Tour Description/Itinerary
Wildlife
Inner Passage Marine Life
Waterfalls
First Location: Experience the thrill of wildlife with the chance to see bears, bald eagles, salmon, and seals! This open grassy field and creek, attracts a variety of wildlife to this location! Please keep in mind sighting a bear is not a guarantee. However, we do make every effort possible to give our guests the best opportunity to see one!
Waterfalls
Inner Passage Marine Life
Waterfalls
Second location: Immerse yourself in the beauty of a breathtaking waterfall steps away from where you exit the van! Explore the lush rainforest for more awe-inspiring views of this natural wonder! For the true adventurers, ask your guide to lead you to a second stunning waterfall, just a 10-minute hike away. (Keep in mind that the terrain to reach the second waterfall may not be suitable for everyone. This hike is not a set part of the itinerary; it's an exciting option available for your group to decide in the moment.) Otherwise, the main waterfall is right there when you exit the van.
Inner Passage Marine Life
Inner Passage Marine Life
Inner Passage Marine Life
Third location: Discover the diverse tide pools along the coastal inner passage, where you may spot purple and orange starfish, crabs, sea anemones, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and more! With luck, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale swimming through the passage. The variety of wildlife will change with the tide levels. When the season is right, you can also pick and enjoy the wild edible berries in this location! (rocky and sandy terrain)
Herring Bay Totem Park
The Herring Bay Sawmill
Inner Passage Marine Life
Fourth location: A guided tour of this Totem Park offers a rare opportunity to see totem poles up close. Your guide will share these fascinating stories providing a fun and interactive experience. This location includes an active carving center, watch a carver in action, and ask questions about their craft!
The Herring Bay Sawmill
The Herring Bay Sawmill
The Herring Bay Sawmill
Fifth location: The Herring Bay Sawmill operated from 1956 to 2002. It offers a fun and interesting look into Ketchikan's past that both adults and kids will enjoy! The sawmill sits on 20-foot-high stilts, providing an amazing view of the estuary below. Visitors may even spot harbor seals, beavers, salmon, eagles, and bears!
Additional bonus this site also features Bifrost Blacksmithing, Alaskan made knives forged in Alaska, with locally sourced materials, like recycled steel for blades and Sitka black tailed deer antlers for handles, each with a unique story. View this amazing collection and speak with the blacksmiths Jake and Joron and learn of their craft!
Additional Details:
The Totem Park, Sawmill, and Bifrost Blacksmithing are together in one location. Please note this privately owned site has a $10 per person entry fee (ages 12 and under $5) upon arrival to this location.
Maximum Guests per booking:
Maximum 11 guests per booking (Tour van holds 11 guests including passenger seat). Groups larger than 11, please contact us for special arrangements.
Inclusions
- Disposable Ponchos in case of rain
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- Air-conditioned vans for those warmer Alaskan days
- Seat belt equipped van
- Clean touring vans
Pick up/Drop off
Pick up in front of your cruise ship 10 minutes prior to your selected tour time. Your guide will be waiting at the bottom of the ramp, holding a sign that reads Emerald Forest Tours.
Drop off is back to your ship or anywhere in town you wish! Rest assured you will be back to your ship on time, our reputation depends on it!
Mobility Equipment
Our vans can fit collapsible/foldable wheelchairs and walkers.
Child seats and Booster seats
We have both child and booster seats available. If one is required, please comment in the section labeled special requests, when making your reservation.
Cancelation Policy
Our cancellation policy is flexible and understanding. We kindly ask you give us 2 weeks notice prior to your scheduled reservation, so we have adequate time to fill the spot. We also understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and if you need to cancel even within 24 hours of your tour, we will happily provide a full refund.
