Top Ketchikan Outdoor Activities - page 3

Observe bears in their natural habitat on a half-day tour by air from Ketchikan. Your pilot shares commentary via radio headset during the 40-minute scenic flight as you go over the Inside Passage to Prince of Wales Island. Land at Polk Inlet and visit the United States Forest Service bear-viewing platform, where your guide helps you get a close look at wild bears as they hunt for salmon along the creek. Includes scenic flight, guide, and pickup and drop-off from central Ketchikan.

This fully private salmon fishing charter is designed around your group and your schedule. Unlike large shared excursions, you’ll fish alongside a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain who focuses entirely on your experience. We target proven local fishing grounds based on daily tides and conditions to give you the best opportunity to hook Alaska salmon during your limited time in port. With dockside pickup coordination, flexible routing, and personalized instruction for all skill levels, you’ll enjoy an authentic Ketchikan fishing experience — not a crowded tour. Wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, seals, and whales are common while fishing the scenic waters surrounding Ketchikan, adding to the unforgettable Alaska experience.

First-time visitors to Tongass National Forest may find it intimidating to explore alone as it’s one of the United States’ largest national forests. Prebook this small-group hiking experience from Ketchikan and follow a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) trail with a guide navigating the way. Along the way, see old-growth Sitka spruce trees and a forested lake nestled amidst the surrounding mountains.

This combination trip gives your guide the freedom to pursue the best fishing opportunities available on the day you arrive. Whether it’s highly technical salmon trolling with downriggers, jigging pinnacles and kelp forests for rockfish and lingcod, or plumbing the depths for bottom fish, this trip highlights the diversity of species and fishing techniques Southeast Alaska is famous for! The guides who take these trips out are chosen for their versatile skill set, to run a trip like this you have to be rigged up with multiple sets of rods to facilitate completely different types of fishing rapidly within the course of a half-day trip. They’re ready to run far, pivot rapidly between locations and styles of fishing, and lean into the best seasonal opportunities on the day of your trip!

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Meet your guide at your cruise ship dock. See city highlights, including historical Creek Street and a local salmon hatchery, before continuing out of town: you’ll visit totem parks, pretty tide pools and beaches, nature preserves, and more. As you go, learn all about the region’s indigenous heritage.

Explore Ketchikan's rich history and vibrant Native culture on this immersive tour. Board a luxury coach for a scenic journey that includes a visit to Eagle Point for local heritage insights and smoked salmon tastings. Discover the world's largest collection of standing totem poles at Saxman Native Village, and drive through Ketchikan’s historic downtown, including the famous Creek Street. This tour offers a blend of storytelling, cultural understanding, and beautiful Alaskan landscapes, ensuring a memorable experience for couples, solo travelers, and families alike. - Luxury coach transport for a comfortable journey - Engaging guide providing cultural insights and stories - Visit to Saxman Native Village and carving center - Suitable for groups of all sizes, accommodating up to 44 passengers

Experience a unique Ketchikan wildlife cruise that combines breathtaking scenery, Alaska wildlife, and authentic local storytelling. Departing from Clover Pass Resort aboard our comfortable enclosed vessel, you'll cruise the protected waterways of the Inside Passage in search of whales, bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and other wildlife. As you travel through Southeast Alaska's stunning coastal landscapes, enjoy captivating stories from local Alaskans sharing tales of wildlife encounters, commercial fishing adventures, local legends, and life in the Last Frontier. Unlike traditional wildlife tours, Tales & Tides offers a deeper connection to Alaska's culture and people while providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and sightseeing. This unforgettable Ketchikan shore excursion combines wildlife, scenery, and authentic Alaska stories into one memorable experience.

Trade in a mellow shore excursion for a thrilling alternative in Ketchikan. Steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler® deep in Tongass National Forest. Then, at Lake Harriet Hunt, paddle with your group a Native American–style canoe. Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack.

Experience the best Alaska halibut fishing! Private excursion includes halibut fishing, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. Catch your trophy halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska. We offer a guaranteed on time pickup and drop off from downtown Ketchikan cruise ship ports. Making this fishing charter the best way to maximize your time in port. Private Ketchikan halibut fishing excursion is great for all ages and skill levels. We provide everything needed for an authentic Alaskan fishing adventure! Halibut fishing in scenic waters along the Ketchikan coastline. This private fishing excursion gives you a hands on experience. The best halibut fishing waters on your Alaskan cruise.

Explore the sights of Ketchikan aboard a San Francisco–style cable car trolley. Traveling on this open-air vehicle, you'll see attractions such as the Fish Ladder and the Native American totem poles of Saxman Native Village, plus look for wildlife such as bears, seals, salmon, and bald eagles at the Herring Cove viewing area. This is a fully narrated and guided tour.

Alaska is well known for its salmon fishing but visitors can also enjoy fishing for other species of fish. Join this fishing charter and enjoy a private excursion in search of halibut in the waters around Ketchikan. Cast your line in search of the flatfish and reel in your catch to enjoy later on in the day.

Book the whole boat for one flat rate: $1400 for up to 4 guests; $1700 for 5; $1900 for 6. That makes this private charter a steal! And while all guests are welcome, no other charter fishing operation in Ketchikan is more accessible. Our custom-built boat is wheelchair accessible; we have adaptive fishing gear on board; and Captain Jack has over ten years experience working in various disabled communities. We believe that ocean excursions are for everyone–that's why we built this boat with accessibility in mind. Captain Jack is also a consummate host and year-round resident of Ketchikan, whose primary goal is to give you the best experience possible, whatever the nature of the weather or the bite. Novice anglers will find a friendly and patient teacher. Experienced anglers will have opportunity to try more advanced techniques. And all anglers will meet an enthusiastic captain who is happy to guide you through a taste of what life is like here in Southeast Alaska!

*Private Charters for group sizes from 2-6 *Transparent Pricing *Captains with a minimum of a decade of experience fishing Ketchikan *Communicate directly with your captain after booking, stay up to date on weather, fishing reports, and port times.

Misty Fjords National Monument is a remote, road-less wilderness area that can only be reached by air and sea. This floatplane flightseeing tour takes you into the heart of the park where you can see untouched areas of Alaska far from the hoards of cruise ship passengers that flock to more accessible areas. The tour includes a water landing—a unique experience only a floatplane can provide.

Spend time out on the Alaskan waters and cast your line for salmon aboard your own charter. Join your captain and board your vessel for a ride in the salmon capital of the world. Cast your line for five different species of salmon—chinook, coho, red, pink, and chum. While you’re fishing, admire the rugged scenery that Alaska has to offer.

Enjoy a true Alaskan fishing experience on this private charter from Ketchikan. Head out onto the water to secret fishing destinations filled with unpressured fish, from trophy chinook, coho, and pink salmon, to huge halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. Your captain runs far and fast to stay out ahead of the fleet and provide a great day on the water.

Connell Lake Trail offers a peaceful journey with beautiful lake and mountain views, all while exploring one of the most beautiful forests in Southeast Alaska. • Small-group rainforest hike limited to 6 guests. • Explore Tongass National Forest with a life long Ketchikan local. • Enjoy scenic views of Connell Lake and Surrounding mountains at your own pace. •Escape the cruise crowds and experience 2-3 miles of pure hiking.

Upon arrival to the platform, you will be at a prime vantage point to see Alaska’s REAL fisherman! Watch the true champions of the tour – the 5 species of salmon battling in the last part of their life, to arrive upstream to spawn. They are fighting not just the swift current but also the bears. See the black bears fattening up for winter, plunge into the rushing water with jaws wide, to eat the wild salmon heading upstream to spawn. Besides bears feeding, you are also likely to see Bald Eagles feeding on salmon scraps left over by the bears. The Highlights - Visit a World Class bear viewing facility. - A round trip floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest is included. - Listen to a personalized flight narration – no recorded tracks - There is a high likelihood of seeing black bears, eagles and salmon. - Enjoy a nature walk of approximately ¼ mile round trip. - Be accompanied by an experienced Alaska Bear Guide. -Tour length is 3 hours with up to 45 minutes of flightseeing.

Connect with authentic Alaska. Embark on a thrilling cruise to Metlakatla, Alaska’s only Native reserve, and hike the scenic Yellow Hill Trail, where you’ll uncover ancient petroglyphs and enjoy stunning panoramic views. Delight in a traditional Tsimshian dance at the community longhouse and explore the vibrant Artists Village. On the return journey to Ketchikan, savor locally caught sockeye salmon and watch for wildlife, all while enjoying complimentary hot beverages. Connect with authentic Alaska and book your adventure today!

The summer is the best time to see bears in the Alaskan wilderness and this excursion takes you to the best spots. Join a small group and fly from Ketchikan to Tongass National Forest, landing at Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory. Then, hike through the forest to see bears feeding and living in their natural habitat, a great opportunity for budding wildlife photographers to capture amazing photos.

Experience more than just a walk- Ward Creek Trail Nature Hike offers a unique blend of adventure and connection. With SE Alaska vibes, engaging conversations, and mindful moments, our guided hike immerses you in the beauty and history of Ward Creek. Small group sizes ensure a personalized experience, while our thoughtfully curated route leads you to the most scenic spots, perfect for reflection or stunning photos. Whether you are seeking peaceful nature or meaningful exploration, this hike promises unforgettable memories.

Of all the trips we run, Private Charters run the farthest, spend the most time on the grounds, and provide the greatest flexibility to guests and guides. We send our most experienced captains on these trips because they demand high levels of creativity in targeting a combination of different species. Booking this trip gives you the freedom to define the experience. You may choose from a variety of vessels, target halibut, salmon, lingcod, rockfish, pacific cod, Dungeness crab, or chase sightseeing opportunities and wildlife. We also love to combine this fishing excursion with dining experiences featuring your fresh catch; either at our rustic fish camp deep in the National Forest; or a chef-prepared meal at our restaurant at the harbor after your return. This trip is about crafting an experience that will fit your unique needs and interests. When you book the boat, we look forward to working with you to build an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. You may have up to 6 anglers onboard.

Discover the old-growth forests of Tongass National Forest on this small-group trek that includes hotel pickup in Ketchikan. Go with a guide to avoid getting lost and hike through an Alaska State Park. Trek past old-growth rainforests of Sitka spruce and western red cedar, walk along a river, and catch sight of a few waterfalls in the area.

Of all the trips we run, Private Charters run the farthest, spend the most time on the grounds, and provide the greatest flexibility to guests and guides. We send our most experienced captains on these trips because they demand high levels of creativity in targeting a combination of different species. Booking this trip gives you the freedom to define the experience. You may choose from a variety of vessels, target halibut, salmon, lingcod, rockfish, pacific cod, Dungeness crab, or chase sightseeing opportunities and wildlife. We also love to combine this fishing excursion with dining experiences featuring your fresh catch; either at our rustic fish camp deep in the National Forest; or a chef-prepared meal at our restaurant at the harbor after your return. This trip is about crafting an experience that will fit your unique needs and interests. When you book the boat, we look forward to working with you to build an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. You may have up to 6 anglers onboard.