Rainforest and jungle in Ketchikan
Ketchikan's rainforest is close to town and easy to reach. The town sits in a temperate rainforest, one of the wettest places in North America, so the forest is dense, green and full of moss, hemlock and cedar. Most rainforest walks here are short and mostly flat, and a few combine the forest with totem poles or a boat ride to a secluded island.
Places to go
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
A Forest Service visitor center in downtown Ketchikan, with exhibits on the Tongass rainforest, native cultures and wildlife. A good first stop in town.
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
A 40-acre temperate rainforest near Ketchikan, with forest trails, salmon spawning streams and a boardwalk through hemlock, cedar and spruce.
Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest is the large forest that surrounds Ketchikan. Its trails, backcountry roads and waters are open for hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing.
Margaret Creek Wildlife Observation Site
A Forest Service bear viewing site on Revillagigedo Island, where a rainforest trail leads to a platform over Margaret Creek. Visitors come to look for black bears, birds and salmon.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
The most common rainforest outing is a guided naturalist walk. It runs on a mostly flat path of compressed gravel through dense forest, where the guide points out hemlock, cedar and spruce and the plants that grow on them. Some versions add a stop to watch a totem carver at work or look for wildlife. A walk like this usually takes two to three hours.
For a bigger change of scene, the Rainforest Island Adventure takes a rigid-hull boat about 20 minutes to a secluded island. Guests land on the beach, split into smaller groups and hike a boardwalk through the rainforest. The whole trip lasts about 4 hours. It is a good choice if you want time on the water as well as among the trees, and it runs late April to early October.
Where to go
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. A 40-acre temperate rainforest with hiking trails, hemlock, cedar and spruce, and salmon spawning streams. A trip that goes here: Rainforest Sanctuary Center and Totems, 2 Hours 45 Minutes, $145 a person
- Rainbird Trail. A 1.3-mile trail with a few short, steep climbs, giving quick access into the forest from downtown or the university campus. By walk. A trip that goes here: Wilderness Cruise and Rainforest Island Adventure, 4 Hours, $250 a person
- Rainforest Island Adventure. A boardwalk hike through rainforest on a secluded island, reached by rigid-hull boat, with the trip lasting about 4 hours. About 20 minutes by boat. A trip that goes here: Rainforest Sanctuary Center and Totems, 2 Hours 45 Minutes, $145 a person
Getting there
The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and the Rainbird Trail are the easiest to reach on your own, since the Rainbird Trail starts from downtown and the sanctuary is in town. The island adventure leaves from the waterfront by boat and takes about 20 minutes to get to the island. Taxis serve outlying areas, and riders usually call to request a cab.
When to go
The rainforest island adventure runs late April to early October. Summer rain is generally light and sporadic, so summer is the easiest time for a forest walk, though rain can arrive at any time.
Good to know
- Bring a waterproof layer and wear shoes with good grip, since paths can be wet and muddy.
- Dress in layers, because the weather can change quickly from sunny to windy and rainy.
- Keep food and garbage out of reach on the trails, and make noise so you do not surprise a bear.
- Stay on marked trails and observation decks, and never approach a bear.
Questions
Is there rainforest to walk in near downtown Ketchikan?
Yes. Ketchikan is a temperate rainforest town. The Rainbird Trail gives quick access into the forest from downtown, and the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a 40-acre rainforest with hiking trails. Both are close to town.
How long does a rainforest walk in Ketchikan take?
Most guided rainforest walks take two to three hours. The Rainforest Island Adventure takes about 4 hours in all, including a 20-minute boat ride to the island and a boardwalk hike through the forest.
Do I need rain gear for a rainforest walk in Ketchikan?
Yes. Ketchikan averages over 160 inches of rain a year. Bring a waterproof jacket and dress in layers, because the weather can change quickly.
