Ketchikan: Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure

Ketchikan’s Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure offers an engaging 3.5-hour journey through the lush Tongass National Forest, priced at $225 per person. With eight zip-lines and a striking aerial bridge, this tour appeals to those eager for an active, scenic experience high above Alaska’s rainforest floor. The guides are praised for their professionalism and clear safety explanations, making this tour accessible for adventurous travelers comfortable with heights. The tour also includes a visit to a Tsimshian totem park, adding a cultural touch to the natural exploration. The experience suits participants without mobility restrictions or fear of heights, as these are noted limitations.

While the tour promises wildlife sightings from above, animal visibility is not guaranteed. The combination of forest scenery, wildlife habitat, and cultural sites creates a well-rounded adventure. The tour departs from Ward Cove, with transportation included, and concludes with a scenic drive back to the cruise ship, making it a convenient choice for travelers docked in Ketchikan.

Key Points

• Duration is 3.5 hours, providing a compact yet immersive rainforest experience.
• Price of $225 per person includes transportation, zipline activities, and cultural stops.
• Up to eight zip-lines range from 100 to 600 feet, some reaching heights of 100 feet above ground.
• Wildlife sightings from the platforms are possible but not guaranteed.
• The tour features a viewing tower over Whitman Lake Fish Hatchery and a visit to a Tsimshian totem park.
• Suitable for active participants; not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility issues, or afraid of heights.

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Exploring the Tongass Rainforest in Ketchikan

This tour begins with a scenic eight-mile coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary at Herring Cove. The drive offers a glimpse of Alaska’s rugged coastline before reaching a major rain forest reserve known for its salmon spawning streams and intertidal estuaries. The area is teeming with bald eagles, black bears, and numerous other species, making it a lively wildlife habitat. The lush environment forms an ideal backdrop for the adventure ahead, and the biodiversity is often visible from the platforms.

From the Coastal Drive to the Canopy Chalet

Once at Herring Cove, a custom 4×4 Unimog transports participants up a steep hillside to the canopy chalet. This journey adds an element of excitement while ensuring easy access to the forest canopy. The guides here are experienced professionals who provide a thorough safety orientation and equip participants with high-quality gear. This setup guarantees a secure environment for the zipline challenge, which gradually increases in height and length.

The Challenge of Eight Zip-Lines High in the Trees

The core activity involves eight zip-lines that traverse between short 100-foot runs and more daring 600-foot flights. Several zip-lines reach up to 100 feet above the ground, offering sweeping views of the forest and salmon streams below. The zip-line sequence is designed to progressively ease participants into the canopy, making it suitable for most active, able-bodied adults. The longest zip-line opens into the forest canopy, providing breathtaking views of the lush greenery and spattering salmon spawning creeks.

Crossing the Aerial Bridge and Wildlife Encounters

A hanging bridge connects to the longest zip-line, creating a thrilling crossing above the forest. From here, visitors experience a unique perspective of the native landscape. This part of the tour offers a good chance to spot bald eagles and bears, although sightings are not guaranteed due to wildlife unpredictability. Throughout the canopy journey, the sounds of the rainforest—birdcalls and rustling leaves—enhance the immersive feel.

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Overlook at Whitman Lake Fish Hatchery

The final zip-line takes you from the rainforest into lush wetlands, culminating at a viewing tower over Whitman Lake Fish Hatchery. From the 55-foot tower, participants rappel down to the ground, completing the zipline loop. The hatchery view adds a layer of Alaska’s natural resource importance to the adventure, linking the wilderness experience with local wildlife management.

Cultural and Historic Highlights at Tsimshian Totem Park

After the zipline adventure, weather permitting, visitors can explore the Tsimshian totem park, where master carvers work on traditional totem poles. The tour also visits a historic sawmill and observes blacksmiths at work, enriching the experience with insights into local craftsmanship and history. Visitors can browse the souvenir shop, where photos taken during the zipline are available and local mementos can be purchased.

Practical Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour departs from Berth 2 near the Ketchikan Visitors Center, with a convenient 10-minute pre-tour meeting. Guests meet near the bronze statue “The Rock” and the rain gauge, where guides with signs direct the group. Transportation from Ward Cove is provided via shuttle, with an estimated 30-40 minute ride to downtown Ketchikan before reaching the meeting point. The tour includes all transportation, zipline equipment, and access to the cultural sites.

Tour Guides and Group Size

The tour features live English-speaking guides, with a small group limit of 9 participants. Review feedback highlights guide professionalism, friendliness, and clear safety instructions. Guides such as Chloe, Matt, Charlotte, and Grace are praised for their engaging approach, making the adventure both fun and safe.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

Participants should be able to walk and fit within a weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg). The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility issues, or those afraid of heights. Open-toed shoes, self-stick selfie equipment, and food or drinks are not permitted on the zipline, to ensure safety.

Value and Overall Experience

Priced at $225, the tour offers transportation, eight zip-lines, wildlife viewing opportunities, and cultural insights. The shorter duration makes it a manageable addition to a cruise port stop, offering a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation. The positive reviews attest to the entertaining guides and the spectacular scenery, although wildlife sightings remain uncertain.

Final Thoughts on the Ketchikan Zipline Adventure

This tour delivers a thrilling high-altitude adventure amid Alaska’s stunning rainforest, combined with opportunities to learn about local culture and see wildlife habitats. It’s an ideal choice for active travelers who enjoy ziplines, scenic views, and a touch of history. The safety measures and guided approach make this experience accessible for most healthy adults, but it’s important to note the physical and height restrictions.

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the visual beauty of the forest canopy and the cultural stops create a memorable experience. The tour’s small group size enhances the sense of adventure and personalized attention. For those seeking an adventure-packed, scenic tour during a Ketchikan cruise, this zipline escapade offers a solid combination of nature, culture, and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or minors?
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed; the activity is best suited for active adults with no mobility restrictions or fear of heights.

What should I wear for the zipline adventure?
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Open-toed shoes are not permitted.

How early should I arrive at the meeting point?
Arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time to meet guides and allow for any last-minute preparations.

Are food and drinks allowed during the tour?
No, food and drinks are not allowed on the zipline or in the activity areas to ensure safety.

Can I participate if I have a fear of heights?
Participation may not be suitable for anyone with a strong fear of heights, as the activity involves aerial crossings and zip-lines at significant elevations.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in travel planning.

Does the tour include wildlife guarantees?
Wildlife sightings, such as eagles or bears, are possible but not guaranteed from the zip-line platforms.

Is there an age limit for participation?
The tour is not suitable for unaccompanied minors, and participants should meet the physical requirements listed.

What cultural sites are included?
Visitors explore a Tsimshian totem park, see a master carver working, and visit a historic sawmill—adding cultural depth to the experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of eight zip-lines, scenic wildlife habitat, and cultural insights—all within a small group setting—makes this adventure uniquely engaging during a visit to Ketchikan.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby