About this experience
Enjoy a rainforest walk and visit a Totem Park on our 3 hour excursion in scenic Ketchikan, Alaska on this small group tour with local guide.
Explore the lush green rainforest of Alaska among huge old growth trees and moss blanketing the forest floor. The remote nature trail follows a cascading creek and we stop at a beautiful waterfall viewing area. The trail does have several sets of stairs and uphill / downhill portions. Experience natures beauty up close and step into this treasured land on our approximately 1.5 mile hike. Escape the crowds and take in the fresh air and peacefulness of the forest.
We also journey to the Totem Park where your local guide will share stories behind the majestic totem poles and the Alaska Native culture with you. Our excursions are small groups of 11 guests or less and we include pick up at the cruise ship dock. Wild Wolf Tours is a local family owned business and we love to share our beautiful surroundings with you.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Planning perspective
How I’d plan this experience
If you want both a forest walk and time with Ketchikan’s totemic and cultural heritage, this three-hour small-group outing combines the two rather than making you choose. I’d consider it a good fit if you’re comfortable walking on uneven ground and want a guide to provide context at the park as well as on the trail. The main decision is whether the hike’s stairs and slopes suit you; there is a shorter, easier alternative listed separately.
Who I’d recommend it for
Choose this if you’re interested in a mix of nature and cultural interpretation, not just a scenic walk. The itinerary includes a Totem Park visit, a Clan House, and a rainforest trail beside a creek, with the guide sharing information about local Native culture and forest resources.
The group is capped at 11, which may appeal if you prefer a smaller outing to a large tour. I’d be especially inclined to recommend it to travellers who enjoy asking questions and taking in a place at walking pace, rather than needing a mostly seated excursion.
Be honest about the walk
The hike is described as about 1.5 miles, but distance is only part of the decision: expect stairs and uphill and downhill sections on a gravel trail. I’d choose this version only if that kind of walking feels manageable for you. The stated fitness guidance is moderate, so don’t treat the outing as a flat, easy stroll.
If stairs or steep inclines are a concern, the listing points to a separate two-hour tour on an easier trail without stairs. That sounds like the more sensible choice for anyone prioritising a gentler walk, though it is a different tour rather than an adjustment to this itinerary.
Plan for the port pickup
Pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship dock are included, but the meeting point depends on where your ship lands. For berths 1–4, the listed pickup is berth 2 beside The Rock near the Visitors Center; at Ward Cove, it’s the Welcoming Center beside the restrooms. I’d confirm your berth and follow the location instructions rather than assuming every ship uses the same spot.
Provide a working cell number and your ship’s specific name when booking. The pickup information says you may be contacted 30 minutes before departure, and the tour time is provided after booking, so leave room in your port-day plans for those details to be confirmed.
Weather and flexibility
This is an outdoor experience that operates in all weather conditions, so dress for rain rather than counting on a dry day. Ponchos or umbrellas are available, but the trail or park may change depending on conditions. My advice is to see that as a practical trade-off: you get a nature-focused outing, but shouldn’t plan around a particular trail or totem park being guaranteed.
If you’re travelling with a child who needs a car seat or booster, request one ahead of time. And because the stated cancellation terms distinguish between cancelling at least 24 hours ahead and cancelling later, read the timing carefully before you commit.
Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary · Updated November 5, 2026
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Bottled water
- Snack - Hardy Cookie
- Small Group Tour
- Professional Local Guide
- Pick Up and Drop off at Cruise Ship Dock
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Journey to Totem Park where your local guide will share stories behind the magnificently carved totem poles. Step into a Clan House as guide explains about the local native culture. This small group experience is a wonderful way to learn about the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people.
Rainforest walk among old growth trees and moss blanketed forest. Walk along cascading creek and stop at a beautiful waterfall viewing area on this nature trail. Local guide will point out the flora and how these resources were vital to the Alaska Natives. There are some stairs and uphill downhill portions of the trail. We do offer a 2 hour tour without any stairs as well.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please provide us with a working cell phone number for the day that you will be in Ketchikan so that we can contact you 30 minutes prior to the departure time to ensure a smooth pick up If your ship lands in Ketchikan between berths 1, 2, 3, and 4 we pick up at berth 2 next to the statue called The Rock by the Ketchikan Visitors Center. If your ship lands in Ward Cove, we pick up in Ward Cove at the Welcoming Center next to the restrooms. We have a green sign that says Wild Wolf Tours
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Wild Wolf Tours, LLC
Accessibility and practical details
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- There are several sets of stairs and uphill / downhill portions of the trail. Guests must be able to walk about 1.5 miles on gravel trail.
- We do offer a 2 hour tour on easier trail without any stairs or steep inclines, please see 2 Hour Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Listing
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. We do have rain ponchos or umbrellas.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: Specific ship name (not just cruise line).
- A child cars seat and booster seat are available upon request, we must be notified ahead of time.
- We reserve the right to change trails and or totem park depending on conditions.
- We will provide tour time once booking is submitted.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
If your ship lands in Ketchikan between berths 1, 2, 3, and 4 we pick up at berth 2 next to the statue called The Rock by the Ketchikan Visitors Center.
If your ship lands in Ward Cove, we pick up in Ward Cove at the Welcoming Center next to the restrooms. We have a green sign that says Wild Wolf Tours
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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