Ward Creek Trail nature hike: Guided Tongass Forest walk in Ketchikan

Tongass National Forest unpaved trail hike with guide and snacks in your cinch bag

Ward Creek Trail nature hike is a guided walk through Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan for small groups, lasting about three and a half hours on an easy but unpaved trail with hills and loose gravel. You hike with a live English-speaking guide who leads you to scenic spots, learn about forest conservation, and carry trekking snacks and water in a provided cinch bag. The hike suits nature lovers and photography enthusiasts who want a personalized experience in a national forest without the crowds.

The experience

The trail itself is unpaved with hills and loose gravel underfoot, so this is not a flat stroll. It demands moderate fitness and steady footing. The route stays easy in grade, but the terrain and the three and a half hour pace mean you need to be comfortable walking for that stretch without frequent stops. A live guide leads the small group to the most scenic spots on Ward Creek, stopping for reflection or photos. If rain moves in and you don't have your own gear, a poncho is there. If the day stays dry, you move through the forest without it.

You carry a cinch bag throughout the hike: yours to pack and unpack. Inside it: bottled water, fresh fruit, trail mix, an energy or protein bar, and pretzels, all packed by you at the start and carried out at the end. The guide shares the history and ecology of the Tongass National Forest as you walk, so the hike doubles as a lesson in why this landscape matters. Small group sizes mean the guide can adjust the pace and conversation to the people actually there, not to a fixed script.

Children from age 8 are welcome, and service animals can come along. The hike is not recommended for anyone with poor cardiovascular health or injuries that need frequent stopping. The unpaved terrain and the three and a half hour commitment make it a real physical day, not a casual walk.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• fresh fruit, trail mix, energy or protein bar, and pretzels packed in your cinch bag.
• a cinch bag for carrying belongings.
• rain poncho if you don't have your own gear.
• live guide in English leading the group through Tongass National Forest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Thursday and 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 8

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Dawn

Is this one for you?Small groups mean the guide adjusts the pace and stops to the people hiking that day, so if you want a personalized experience rather than a fixed itinerary for twenty, this format delivers it. The unpaved terrain with hills and loose gravel demands moderate fitness and steady footing for three and a half hours, so come ready to walk, not to stroll.

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.

What is the Ward Creek Trail like to walk on?

Ward Creek Trail is unpaved with hills and loose gravel, so footing is uneven and requires attention. The hike is graded easy, but the terrain and the three and a half hour duration mean you need moderate fitness and the ability to walk steadily without frequent stops.

What food and water do I get on the hike?

You carry bottled water, fresh fruit, trail mix, an energy or protein bar, and pretzels in a provided cinch bag throughout the hike. You pack and unpack the bag yourself, and carry it out at the end.

What happens if it rains during the hike?

If you don't have your own rain gear, a poncho is provided to use during the hike. Bring or wear waterproof clothing if you expect wet weather.

How big are the groups on this hike?

Groups stay small, which means the guide can personalize the pace and conversation to the people actually hiking that day rather than following a fixed script for larger crowds.