Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Wildlife Center

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. An amazing 8 mile journey along the coast takes you to the exclusive Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, a private reserve located in the forested mountains at rustic Herring Cove. This refined natural environment is home to bald eagles, black bear, seals, a variety of birds and other species attracted by the major salmon runs in the abundant marine estuary. In addition to wildlife viewing opportunities, this tour enables you to see and photograph live eagles up close, observe reindeer, and to observe a master native totem pole carver at work. You will be greeted by your naturalist and guided along an improved trail through the heart of the dense forest, amongst tall stands of hemlock, spruce and Alaska cedar. The forest floor is covered with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. Stops will be made at strategically located viewing areas. Your 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 black tail 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 tour. At the conclusion of the half-mile trail hike you will have an opportunity to visit the Alaska Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization. Take the opportunity to feed their Alaskan reindeer as well as see raptors up close as a raptor specialist explains the heritage and habitat of the different species. Following these great photographic opportunities, you will be guided through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, established by legendary pioneer Ben Fleenor. Observe a master native totem pole carver at work and enjoy his many works in front of our General Store. Explore the interpretive displays and enjoy complimentary refreshments while browsing in the General Store. Included: Rain ponchos if necessary. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, tea and a smoked salmon snack in general store. Admission to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Please Note: Wildlife sightings not guaranteed. Requires approximately 1/2 mile walk on possibly uneven terrain through forest. Not recommended for guests with mobility issues.

   2 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 9 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Ketchikan

• Its from-price is 30% below the median of the 135 experiences we list in Ketchikan.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 89 of 135.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Ketchikan

Ketchikan, in the Alaska Panhandle, is a rainy fishing town of stilted boardwalks and totem poles, set among the forests and fjords of the Inside Passage.

Ketchikan clings to the shore of Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska, squeezed between steep forested hills and the water of the Inside Passage. Houses and boardwalks stand on stilts above Ketchikan Creek, where Creek Street, a lane of old buildings on pilings, once formed the red-light district. The town calls itself the salmon capital of the world, and the creek fills with spawning salmon in late summer.

Top-ranked sights in Ketchikan: Tongass National Forest, Creek Street, Saxman Native Village.

See all 135 experiences in Ketchikan