Downtown Passengers - Walk to the Berth 3 Visitor Center under the covered awning, and look for your guide holding an Island Girl Hiking Co. sign.Ward Cove Passengers - Meet at the tour staging area by the large bay door in The Mill. Look for your guide holding the Island Girl Hiking Co. sign.
Description
This small group hike offers a genuine Alaskan rainforest experience far from the crowded sightseeing stops. With a maximum of only 6 guests, you'll enjoy a personal and unhurried pace as you explore one of Ketchikan's most scenic hikes.
Unlike large tour groups, this experience focuses on real hiking and meaningful connection. Your local guide will share insights about Tongass National Forest's plants, wildlife and history while leading you through old-growth forest and along the rushing waters of Lunch Creek.
Perfect for travelers who want a deeper and more authentic experience in Ketchikan.
>>This tour is best suited for travelers who:
• Enjoy real hiking on forest trails
• Are able to hike 3-6 miles
• Want a small group experience
• Prefer nature over crowded attractions
• Are looking for an authentic outdoor adventure
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sun
Start times
8:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Next available
Sun, Oct 4
Adult (ages 14–80)
$199
Youth (ages 8–13)
$125
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 3.
A cinch pack will be provided for your use during the hike if needed.
Bottled water
Entrance fee
Healthy and delicious trekking foods that will be packed in/out by each hiker in their cinch bag. Each will include a fresh fruit, trail mix, energy/protein bar, and pretzels.
There will be ponchos available to use during the hike if you did not bring rain gear
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
11 reviews
5
11
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Ketchikan
Rated higher than 89% of 90 reviewed tours in Ketchikan
Starting price $199 is 56% below the typical $454 for tours of similar length in Ketchikan
Excurgo comparison of 141 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers who need assistance while walking/hiking
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Small-Group Rainforest Hiking Adventure- Ketchikan Excursion take?
Small-Group Rainforest Hiking Adventure- Ketchikan Excursion lasts about 4 hours.
How much does Small-Group Rainforest Hiking Adventure- Ketchikan Excursion cost?
Prices start at $199 per person for this Ketchikan experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Small-Group Rainforest Hiking Adventure- Ketchikan Excursion run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Can I cancel Small-Group Rainforest Hiking Adventure- Ketchikan Excursion for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Downtown Passengers - Walk to the Berth 3 Visitor Center under the covered awning, and look for your guide holding an Island Girl Hiking Co. sign. Ward Cove Passengers - Meet at the tour staging area by the large bay door in The Mill. Look for your guide holding the Island Girl Hiking Co. sign. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Small-Group Rainforest Hiking Adventure- Ketchikan Excursion offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Small-Group Rainforest Hiking Adventure- Ketchikan Excursion worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 11 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Dawn.
Reviews(11)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
Joanna_L
September 4, 2026 · via Viator
Amazing scenery
A lovely alternative to large group tours snd a welcome break from the crowds of the cruise ship in the stunning Tongass National Forest landscape. Dawn was knowledgeable in wildlife, flora, fauna. A very easy going person and a skilled hiker. The hike was approximately 5 miles on a gorgeous moderate trail.
Operator response
Thank you for the awesome review! I had such a great time talking to you, and I am so glad I was able to share one of my favorite trails with you. I hope you have many more holidays and adventures around the world!
J
Jamie_R
August 16, 2026 · via Viator
Beautiful hike!
Dawn was an excellent tour guide! She taught us about the plants and trees in the rainforest. It was about a 20-25 min ride from the cruise terminal to the trailhead entrance. From there we went at our own leisure as far as we wanted to go. It was a beautiful easy hike.
Operator response
Thank you so much, Jamie! I am so happy you enjoyed exploring the rainforest and learning about some of the plants and trees along the way. I had such a great time hiking with the 4 of you, and I hope your son had the experience of a lifetime fishing 😃
A
Andrea_S
July 16, 2026 · via Viator
Private hike in Tongass
Breathtaking views! Private and secluded experience! Our guide, Dawn, is a native Alaskan, and is very knowledgeable with the local wildlife and fauna.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the kind review! I am glad that I was able to show both of you the beauty and seclusion of the Tongass. Sharing the rainforest, wildlife, and local area is one of many reasons that I do this.
S
Susan_F
July 8, 2026 · via Viator
Beautiful Rainforest!
We hiked five miles of the Lunch Creek Trail in the Tongass National Forest. It was a beautiful, easy-to-moderate hike with a knowledgeable guide who knows the plants and trees.
Operator response
Thank you, Susan! Lunch Creek is such a beautiful trail, and I am elated that you enjoyed getting deeper into the forest learning more about why the Tongass is so special. It was such a pleasure hiking with you!
K
Kristin_L
July 6, 2026 · via Viator
Awesome Adventure
Dawn picked us up from Ward Cove and we trekked out on the Lunch Creek Trail. Dawn was absolutely amazing - a wonderful guide and person! My 11 year old daughter talked Dawn’s ear off most of 6+ mile hike, but it made her feel more at ease and able to accomplish some of the tougher terrain. Go on this hike to explore the Tongess Rainforest!
Operator response
Thank you so much, Kristin! I absolutely loved hiking with the 3 of you. Your daughter persevered, and was freaking amazing. Getting to know my hikers and helping them feel comfortable enough to help them succeed and tackle tough miles is exactly why I love what I do. I am so glad that y'all had such a great adventure!!
J
Jennifer_T
June 19, 2026 · via Viator
Our guide Dawn was...
Our guide Dawn was awesome and very knowledgeable! Good communication pre-trip. She got us back to port with plenty of time. Our hike went a good ways into the rainforest. Would totally do that hike again and would plan more time so we can go even further in. Thanks Dawn!
Operator response
Thank you, ladies! I had an absolutely blast hiking with y'all. I hope that lots of whales were seen in Juneau, and lots of memories were made. From the whole...thank you for the work that each of you do.
N
N8343URericf
June 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
True small group hiking tour not run by big company
Don't waste your money with any other tour, Dawn was amazing! Not your usual tour guide, spent time getting to know us and her knowledge is amazing! Felt like I was hiking with a friend. Hike to Lunch Creek was spectacular. Her communication pre trip was excellent and great follow up with pictures. This is not some large company taking your money this a local person with a true interest in the enjoyment of showing people the beautiful area she gets to live in. A hike we will never forget! Could have hiked all day with her it was so enjoyable.
Operator response
Oh my word, thank you so much! I am so glad I got to share the forest with y'all. Seriously, some of the greatest conversations and laughs I've had. I hope that y'all had an amazing time adventuring in Skagway. Thank you for giving me the inspiration and encouragement to keep going.
J
Joyce_B
June 14, 2026 · via Viator
Immersion Therapy
If you are looking for an alternative to large groups, so you can immerse yourself into the Tongass National Forest landscape this tour is for you. My guide Dawn was knowledgeable in wildlife, flora, fauna and Alaskan history. Moreover, she was very personable and a skilled hiker. The hike was approximately 5 miles on a gorgeous moderate trail.
Operator response
Joyce, you are such a free and beautiful soul! It was such a beautiful day to go out and explore the forest. I am so glad I got to spend the day with you, thank you! Here is to many more amazing solo adventures.
J
Jim_M
May 16, 2026 · via Viator
Not to be missed by nature lovers
This tour was very enjoyable and definitely recommended for those who want to experience the great outdoors in Ketchikan. The trail along the Lunch Creek was beautiful and well maintained. We were the only two people on the tour, so we were able to go at our own, faster pace - so much more fun than larger group outings. Our guide, Dawn, was so personable and engaging, we chatted the whole time.
Operator response
You two are so inspiring. Thank you for the great conversations, laughs, and for teaching me about spider wasps lol. I hope you had a fabulous rest of your trip! May y'all have many more hiking adventures around the world.
J
Joel_L
May 12, 2026 · via Viator
Great Trail walk
Dawn our trail guide was very knowledgeable about the Tongues National forest as she grew up in the area. Walking in an unfamiliar forest would have been intimidating but Dawn made you feel safe . She takes great photos and can identify native plants along the way .
Operator response
Thank you for the amazing review, Joel! I hope you had an awesome rest of the trip that included some epic whale sightings.
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