Zip lining in Ketchikan
Zip lining in Ketchikan means flying along cables through the rainforest that covers the hills above town. The main option is Alaska Canopy Adventures at Herring Cove, where you zip between enormous cedar trees high above the forest. Courses here are guided, and the trees, moss and mist are the real draw.
Places to go
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
A zip line day here starts with a van or tour transfer out of town to the rainforest course. Once you arrive, guides brief you, fit your gear, and walk you to the first platform. The main line runs between two enormous cedar trees, high above the forest floor. The whole outing takes about 3.5 hours, including the ride back.
Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America, so expect damp conditions and pack a rain jacket and layers. Weather can turn quickly from warm and sunny to windy and cold. Summer rain is usually light and sporadic, with daytime highs in the high sixties F. Experienced riders can ask about the harder canopy expedition.
Where to go
- Alaska Canopy Adventures. Zipline course through the trees at Herring Cove, with the original Alaska course and a courtesy van from town. Herring Cove, 116 Wood Rd, by courtesy van. A trip that goes here: Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $262 a person
- Zipline Adventure Park. Zipline course through a lush rainforest, about 3.5 hours, with well-reviewed guided lines. By tour transport. A trip that goes here: Zipline Adventure Park, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $209 a person
Getting there
The course is out of town at Herring Cove, 116 Wood Rd, so you cannot walk there from town. Alaska Canopy Adventures provides a courtesy van, and you should call ahead to book it. The tour transfer is usually arranged for you as part of the day.
When to go
The season runs from April to October. Pack rain gear, since rain is common even in summer.
Good to know
- Call ahead to book the Alaska Canopy Adventures courtesy van before your visit.
- Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket, because weather can change quickly.
- Wear closed shoes and leave loose items behind, since you will be ziplining on a guided course.
Questions
Is zip lining in Ketchikan good for first-timers?
Yes. The guided courses suit families and first-timers, and the course at Herring Cove lets you fly between enormous cedar trees high above the rainforest. Experienced riders can also ask about the harder canopy expedition.
How do I get to the zip line course from town?
The Alaska Canopy Adventures course is at 116 Wood Rd in Herring Cove, out of town. It runs a courtesy van, so call ahead to book it. Taxis serve outlying areas too, but riders usually call to request one.
How long does a zip line day take in Ketchikan?
Plan about 3.5 hours for the guided ziplines, with the van or tour transfer on either end.
