Tongass National Forest hike: Old-growth rainforest trek

Walk into old-growth rainforest and reach a river stone bench in one morning

A guided hike through Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan takes you 3.6 miles roundtrip along an improved gravel trail beside a river, ending at a stone bench in a serene bend. The tour includes a 40-minute scenic drive to the trailhead, a small group of up to seven guests, and is led by the owner and operator. Backpacks and trekking poles are provided if needed. The trail has stairs at the start, then flattens as it winds through the river valley below a ridge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic drive and old-growth forest hike

• Relax on 40-minute scenic drive
• Hike 3.6-mile roundtrip gravel trail
• Walk alongside river with waterfalls
• Explore old-growth rainforest
• Pause at stone bench by river
• Connect with guide and group

The experience

The day starts with a 40-minute drive through Southeast Alaska to the end of the road, where the trail begins. You'll hike an improved gravel path alongside a river with glimpses of waterfalls, walking through old-growth rainforest with impressive specimens of Sitka spruce and western red cedar. The first stretch has some stairs, but the trail then flattens and winds along the river valley below a ridge.

At one mile down, you reach the destination: a stone bench beside a serene bow in the river. This is where the group pauses to sit together and take in the quiet. The owner, Tongass Teague, leads the tour and is available to discuss mindfulness practice and the conservation of endangered old-growth forests. The return follows the same trail back to the vehicle.

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, entry to Alaska State Park and Tongass National Forest, and backpacks and trekking poles if you need them. The whole outing runs about three and a half hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a 40-minute scenic drive to the trailhead.
• entry to Alaska State Park and Tongass National Forest.
• bottled water.
• backpacks and trekking poles if needed.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 25 Apr 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Child (under 18)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tongass Teague LLC

Is this one for you?At three and a half hours total, including the drive and the hike, this tour fits into a half-day itinerary and leaves the rest of your Ketchikan day open for other activities.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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.

How difficult is the Tongass National Forest hike?

The trail is 3.6 miles roundtrip with stairs at the beginning, then flattens out and winds along the river valley. Moderate physical fitness is needed. The hike is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What will I see on the old-growth rainforest trail?

You'll walk alongside a river with glimpses of waterfalls, passing through old-growth rainforest with Sitka spruce and western red cedar. The destination is a stone bench in a serene bend of the river where the group stops to rest.

Does the tour include transportation from Ketchikan?

Yes, the tour includes a 40-minute scenic drive in an air-conditioned vehicle to the trailhead at the end of the road, and the return drive back.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes private transportation, entry to Alaska State Park and Tongass National Forest, bottled water, and backpacks and trekking poles if you need them.

How many people go on this hike?

The group stays small, with a maximum of seven guests, led by the owner and operator.