Ketchikan wildlife tour: Bears and waterfalls guide

Watch black bears and eagles at Herring Cove, then photograph Rainbow Falls from the roadside

A 90-minute guided tour of Ketchikan wildlife and waterfall sites led by local women, visiting Herring Cove (home to black bears, eagles, harbor seals and salmon), a scenic beach with a 600-year-old Sitka Spruce tree, and Rainbow Falls. Water, snacks and rain ponchos are provided. The waterfall stop requires only 30 steps and no hiking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ketchikan wildlife and scenery

• Visit Herring Cove for wildlife viewing
• Stop at small beach for photos
• See 600-year-old Sitka Spruce tree
• Visit Rainbow Falls waterfall

The experience

The tour starts at Herring Cove, a creek where thousands of salmon spawn each year and where black bears, eagles, deer and harbor seals come to feed. Your local guide leads you through the best viewing spots in the area. Starting in June, the salmon run brings both wildlife and fishermen to the cove, so you'll see the catch happening alongside the animals. This is where the wildlife sightings are most likely, though the operator notes they're never guaranteed.

From there, the route moves to a small beach for scenic views and photos. A 600-year-old Sitka Spruce tree stands here, a favorite perch for eagles, and the beach itself offers a backdrop for pictures. Then you head 10 miles further out of town to Rainbow Falls, a year-round waterfall right off the road. There's no hiking involved. You walk about 30 steps to reach it. After rain, water sprays out from the falls and you'll get wet standing nearby. In drier periods, you can see the greenery and rocks behind the cascade.

Your guide is a local woman who knows the area and speaks English throughout the tour. Water, chips, small candy and rain ponchos come with the booking, so you're equipped for the weather and the stops.

What’s included

• Water, chips and small candy.
• rain ponchos.
• local female guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 41

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Average Alaskan Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide narrating in English throughout. You'll hear the full story of bears, eagles, and salmon runs without needing to read subtitles or ask for explanations.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

What wildlife might I see on the Ketchikan tour?

Black bears, eagles, harbor seals and deer are all present at Herring Cove. Thousands of salmon run up the creek starting in June, and fishermen often work the same area during the spawn. The operator notes that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is there hiking involved in this Ketchikan tour?

No hiking is required. The waterfall stop involves about 30 steps to reach Rainbow Falls, and the other stops are accessible from the road or a small beach area.

What happens at Rainbow Falls?

Rainbow Falls runs year-round and sits 10 miles outside downtown Ketchikan. You stand right next to the water without needing to hike. After rain, water sprays out and you'll get wet. In drier weather, you can see the greenery and rocks behind the cascade.

What's included with the tour?

Water, chips, small candy and rain ponchos are all provided. Your guide is a local woman who leads the tour in English.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs 90 minutes and covers three main stops: Herring Cove for wildlife viewing, a scenic beach with a 600-year-old Sitka Spruce tree, and Rainbow Falls.