Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST

In Sitka, Alaska

From
£90 pp
2h 0 mins · 4.9 (116)
Book on Viator
Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST
PERFECT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS- The gentle giant of the Tongass National Forest will capture your heart. • See eagles, pick edible berries, spot salmon (Seasonally dependent) • Learn from your local guide about life in Sitka • Hike safely in America’s largest National Forest • Snacks provided • Adjust the skill level to fit your group’s needs LOCAL WILDLIFE & TREES: On this tour, you will spot bald eagles in the trees and (if the season is right) salmon spawning. Wild berries along the path: edible and clean. Your guide is familiar with all local berries and mushrooms! EXPERIENCE THE RAINFOREST: We will talk about the way the mountains, forest, and ocean have been traditionally used, and are still used today, for subsistence, foraging & hunting by the Tlingit. HIKE SAFELY: Your guide will give a hiking-safety briefing before entering the National Forest. We monitor trail conditions to ensure that these hikes are completely safe. Our guides have years of experience on these trails.
Free cancellation

What's included

  • Trekking Poles (At Special Request)
  • Sunscreen
  • BOTTLED_WATER
  • SNACKS
  • Rain Pants (At Special Request)
  • Safety Equipment & Instruction
  • Resident Guide

What's not included

  • Transportation (Hike starts from free cruise shuttle drop-off)
  • Gratuities (Always appreciated by our passionate guides!)

Itinerary

  1. Here the hike will discuss the imperial history of this land: your guide will discuss the Russian history of Sitka, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church, and the impact of Russian colonization on the Alaskan national forest. (5 min)
  2. The first stop on the tour is in front of picturesque Crescent Harbor. The guide will explain the daily workings of a fishing town in Alaska from the personal perspective of a commercial and charter fisherman. (5 min)
  3. We will see and discuss the Tlingit Totem Pole on Sitka's Seawalk. Before we reach the trailhead, the hike parallels the main street Lincoln St. (5 min)
  4. Your guide will bring you into the Tongass National Forest. Your small group will spend 90 minutes hiking. The base trail is gravel and fairly flat. There is an option to follow the boardwalk into the muskeg (swamplands), or a more rigorous route that climbs up into the mountains. (1h 30min)
  5. Depending on your group's desires we can end the tour either at the cruise shuttle pick-up site OR at the main gathering of local food trucks.

Meeting & end point

Meeting point
CRUISE PASSENGERS: Take the free shuttle from the cruise ships into downtown. Your guide will be dressed in a red jacket, at the LEFT CORNER of the main building in front of the shuttle drop-off (Centennial Hall). If you are not on a cruise: please still meet in front of Centennial Hall.
End point
CRUISE PASSENGERS: Take the free shuttle from the cruise ships into downtown. Your guide will be dressed in a red jacket, at the LEFT CORNER of the main building in front of the shuttle drop-off (Centennial Hall). If you are not on a cruise: please still meet in front of Centennial Hall.

Practical information

Operated by
Sitka Walking Tours
Max group size
10 travellers
Travellers per booking
1–6
Languages
en
Confirmation
INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation available.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Important notes

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently asked questions

The tour runs for around 2 hours. Times are approximate and may vary depending on group size, traffic, and site conditions on the day.

What's included is set out in the tour description above. As a general guide, transport and guiding are normally covered; meals, personal expenses, and gratuities are typically extra unless the description states otherwise.

We don't hold specific age or fitness guidance for this tour. Read the activity description carefully and, if in any doubt, speak to your cruise line's excursion desk before you book.