate enough to do in regular clothes, and you're back before the afternoon deepens.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the walk like at Ward Creek Nature Area?

The walk is moderate and lasts about 30 minutes on one of the local trails. Guides share information about the vegetation and local environment as you go, and you may spot wildlife, though sightings vary by season and time of day.

Who are the guides on this tour?

The guides are local members of the Ketchikan community, including Tlingit and Haida people who share the history and cultural significance of the totem poles and the rainforest from their own perspective.

How do I get picked up from the cruise ship?

The tour includes transportation to and from the cruise ship docks in Ketchikan, with no waiting or haggling — the driver meets you at arrivals and brings you back when the tour ends.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers, as the rainforest can be cool and damp. The walk is moderate, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though the terrain is natural trail.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.