A JOURNEY THROUGH WATER, FOREST, AND MOUNTAIN LIGHT

This guided hike invites you deep into the Tongass National Forest — a world of mirrored lakes, towering spruce, and alpine views. Designed for small groups of six or fewer, this 4-mile roundtrip trek combines gentle beauty with purposeful movement, following the natural rhythm of Alaska’s rainforest.

The journey begins with a short drive north of town to a quiet trailhead beside a mountain lake. From here, the trail climbs gently along the water’s edge, where you’ll pause to admire reflections of ridgelines and the play of mist above the trees. As we continue, the path narrows and turns more rugged — roots underfoot, the scent of cedar and earth all around.

We ascend through an old-growth forest alive with bird song and filtered light until we reach the base of an avalanche chute, about 1,100 feet above sea level. Each winter, the mountain reshapes this passage with snow and stone, leaving behind a striking scar that opens to sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Here, we pause to take it all in — the vastness, the silence, the raw energy of the land. Then, in quiet rhythm, we retrace our steps downhill, through mossy forest and back to the tranquil lake.

Along the way, your guide shares stories of Southeast Alaska’s ecology, cultural history, and the enduring relationship between people and the forest. You’ll learn about old-growth preservation, how logging has shaped these lands, and what makes this ecosystem one of the most vital carbon sinks on Earth.