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Home/USA/Alaska/Ketchikan/Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest: Alaska's Premier Wilderness

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest. Located near Juneau, this breathtaking wilderness offers unparalleled adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Discover ancient old-growth forests, embark on exhilarating hiking trails, or take a scenic boat tour to experience world-class whale watching and wildlife spotting. Whether you are seeking a guided adventure tour or a peaceful sightseeing excursion, our curated experiences connect you with the raw majesty of Alaska's pristine ecosystems. Book your Tongass adventure today and witness the awe-inspiring landscapes that make this national forest a premier global destination.

4.8/5 avg ratingTours from $10329 unique experiences62% free cancellation

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$129–$389 typical

Median price is $225, with options up to $1,120

Rating

Rating

4.82★ average

Based on 3,120 pooled reviews with ~94% positive sentiment

Tour Length

Tour Length

2–4.4 hours typical

Median duration is 3.2 hours

Best For

Best For

Nature lovers

90% of tour options focus on nature themes

Booking Tip

Booking Tip

Book in advance

31% of tours are flagged likely to sell out

Flexibility

Flexibility

Free cancellation available

62% of tours offer free cancellation

29 Products

Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

2.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.8 (862 reviews)
92.15%
7.85%
amazingGreat Experiencewhales
Viator
$178
Book now
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Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
Summary

Your adventure begins as we cruise through the Tongass Narrows, where your guide provides live narration about Ketchikan’s rich history, culture, and bustling shoreline. From there, we head into prime wildlife viewing areas where the wild side of Alaska comes alive. Keep watch for humpback whales ...

Inclusions
  • We have Binoculars and blankets for you if needed.
Exclusions
  • Be sure to bring weather appropriate clothing! Layering is best.
Itinerary
  • Thomas Basin
  • Ketchikan
  • Tongass National Forest
  • Metlakatla
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour

Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour

4 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.84 (585 reviews)
93.52%
6.48%
terrific tourVery Amazingthoroughly enjoyed
Viator
$161
Book now
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Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour
Summary

As the original electric bicycle tour in Southeast Alaska, we're excited for you to join us on an easy, enjoyable ride on the "road to nowhere". This road dead ends at the edge of the dense Tongass National Forest, an extensive wilderness where you will then take an enjoyable, guided, educational hi...

Inclusions
  • Roundtrip Transport from the Cruise Ship Docks Downtown & at Ward Cove.
  • Small-group tours
  • Local Guides & Professional Educators/Return Guides.
  • Smoked Salmon, Local Vegan options & Beverages provided.
Exclusions
  • This tour does not accommodate travelers with infants
  • Weight Limit for E-bike: 250 lbs
Itinerary
  • Tongass National Forest
  • Ketchikan Kayak Company
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, This tour does not cancel for rain
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion (Ketchikan)

Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion (Ketchikan)

3 hrsFree cancellation
4.92 (364 reviews)
96.85%
3.15%
scenes of bald eagles and totem poles were awesomeGreat tripexcellent
Viator
$124
Book now
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Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion (Ketchikan)
Summary

Lighthouse Excursions is a locally owned & operated Ketchikan tour company, and we pride ourselves on providing guests with an experience of Southeast Alaska through local eyes. Our Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion is a grab-bag of some of Ketchikan's top attractions, with a little something fo...

Inclusions
  • Waterproof, fogproof Bushnell binoculars for your use while on tour
Itinerary
  • Ward Cove
  • Totem Bight State Historical Park
  • Ketchikan
  • Guard Island Lighthouse
  • Tongass National Forest
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Guests must be able to minimally navigate 3-4 steps on and off our tour vessel and transportation. Wheelchair service to and from the tour vessel is provided for those with limited mobility. Please reach out the operator to coordinate., NOTE: The operator is not able to pick-up guests for this tour experience from the Ward Cove cruise ship pier, as the tour starts/originates in downtown Ketchikan. To book the tour inclusive of a Ward Cove pick-up, please see the Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion (Ward Cove) listing.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition

Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition

2.5 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.97 (187 reviews)
98.05%
1.95%
AmazingPriceless experienceshighly recommend
Viator
$210
Book now
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Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
Summary

Go on an adventure as you explore the deep mysterious waters of island studded sea passages in search of wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. Your experienced captain and expert naturalist will use their considerable local knowledge of the area to unlock the secrets of this biologically...

Inclusions
  • Full Rain Gear, waterproof Overboots, and USCG approved Life Jackets
  • Dry bags for personal items
Itinerary
  • Tongass National Forest
  • Inside Passage
  • Ketchikan
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking

3.5 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.85 (371 reviews)
90.09%
9.91%
greatfunbest guide
Viator
$115
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Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking
Summary

Spend your time in port in Ketchikan paddling through the waters of the Pacific Ocean and discovering Alaska's Eagle Island. On this shore excursion, you'll have the opportunity to glimpse a vast array of wildlife, such as Alaskan starfish, bald eagles, humpback whales and orca whales. A perfect opp...

Inclusions
  • Professional guide
  • Use of all necessary equipment
  • Sea kayak tour
  • Port pickup and drop off
Itinerary
  • Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center
  • Tongass National Forest
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Passenger restrictions: Maximum Height: 6'6" inches Maximum Weight: 230 pounds Minimum Age: 8 years
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour

Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour

3.5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellationLikely to sell out
5 (50 reviews)
100%
0%
wonderfulmemorable hikewonderful experience
Viator
$258
Book now
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Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour
Summary

Come join us on a lovely 3.6-mile roundtrip hike through an Alaska State Park into the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy a small group of up to 7 guests! First relax on the 40-minute scenic drive to the end of the road. Then hike an improved gravel trail alongside a river with glimpses of waterfalls. W...

Inclusions
  • Entry/Admission to Alaska State Park and Tongass National Forest
  • Backpacks and trekking poles if needed
Itinerary
  • Tongass National Forest
Good to know
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, MUST WEAR FACE MASKS IN VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike Juneau

6 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.94 (125 reviews)
88.59%
11.41%
amazingly awesomebest experiencebest guide
Viator
$225
Book now
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Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike Juneau
Summary

Experience the Mendenhall Glacier Guide Hike, a thrilling 6-7 mile adventure! Your journey begins with a 3-mile trek through the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest. Your experienced guide will lead you through this wilderness, winding past beaver ponds and scrambling u...

Inclusions
  • Backpack, rain jacket and pants -- please advise supplier of rain gear sizing
  • Roundtrip transportation from designated meeting point
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Hearty snack/bottled water
Itinerary
  • Mendenhall Glacier
  • Tongass National Forest
  • West Glacier Trailhead
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness, Please note, this tour requires a minimum of 4 to operate. If minimum requirement is not met, reservation is subject to change or cancellation., Minimum age is 10 years. For families with children between 8-9, we can customize a private trip., All clients must be in good enough shape, conditioned and capable of hiking up to 4 hours, covering about 7 miles roundtrip., Clients need to wear sturdy hiking boots that provide good ankle support while hiking on uneven, rocky terrain . All clients will need to hike with a backpack the entire way on this trip., Due to the inherent risks involved, we do not permit pregnant guests to participant, This tour does not include trekking on the glacier or exploring around the glacier's edge, but will get groups to the glacier view vista., A specific amount of time spent at the glacier viewing area cannot be guaranteed. The amount time is dependent on the group's pace and weather conditions., With group departures we try to maximize our trip capacity and subsequently may need to alter the time to accommodate additional customers. If your trip's departure time changes we will notify you as soon as possible., Clients must disclose information regarding pertinent medical conditions/history, allergies and any type of restriction or limitation that might introduce a higher degree of challenge on this trip., A rescue fee of $250 per client will be charged for any rescue based on the client’s inability to complete the trek due to undisclosed medical conditions/limitations or an insufficient level of physical fitness that significantly inhibits the group’s pace., RELEASE OF LIABILITY/ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM: Every participant on the trip must sign a Release of Liability/Assumption of Risk form at the start of the trip. Alterations and/or deletions to the waiver are not permitted.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Hump Island Oyster & Kelp Farm with Tasting

Hump Island Oyster & Kelp Farm with Tasting

3.3 hrsFree cancellation
4.97 (68 reviews)
Viator
$189
Book now
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Hump Island Oyster & Kelp Farm with Tasting
Summary

A unique opportunity to not only witness one of the most picturesque locations in the state, but also affords you the chance to cruise the North Tongass waterways in search of wildlife en route to Hump Island Oyster Farm. Guests will also receive a narrated city tour en route to the vessel.

Inclusions
  • Boat Cruise
  • Oyster and Kelp Farm Narrated Tour
Itinerary
  • Tongass National Forest
  • Inside Passage
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute

Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute

3 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
5 (22 reviews)
100%
0%
amazingenchanting hikeKnowledgeable
Viator
$258
Book now
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Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute
Summary

Come join us on a stunning 4-mile roundtrip hike in a small group of up to no more than 7 guests! This tour is led by owner and operator, Tongass Teague. Enjoy connecting with him, each other, and the wilderness of Southeast Alaska. Hike an improved gravel trail alongside a forested lake below a mo...

Inclusions
  • Backpacks and trekking poles if needed
Itinerary
  • Tongass National Forest
Good to know
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness, MUST WEAR FACE MASKS IN VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ketchikan: Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure

Ketchikan: Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure

3.5 hrs
5 (12 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$225
Book now
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Ketchikan: Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure
Summary

Live the thrill of gliding through the magnificent Tongass National Forest. This tour takes you through a series of eight zip-lines and one aerial bridge where wildlife can be seen from above.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Tongass National Forest.

Guard Island Lighthouse
Learn more

Guard Island Lighthouse

161 km away • from $124

Totem Bight State Historical Park
Learn more

Totem Bight State Historical Park

166 km away • from $84

Ward Cove
Learn more

Ward Cove

169 km away • from $124

Tongass Historical Museum
Learn more

Tongass Historical Museum

178 km away • from $700

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Yes, booking ahead is highly recommended. Among the 40 tours we compare across booking platforms, 25% are flagged as likely to sell out, so securing your preferred time slot early can prevent disappointment.

Prices vary depending on the level of exclusivity and duration. Most experiences fall within the $158–$562 range, though the total spread across all listed options goes from approximately $114 to $1,215.

Yes, there is a significant selection of private experiences. Roughly 28% of the options we compare (11 tours) are private tours, which may suit those looking for a more personalized way to explore the forest.

Most tours are relatively short to mid-length. You can expect a typical duration of about 2–4 hours, with the median experience lasting around 3.1 hours.

The feedback is exceptionally high. Across 3,382 pooled reviews from various booking platforms, the experiences hold an average rating of 4.74★. Reviewers frequently describe the tours as amazing, excellent, and wonderful, often noting that the guides are highly knowledgeable.

Sustainability is a notable theme here. About 28% of the tours listed are tagged as eco-friendly, which is a significant portion of the available activities we compare.

Flexibility varies by provider, but roughly half of the options (19 tours) offer free cancellation. We recommend checking the specific terms of your chosen tour before finalizing your booking.

Most ships dock near downtown. You can walk easily or take a quick shuttle to reach local shops and restaurants.

Pack waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, and thermal clothing. Weather changes quickly, so bring extra protection.

Yes, you can use the local bus system or book a guided tour. Taxis and rideshares are also available for a direct trip.

Fortress of the Bear139.7kmAlaska Raptor Center144.6kmSheldon Jackson Museum144.9kmSitka Sound Science Center145kmRussian Bishop's House145.5kmSt. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral145.7kmBaranof Castle State Historic Site145.8kmOld Sitka Dock150.8kmPack Creek154.3kmGuard Island Lighthouse160.8kmTotem Bight State Historical Park166.4kmWard Cove168.9km
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