Top Ketchikan Outdoor Activities

Alaska is home to stunning landscapes and several wildlife species. Discover both of these aspects aboard a private boat tour around Revillagigedo Island departing from Ketchikan. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including humpback whales, bears, otters, eagles, and even orcas. This is an opportunity to spend hours on the water and see as much wildlife as possible.

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.

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.

Explore Ketchikan, Alaska from both land and sea on this private tour designed for groups of 1-6 guests. Begin with a scenic cruise along the coastline, where you’ll see landmarks like Totem Bight State Park and the Guard Island Lighthouse. Gain insights into the maritime history and Native heritage of the area from your knowledgeable guide. Transitioning from the water, enjoy a guided walk through Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest globally, surrounded by towering trees and rich wildlife. This intimate experience emphasizes a personal connection to Alaska’s stunning landscapes and ecosystems. - Private tour tailored for 1-6 guests for a personal experience - Scenic boat cruise along Ketchikan’s coastline and historical sites - Guided nature walk in Tongass National Forest, learning about the ecosystem - Flexible pacing allowing for exploration and appreciation of the environment

Learn about the native cultures of Alaska during your time in Ketchikan on this private shore excursion. This tour is completely flexible and can be tailored to your group's interests. Some options include visiting totem parks, a salmon hatchery, beaches, waterfalls, or going on a hike. While you explore, your guide teaches you about Native American culture and traditions.

This tour is off the beaten path and leaves the pavement and tourists behind for the more rugged mountain dirt roads in the backcountry of the Tongass National Forest, a local favorite drive. The tour is very rural and gains some scenic elevated views depending on weather conditions. We drive through some former logging sites as we explore the need for further conservation of our old-growth forests if we want to continue to breath clean air and if we want to fight climate change and protect one of the United States largest carbon sinks--the Tongass.

Embark on the ultimate Alaska wildlife adventure in Ketchikan! Discover top attractions like the mesmerizing salmon ladder, thrilling bear sightings at Herring Cove, and fascinating marine life at Rotary Beach, including whales and intertidal creatures. Dive into Alaska’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the iconic totem poles at Saxman Native Village, where Tlingit and Haida traditions come to life. Complete your unforgettable experience with a savory smoked salmon or reindeer sausage lunchable. Book your Ketchikan wildlife tour today and make memories to last a lifetime

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.

Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or both in a small-group setting of 3-6 people. Invite the whole family and experience the action regardless of skill level. The captain will provide all required equipment for fishing and guide you through the marine waters to where you'll start catching fish on a 4- or 6-hour tour.

Broaden your horizons: CustomIze Tour Tour? We are an Alaskan Native (Haida) owned and operated guide service in beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska, specializing in small group tours that will enhance your knowledge about the rich culture and history of the Haida & Tlingit people. You can’t experience Ketchikan without spotting some wildlife, so we have 3 stops just for possible sightings of bears, salmon, and eagles. You will also learn all about the history behind the iconic totem poles of Alaska as we explore the Totem Heritage Center and hear legendary stories that have been passed down for generations. All vans are equipped with microphones so everyone can enjoy the great narration of everything Ketchikan and Haida. We will also show you what medicinal plants and berries are edible as we travel through the Rainforest in comfy van. Traveling with us means no questions are left unanswered and that you leave Ketchikan satisfied with your cultural experience.

Take a 3-hour shore excursion to explore Alaska’s Rainforest Sanctuary. See numerous native animals such as black bears, bald eagles, seals, and a number of marine birds in their native habitats. Learn about the area’s ecosystem from your informative guide as you walk along the trails of the sanctuary. Enjoy light refreshments and a fresh smoked salmon snack during your tour.

Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Ketchikan's Rainforest on a private tour. As you walk through the rainforest, you'll be amazed by the towering trees, mossy forest floors, vibrant ferns, cascading waters, and flowing rivers. Feel the softness of the moss and the unique textures of the trees and plants around you. Stroll alongside a river that leads you to scenic viewpoints and stunning cascades. Your guide will provide insights about the various trees and plants you encounter along the way. You'll also reach the coast, where you can enjoy a clear view of the inner passage, with opportunities to spot seals in the ocean and bald eagles soaring overhead. This tour is perfect for family members of all ages. The walk takes place on a well-maintained gravel trail that stretches approximately 1.5 miles round trip. It is classified as easy to moderate, with some stairs and inclines at various points along the trail. Pick-up and drop-off will be at your cruise ship.

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.

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.

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!

These Private tours take you to the best places for experiencing true Southeast Alaska. Herring Cove has an abundance of Wildlife Including Black Bear, Bald Eagle, and all 5 species of Salmon. Rainbow falls is a small waterfall that overflows after a good rain after a few dry days you can climb down to the bottom of the falls. Stops can be added or removed if guest choose to stay at any area longer or shorter. Tours include bottled water, individual chips, small candy, and rain poncho great for on tour as well as after walking around town. Wildlife is not guaranteed.

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.

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.

Soar above the glacier-carved granite cliffs and waterfall-studded forests of Misty Fjords National Monument on an unforgettable flight tour from Ketchikan. With guaranteed window seating for all passengers in a fixed-wing Alaskan bush plane, you won't miss a thing as you coast over lush mountaintops and hillsides where wild goats and black bears roam. Learn about the ancient geologic history and wildlife of this spectacular landscape through live narration from the pilot during the flight.

This private tour is fully customizable, with a flat rate of $900 for 1-4 people; $1100 for 5; and $1300 for 6. Captain Jack is eager to give you the best day that he can on the water, and there's no fixed route for this tour: just tell him what interests you most, and he'll do what he can to deliver, whether you're hoping to see humpbacks or bears; totem poles or a lighthouse; harbor seals or hidden coastal treasures. Our custom boat was built right here in Ketchikan, and it's fully wheelchair-accessible. There is a large forward deck for viewing scenery and wildlife; another deck to the rear; and a spacious, enclosed cabin with huge windows, for comfortable viewing from indoors. Captain Jack is a year-round Ketchikan resident with 13 years of ocean guiding experience. He also has a deep knowledge of this place and its people that he his excited to share with you. . We are also certified through IBCCES and Autism Double-Checked.

Experience the best Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing! Private tour includes salmon and halibut fishing with whale watching, and wildlife viewing included. 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. Ketchikan offers the best salmon and halibut fishing. This exclusive private fishing tour is great for families and groups of all ages. We provide everything needed for an authentic Alaskan fishing adventure! Salmon and halibut fishing in protected scenic waters along the Ketchikan coastline. Your private fishing tour gives you a hands on experience. Offering the best salmon and halibut fishing on your Alaska cruise. We offer services to have your fresh Alaska catch shipped home.

Fishing in Ketchikan offers a unique adventure with Fathom Charter Fishing, where you can customize your trip to fit your style. Whether you prefer a private charter or a shared experience, the options are endless. Set sail for an unforgettable day on the water, surrounded by Alaska’s stunning scenery. Target prized catches and create lasting memories as you explore the rich fishing grounds. Specialized trips, including crab fishing, allow you to dive deeper into the local marine life and enhance your fishing journey.

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.

While most charter boats in Ketchikan are 24 feet long and 8 feet wide, you'll be cruising on THE FOUR FINS, a 37 foot-long, 12-foot wide beauty of a vessel built right here in Ketchikan, with tons of forward deck space, a large, spacious cabin, and ample room on the rear deck for all parties while fishing. Captain Jack is not just an expert fishing guide and year-round local: he's a consummate host, who is eager to show off his hometown and to help you have a great time, all while he puts you on the fish. And while all parties are welcome, Jack had this boat built to be fully accessible, for wheelchairs, power chairs, walkers, and scooters. There is also adaptive fishing gear on board, like wrist braces and grasping cuffs for those with limited use of their upper extremities. Captain Jack is also a certified autism specialist through IBCCES.