Step into the heart of Southeast Alaska on a private, small-group trek that blends challenge, beauty, and the kind of connection you can only experience far from the crowds. This 5.5-mile round-trip hike is more than a climb—it’s an intimate encounter with old-growth rainforest, mountain landscapes, and the living story of the Tongass.

We begin on a well-maintained gravel trail that curves along a forested mountain lake—an easy place to settle into your stride and soak in the quiet. Photo opportunities are everywhere: reflections on still water, filtered light through towering cedars and spruce, moss-covered roots and shoreline textures.

As we continue, the second mile shifts into a more natural forest path—roots, rock steps, gravel, and stretches of true Tongass terrain. This is where the rainforest reveals its character. You’ll learn about the plants and wildlife that shape this ecosystem, as well as the complicated legacy of logging that still defines our region. Together, we’ll look at what it means to protect our remaining old-growth forests and why this hike is unlike any other in Ketchikan.

At roughly 1,100 feet of elevation, we reach the base of an avalanche chute. From here, the trail steepens for the final ¾ mile, climbing another 550 feet toward a panoramic alpine overlook at 1,650 feet. The reward is a sweeping view over mountains, valleys, and the coastline—a vantage point only one permitted tour per day are allowed to access.

This is a rare, cherished trail, and your private experience helps keep it that way.

Who This Tour Is For

This adventure is best suited for guests who:

• Are in good physical condition and enjoy sustained uphill and downhill hiking

• Are comfortable navigating uneven terrain including roots, boulders, stone steps, and small seasonal stream crossings

• Prefer a steady, moderate pace with minimal breaks

• Want a deeper understanding of Southeast Alaska’s ecology, history, and conservation story

Because of the trail’s difficulty and time restrictions, we cannot guarantee reaching the alpine overlook, and a firm turnaround time will be set based on ship schedules and safety. This tour is not permitted to continue to the mountain summit.

It is not recommended for guests who lead mostly sedentary lifestyles, have balance or mobility concerns, or are recovering from injury.