Skagway: Grizzly Falls Ziplining & Unimog Rainforest Adventure

Summary

Zip through Tongass treetops over waterfalls with local guides

You’ll ride a rugged Unimog up into Alaska’s Tongass rainforest with local guides before soaring over waterfalls on a zipline course—feeling cool mist and forest scents as you fly between treetops. Suspension bridges offer epic views for photos and laughs with your group. If you’re craving both adrenaline and wild beauty near Skagway, this day trip is one you’ll remember every time you hear rushing water.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the bears are more scared of you,” our driver grinned as we bumped along in this giant Unimog, climbing out of Skagway. I was still clutching my harness like it might run away. The road twisted through the Tongass National Forest — moss everywhere, that damp cedar smell, and little streams glinting under the trees. Our guide, Jamie, pointed out where gold rush wagons used to rattle by (hard to picture now with all this green swallowing everything). I kept thinking about how close we’d be to those waterfalls. Closer than I expected, honestly.

The gear-up spot was half laughter, half nerves. Jamie showed us how to brake — “Just in case you want to slow down… but trust me, you’ll want to go fast.” The first step off the platform felt like jumping into a cold lake: pure shock, then this wild rush as I zipped right above a waterfall. The spray hit my face and for a second I forgot to breathe. My friend tried yelling something at me but it got swallowed by wind and trees. I didn’t expect how much you’d actually feel the forest — not just see it from above but hear all these tiny bird calls and catch whiffs of wet earth midair.

Somewhere around the third line (the long one — 750 feet?), my hands finally stopped shaking so much. There were these suspension bridges too, swaying just enough to make everyone giggle or swear under their breath. We took photos there because you could see forever: blue shadows on distant ridges, water tumbling below. On the way back down in the Unimog, everyone swapped stories about who screamed loudest or braked too soon. Jamie said she never gets tired of seeing people’s faces after that first zip — “It’s always a mix of terror and joy.” She wasn’t wrong.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition

• Meet guide at cruise dock
• Tour downtown Skagway
• Drive nine miles along coastline
• Transfer into customized Unimog
• Ride up rugged mountain road
• Suit up and safety briefing
• Zipline over rainforest and waterfalls
• Cross four suspension bridges
• Return ride in Unimog to bus
• Scenic drive back to Skagway

Top questions

How long does the Grizzly Falls Ziplining Expedition take?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from pickup at your cruise dock in Skagway until drop-off.

Is transportation included for this zipline tour?

Yes, pickup from your cruise dock in Skagway is included as part of the day trip.

Where does the ziplining take place?

The zipline course is located in Dyea within Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age required is 6 years old for safety reasons.

Are there weight restrictions for this activity?

Yes, guests must weigh between 50 and 265 pounds to participate safely.

Is lunch included during the Grizzly Falls Ziplining tour?

No lunch is included; only transportation and all necessary gear are provided.

Can people with health conditions join this tour?

This excursion isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How many ziplines are there on the course?

The course features multiple ziplines—the longest stretches 750 feet over waterfalls—and four suspension bridges.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at your Skagway cruise dock, round-trip transportation by bus and rugged Unimog up mountain roads into Tongass National Forest, all safety gear for ziplining over waterfalls and across suspension bridges, plus guidance from experienced local staff throughout your adventure before returning to town together.