Top Ketchikan Outdoor Activities

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group of no more than eight people for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Ride an electric bike to the end of Ketchikan's 'road to nowhere' and then hike thorough a wildlife-rich rain forest on this combo eco-tour. Pedal from the marina to the end of the island's paved road system on a battery-powered bike, and then dismount to trek through the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, following a trail that passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, beach views, and dense foliage that's home to an array of native Alaskan wildlife.

Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s most visited cruise ports, renowned for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and indigenous heritage. On this tour, take in all the highlights with a local guide. See the famous salmon ladder, admire the traditional totem poles at the Saxman Native Village, enjoy whale-watching from Rotary Beach, and look out for seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove.

Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a natural waterfall and see the native flora. Then, visit a Totem Park, learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people and explore a magnificently carved clan house. This small-group tour ensures a more personal experience and includes pick up at the cruise port.

While in port in Ketchikan, take to the skies over stunning Misty Fjords National Monument on this 1-hour flighted tour. Board a floatplane and fly over the lakes, sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Misty Fjords, a part of Tongass National Forest covering more than 2 million acres (900,000 hectares) of alpine wilderness. Keep an eye out for any wildlife including bears, eagles and other marine life. Tour duration includes a 1-hour flight, safety orientation, loading and unloading time and gift shop time.

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.

If you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV show 'Deadliest Catch,' you saw the Aleutian Ballad, a commercial fishing boat, escape a rogue wave in the Bering Sea. On this fisherman’s tour from Ketchikan, hop aboard the Aleutian Ballad and navigate through the tranquil, protected waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew, and marvel at the variety of marine creatures caught in barrel pots and hauled up on deck. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore.

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Pick between multiple tour times to suit your schedule, and meet your guide in central Ketchikan, or 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 the sights of Ketchikan aboard a San Francisco–style cable car. 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. Tour is fully narrated.

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this 3.5-hour guided shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and as you paddle around the island, spot wildlife including bald eagles, seals, salmon, and perhaps even humpbacks and orcas. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group of no more than eight people for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Spend a few hours experiencing Alaska’s nature and wildlife on this small group boat tour. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide at Alaska Kayak Company, embark on a journey through the Inside Passage. Then hop in a kayak and go exploring for black bears, humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and other animals. Enjoy a delicious snack of wild smoked salmon before returning to Ketchkian.

Focus on the scenery of Tongass National Forest and Totem Park on this eco tour from Ketchikan. Traveling with a small group of just 11 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions of your guide. Follow your guide on a walk through the Alaskan rain forest and Totem Park, where you'll get views and photo ops of pristine creeks, ancient trees, and moss-covered ground. There's even a geo-caching scavenger hunt to keep kids interested and occupied.

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 world-class sport fishing off the coast of Ketchikan during a fishing charter with an experienced captain. Drop your line in the deep waters offshore with the possibility of catching Pacific halibut and four different types of Alaskan salmon. Your captain can suggest stops and assist you with baiting the line or reeling in your catch. Plus, round-trip transport from the cruise ship dock or your hotel is included.

Get acquainted with Ketchikan on this 90-minute tour on a state-of-the-art amphibian vehicle that goes on land and water. Take a tour of the harbor, going through Tongass Narrows and then pass through the city of Ketchikan, stopping often to marvel at the beauty of it all, including the many gorgeous totem poles.

We offer a Private Fishing experience that will focus on your interest alone. We do not mix, match, or add clients to your party. This helps us meet and exceed your expectations. You also gain more flexibility and fishing options as we create an experience based on your time schedule and interest.

Soar over the rugged sea cliffs and inlets of Misty Fjords National Monument on a seaplane tour. Ideal for visitors who want to see as much as possible during a short stay, a seaplane grants you stunning aerial views of otherwise inaccessible regions. Plus, choosing a seaplane tour grants you the chance to experience the unique take-off and landing of a floatplane.

Wilderness areas near Ketchikan are ideal locations to see the wildlife and old growth rain forests of south eastern Alaska. With this tour, take a short boat ride to the Orcas Cove launch point, get in a kayak, and spend a few hours exploring the shoreline and spotting wildlife—bears, whales, eagles, and more—waterside. Finish the tour with a snack of local smoked salmon.

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 via live narration from the pilot during the 1.5-hour flight.

After relaxing aboard your ship, this off-road Ketchikan shore excursion will pump up your adrenaline. First, 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, 20-person canoe! Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack of smoked salmon, clam chowder, fresh bread with local wild-berry jam, and hot chocolate.

If you’re thinking, “Zipline tour? Been there, done that,” maybe you just need to up the ante. This thrilling zipline tour in Tongass National Forest will have you flying through an Alaskan rainforest canopy at heights up to 135 feet (41 meters) above ground. Across 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) of dual-line cables and three hanging bridges, you’ll have unique vantage points to look for bears feeding on salmon and watch bald eagles soar through the sky. This exciting experience from Ketchikan is limited to nine people per group so you can enjoy personalized attention from your guides.

Create beautiful memories of Ketchikan with this small-group photography tour. Your guide will lead you to all of the best photo spots in the area, including historical, cultural and natural attractions, and provide helpful tips and instruction on composition, exposure and more for all types of camera, from a DSLR to a point and shoot or cell phone.

Discover the tranquil beauty of Tongass National Forest on this 3.5-hour guided tour from Ketchikan. Paddle with a group of up to 20 passengers in a Native American–style canoe across a secluded lake, and then enjoy a nature walk through a rain forest. Gain insight into local Native American history, as well as the wildlife and plants you see along the way. A riverside snack and hotel transport are included.