Trek deep into the Tongass National Forest — the largest temperate rainforest on Earth — with a certified naturalist guide along old-growth trails bordering the Behm Canal watershed. Bears, eagles, and ancient trees await just minutes from the waterfront.
What to expect
A short transfer from the pier delivers you to a private 40-acre old-growth sanctuary where towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock filter the famous Alaskan mist into cathedral light. Your naturalist guide explains the layered ecology — from luminescent fungi on nurse logs to the salmon streams that feed the entire forest food web. Resident bald eagles in the raptor rehabilitation centre can be observed at extremely close range. Black bears are regularly spotted on forested trails edging the Behm Canal watershed. The pace is entirely contemplative — this is wilderness immersion, not a march.
Good to know
Wear waterproof layers and sturdy walking shoes; the sanctuary provides rubber boots if needed. The facility is 4 miles from downtown Ketchikan — shuttle included in most packages. Allow 2.5–3 hours. Book directly via the sanctuary's website. Suitable for all fitness levels.