Ketchikan Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary and Totem Park Excursion

Description

• Round-trip transportation from your Ketchikan cruise ship terminal!
  
• Trained and professional shore excursion guides!
• Fun for the whole family exploring the rainforest, seeing eagles up close, and learning about totems in Ketchikan!
  
• Complimentary snacks and hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or chocolate!
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Ketchikan and Alaska!

A delightful eight-mile coastal drive takes you from your downtown Ketchikan cruise ship pier to the exclusive Alaska Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, a private reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove.

You will be greeted by your Ketchikan excursion naturalist and guided along an improved trail through the heart of the dense Alaska rainforest, among tall stands of hemlock, spruce, and Alaska cedar. The forest floor is covered with mosses, wildflowers, and a variety of berries. Excursion stops will be made at strategically located viewing areas. Your Ketchikan shore excursion guide will lead you to a protected open estuary, where you follow Eagle Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands. Major runs of salmon return to spawn here. Watch and listen to the symphony of bird activity in this spectacular setting.

During the spawning season, bears and seals feed on salmon in Eagle Creek and the likelihood of viewing these fascinating animals is good. Bald eagles and other birds wait for scraps in the estuary. Sitka blacktail deer, mink, and marten also frequent the area. Seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels of wildlife activity. If you like nature, you will love this excursion.

At the end of the half-mile trail walk shore excursion, you will step back in time and be guided through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill. See up close the amazing saws and machinery that powered this uniquely Southeast Alaskan mill. Your next stop is to observe a master native totem carver at work and watch as he transforms a red cedar log into an amazing work of art. Finally, enjoy complimentary refreshments while browsing in the General Store. From here, you will be transferred back to your Ketchikan Alaska cruise ship pier.

What is included?

• Pickup and drop off right from the cruise ship pier area in Ketchikan Alaska
  
• English-speaking and trained excursion guides
  
• Demonstration by an original totem carver
  
• Chance to get up close with a bald eagle
  
• Snack - smoked salmon and crackers, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
  

Excursion Notes

• The walking portion takes approximately one hour and the total distance covered is approximately one mile.
  
• Guests must be able to walk over packed dirt, gravel, pavement, and a boardwalk. There are slight inclines and declines.
  
• The restrooms are located near the gift shop.
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if the requirements are not met.
  
• We recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof.
• Please wear sensible walking/hiking shoes that may get wet.
  
• We suggest you have cash on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.

Where we meet

For this Ketchikan Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary and Totem Park Excursion, you will meet your local excursion guide right in the Ketchikan cruise pier area. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.