Private Ketchikan tour with wildlife and Tongass hikes

Build your own day around Ketchikan's wildlife and forest

A private 6-hour tour of Ketchikan for up to four people, fully customizable before arrival and adjustable on the day. You choose what to focus on: wildlife viewing (black bears, whales, bald eagles), historical sites and totem poles, hikes in Tongass National Forest, or beach walks and waterfalls, and the guide shapes the itinerary around your interests. Pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Port of Ketchikan2h
2. Tongass National Forest1h 30m

Custom private tour in Ketchikan

• Hire private 4 passenger SUV
• Visit historical sights and totem poles
• View wildlife including bears and deer
• Hike in Tongass National Forest
• Enjoy beach walks and waterfalls
• Visit local places like Arctic Bar
• Optional lunch or dinner during tour

The experience

You arrive in Ketchikan without a rental car or a set plan, and this tour lets you build one. A private SUV with guide and driver picks you up and takes you where you want to go. Before the trip, you tell the operator what matters to you, whether that's spotting black bears and Sitka deer, watching humpback whales or orca, photographing totem poles, or hiking through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in North America. The guide customizes the route around your interests, not a fixed schedule.

The day itself stays flexible. Weather changes things, and the guide adjusts on the spot. A morning focused on wildlife might shift to beach walks and waterfalls if conditions turn. You might hike an easy trail through the forest and see mountain goats or bald eagles, or take a stroll to a waterfall. If you want to stop for lunch or dinner at a local spot (the Arctic Bar, Ketchikan's oldest, is an option), that goes into the plan. A beach fire with drinks is possible if the weather holds.

Six hours gives you time to move between sites without rushing. The group stays small: just your party of up to four in one vehicle, so there's no waiting for a larger group to board or catch up. Rain gear is available if you need it.

What’s included

• Private SUV for up to four passengers.
• guide and driver.
• pickup from your location.
• rain gear (limited supply available).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ketchikan Custom Tours

Is this one for you?The tour picks you up, so you don't need a rental car or need to arrange your own transport around Ketchikan. The itinerary is yours to shape before you arrive and flexible enough to change on the day, which means you're not locked into a fixed schedule if weather or wildlife sightings pull you elsewhere.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What wildlife can I actually see on this tour?

Black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, humpback whales, orca, bald eagles, mountain goats and sheep, and salmon are all possible depending on the season and where the guide takes you. The guide knows where to look and adjusts based on what's active that day.

How does the custom itinerary work before I arrive?

You contact the operator before your trip and tell them what you want to see and do: wildlife, historical sites, specific hikes, beaches. They build a route around those interests, but it's not locked in. Weather or conditions on the day can change things, and the guide will adapt the plan in real time.

Is Tongass National Forest included in the tour?

Yes. Tongass National Forest is one of the options you can choose to focus on. You take an easy stroll through it and see wildlife and forest scenery. The hike is designed to be manageable for all fitness levels.

Does the tour include meals or stops for food?

Meals are not included, but the guide can take you to lunch or dinner at a local restaurant during the tour if that's what you want. The Arctic Bar, Ketchikan's oldest bar, is one option the guide can arrange.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The guide adjusts the itinerary on the day based on conditions. A plan focused on open-water whale watching might shift to forest hikes or beach walks. Rain gear is available if you need it.