Sitka Tongass Forest Hike with Naturalist Guide

Hike remote forest trails to a mountain lake where wildlife appears

A guided hike in Sitka's Tongass National Forest leads through remote trails to Beaver Lake, where you watch for whales, eagles and jumping salmon while picking berries with a naturalist guide. The tour runs three hours with pickup from the cruise terminal, bottled water and local snacks included. Children from age 5 are welcome, and moderate fitness is needed for the mountain terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and explore Sitka wilderness

• Orientation at Sitka Cruise Terminal
• Begin hike at remote mountain site
• Hike through Tongass National Forest
• Guided drive back to town

The experience

The hike starts at a remote site in the mountains, far enough from town that few visitors make it out here. You'll weave through forest trails with sweeping views of the mountains and Beaver Lake itself, moving at a pace that lets your guide point out the wildlife and plants you're passing. The Tongass National Forest is the country's largest, and the trails here feel genuinely isolated: no crowds, just the sound of the forest and the water.

Your naturalist guide walks you through what's actually growing and living around you, and you'll pick berries as you go. The waters near the lake are known for whales, eagles, and salmon jumping upstream, so there's a real reason to stop and look. Breaks and snacks happen along the way, and the guide carries bottled water for everyone. The drive back to town is guided too, so you get context for what you've seen.

Pickup happens at the Sitka Cruise Terminal, and the whole outing takes three hours. If you're staying in town without a car, the terminal pickup means you don't need to arrange separate transport. The guide speaks English and will give you recommendations for food and attractions once you're back, so you know where to go next.

What’s included

• Pickup from Sitka Cruise Terminal.
• three-hour guided hike with a naturalist guide speaking English.
• bottled water and local Alaskan snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the return drive to town.
• gratuities are appreciated and optional.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Apr 2027

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Sitka Walking Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from the cruise terminal means you don't need a car or separate transport if you're arriving by ship or staying without one in town. The remote mountain location and moderate fitness requirement suit hikers comfortable with three hours of steady trail work, not a casual stroll.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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 kind of wildlife might I actually see on this hike?

The waters near Beaver Lake are known for whales, eagles, and jumping salmon, though sightings depend on the season and conditions. Your guide will point out what's active that day and explain the behavior you're watching.

What happens if I'm arriving on a cruise ship? Can I do this tour?

Yes. Pickup is at the Sitka Cruise Terminal, and the three-hour tour is designed to fit within a port call. The guide will give you recommendations for the rest of your time in town when you return.

What's included in the snacks and water?

Bottled water and local Alaskan snacks are provided throughout the hike. The guide carries these along the trail and distributes them during breaks.