Small-Group Rainforest Hiking in Ketchikan: Lunch Creek Trail

Four hours on a real forest trail, not a cruise-ship loop.

A small-group hike in Ketchikan's Tongass National Forest follows Lunch Creek trail through old-growth cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce, climbing from sea level toward Emery Tobin Lake. Limited to six guests and led by a lifelong local, the tour covers 3 to 6 miles at a comfortable pace with time to absorb the rainforest quiet. Bottled water, trekking food and rain ponchos are provided. You're back at the docks well before ship departure.

The experience

What separates this hike from the crowded shore excursions is the size and the guide's knowledge. A maximum of six hikers means no waiting, no rushing, and room to ask questions as you move through the forest. Your guide grew up exploring these trails and speaks to the ecology and history of Southeast Alaska as you walk: the plants underfoot, the wildlife you might spot, the way the old-growth forest works. That kind of knowledge comes from living here, not from a script.

The route follows Lunch Creek uphill through towering trees and alongside cascading water. You'll hike 3 to 6 miles depending on the day and the group's pace, climbing gradually from sea level toward the mountain setting of Emery Tobin Lake. The trail itself is the point: real forest hiking, not a boardwalk or a paved loop. Cinch packs are provided if you need one, and the guide carries bottled water, fresh fruit, trail mix, energy bars and pretzels to eat along the way. If you didn't bring rain gear, ponchos are available. The four-hour window leaves you plenty of time to return to the docks before your ship departs.

What’s included

• A cinch pack for carrying your gear.
• bottled water.
• entrance fee.
• trekking food including fresh fruit, trail mix, energy and protein bars, and pretzels.
• rain ponchos if needed.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (14 to 80 years) · Youth (8 to 13 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Dawn

Is this one for you?This is a guided hike with a local who leads the group at a comfortable pace, so you're hiking the trail yourself, not watching a demonstration or riding past the scenery. It suits travelers who enjoy real forest hiking over 3 to 6 miles and want to move at a steady, unhurried pace with a small group of five other people, not a large tour bus crowd.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 13 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

How steep is the Lunch Creek trail?

The trail climbs gradually from sea level toward Emery Tobin Lake over 3 to 6 miles, so the ascent is steady but not extreme. The pace is comfortable, with time built in to take in the scenery and rest as needed.

What's the rainforest like in Tongass National Forest?

Tongass National Forest around Ketchikan is old-growth temperate rainforest dominated by towering cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce. The forest is dense, the air is moist, and Lunch Creek runs through it with cascading water. It's quiet and lush, nothing like the drier forests of the lower 48 states.

Will I have time to get back to my cruise ship?

Yes. The hike is four hours total, and the operator times the return so you arrive back at the docks well before ship departure, giving you a buffer for changing clothes and boarding.

Do I need my own hiking boots and rain gear?

Bring your own hiking boots if you have them. They're the best choice for forest trails. Rain gear is optional: ponchos are available if you didn't bring a jacket or rain coat. A cinch pack is provided if you need one to carry your water and food.