Rainforest E-Bike & Nature Walk
Tongass National Rainforest
Picturesque Connell Lake Dam
Lush Flora & Fauna
Journey Through the Majestic Tongass National Forest
Join us as you pedal or throttle effortlessly on your e-bike, behind your experienced guide along a gently sloped, historic three-mile-long trail through the Tongass National Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for spectacular wildlife including Sitka black-tailed deer feeding on native hemlock, berries and lichens. The Tongass National Forest is home to the lush rain-soaked mosses, lichens, shrubs, and ferns, as well as the carnivorous sundew plant that uses tentacles with an adhesive “dew” to ensnare small insects. After pointing out the various flora and fauna on your nature walk, your guides will treat you to a fireside snack under the canopy of towering coniferous trees; it’s a beautiful Alaskan adventure!
Highlights
Ride through the majestic Tongass National Forest under a canopy of the towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees
Learn about the history of the Ketchikan Pulp Company and its importance to the area
Keep your eyes peeled for spectacular wildlife including Sitka black-tailed deer feeding on native hemlock, berries and lichens
Take in the natural sights along the Pipeline Trail
Enjoy a fireside snack under the canopy of towering coniferous trees
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Meeting point
- The Welcome Center at Ward Cove Dock
Availability
April through October, daily availability varies please click here for more information
Duration
- 3 hours for downtown ships
- 2.5 hours for Ward Cove ships
Group size
Maximum 12 guests
Included
- Rain poncho
- Helmet
- Souvenir water bottle
- Snack – bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate & s’mores
What to bring
- Dress in layers
- Photo ID
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Debit/credit cards
Participation requirements
- Guests must be at least 5’0” tall
- Maximum weight is 275 pounds
- Minimum age is 12 years
About your guide
Guest to guide ratio is 6:1
What You’ll See & Do
First, you’ll be taken by van to the Gear Station, which is 5 minutes from Ward Cove ships and 20 minutes from downtown. Then it is time to get your gear on and listen to the all-important safety briefing. You will be outfitted with rain gear, a bike helmet, and an electric mountain bike matched to your height.
Then it is time for the first part of the bike ride (35 minutes) through the spectacular Tongass National Forest where you will ride under a canopy of towering Sitka spruce, and western hemlock trees to the Connell Lake Dam. Keep an eye out for the beautiful wildlife too, including Sitka black-tailed deer! The bike trail ends at the picturesque Connell Lake Dam, which was purpose-built to support the Ketchikan Pulp Company, in nearby Ward Cove. Your guide will explain the importance of the pulp mill to the community of Ketchikan and how the dam provided millions of gallons of freshwater needed to operate the Ketchikan Pulp Mill.
We’ll stop by the lake to make a rustic creek-side campfire and enjoy some snacks for 30 minutes before heading on a nature walk. Your guide will lead you on a 10 minute trail alongside an active stream brimming with salmon (when salmon are running) where you will learn about the local flora and fauna. Finally, saddle back up for the return ride (35 minutes) along the pipeline trail, taking in the natural sights. A short shuttle ride will return you to your cruise ship pier.
