Ketchikan: Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike

If you’re cruising into Ketchikan and want a break from the typical sightseeing, the Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike offers a mix of adventure, nature, and storytelling. This tour, rated a strong 4.8 out of 5 based on 30 reviews, combines a scenic ATV ride with a guided hike through moss-draped forests, all wrapped in a playful Bigfoot theme.

What we love about it: First, the knowledgeable guides bring the forest and local legends to life, making the experience both educational and fun. Second, the stunning views of the lush Tongass National Forest are hard to beat, especially when paired with stories of the legendary sasquatch.

A potential consideration is that this tour requires some walking on uneven trails, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with light hiking. It’s a good fit for families, nature enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Alaska’s wilderness and folklore.

This experience made our article of Which Ketchikan Hiking And Trekking Tours To Choose? We Rank The 8 Best.

Key Points

• Authentic forest experience: Walk through moss-covered trails in the Tongass National Forest, crossing bridges and climbing stairs, all in a manageable 2.5-hour window.
• Educational and entertaining guides: Guides share insights about local flora, fauna, and Bigfoot legends, making the tour both informative and amusing.
• Family friendly, but with some restrictions: Not suitable for children under 6 or those with mobility issues, but perfect for adventurous families with older kids.
• Includes transportation and refreshments: Comfortably transported from the cruise port, with a break featuring hot chocolate or coffee and a gourmet cookie.
• Short ATV ride: A quick yet exhilarating UTV ride to reach the trailhead, adding an extra thrill without overdoing it.
• Limited group size: With only 8 participants, expect a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-depth Look at the Tongass Forest Bigfoot Tour

How the Experience Begins

Your adventure kicks off right from the cruise ship docks in Ketchikan, where you’ll be picked up in a cozy, air-conditioned van. As you drive through the town, the guides often share tidbits about Ketchikan’s history and landscape, setting the stage for your wilderness escape. The short town tour is a nice way to get oriented before heading into the forest, giving you a glimpse of the local scenery, from colorful buildings to rugged mountains.

The ATV Ride into the Wilderness

Once at the starting point, you’ll hop onto shared UTVs—think of them as rugged golf carts—driving into the forest on well-groomed gravel trails. This part is perfect for those who want a taste of off-road adventure without it being too strenuous. The ride is brief but fun, often described as exhilarating enough to get your pulse going.

The Forest Hike — A Mossy Wonderland

After the ATV segment, the true highlight begins: the guided hike. The trail meanders through the moss-covered Alaskan rain forest, offering a visual feast of towering trees, lush undergrowth, and the sounds of nature. The trail includes bridges and stairs, making it accessible while still feeling like an authentic wilderness trek.

According to reviews, guides are excellent at pointing out the many native plants and animals, enriching your understanding of this delicate ecosystem. Expect to see a variety of flora and probably some wildlife—birds, small mammals, and perhaps signs of larger animals. The informative kiosks along the trail deepen your appreciation for the forest’s complexity.

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Bigfoot Legends and Fun

The tour’s playful side shines during the storytelling portion. Guides share tales of Bigfoot, or sasquatch, legends from local lore, adding a humorous and mysterious tone. If luck is on your side, you might glimpse the full-size replica of Bigfoot, which is motion-active and ready for photos. Several reviewers mention their excitement about the possibility of spotting Bigfoot in the woods, which adds a layer of fun to the hike.

A Cozy Break with Hot Chocolate and Cookies

Midway or at a scenic stopping point, you’ll pause for a warm drink—hot chocolate or coffee—and a gourmet cookie. This break offers a moment to relax, soak in the scenery, and discuss sightings or stories. It’s a thoughtful touch that enhances the overall experience.

Return Journey and Drop-Off

After your forest adventure, you’ll return to Ketchikan in the same comfortable van, often with guides sharing more local tales. The entire tour lasts 2.5 hours, making it a manageable activity whether you’re on a tight cruise schedule or want a quick dose of Alaskan wilderness.

The Value of This Tour

For $149 per person, you’re getting more than just a forest walk. The combination of transportation, a short ATV ride, guided hike, storytelling, and refreshments creates a well-rounded experience that balances adventure and education. Given the small group size—limited to 8 participants—expect personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.

Guides are particularly praised for their knowledge about plants, animals, and local legends, making this more than a superficial tour. Several reviews highlight how guides, such as Lexis and Marcus, go above and beyond to make the stories engaging and the environment fascinating.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for families with older children, nature lovers, and folks intrigued by Bigfoot lore. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy light hiking without strenuous exertion. However, it’s not recommended for children under 6, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility challenges, as the trail involves walking on professional-grade terrain.

Practical Tips

Dress warmly, especially in layers, since weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate uneven terrain comfortably. Remember, high-heeled shoes, large luggage, or alcohol are not permitted on the tour. The tour is conducted in English, and cancellation is flexible if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Authenticity and Overall Experience

The tour combines the natural beauty of the Tongass Rainforest with a touch of local legend, making it a memorable outing. The positive comments about the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery reflect how well the experience hits the mark for many travelers. Even skeptics find the stories entertaining, and the chance to see the forest from a different perspective makes it worthwhile.

The tour’s focus on environmental education means you’ll learn about edible plants, medicinal herbs, and local wildlife, enriching your understanding of Alaska’s wilderness. The short ATV ride adds a fun, adventurous element without dominating the experience, perfect for those who want a taste of off-road excitement.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience offers a balanced mix of adventure, storytelling, and nature immersion. It’s especially suitable for travelers seeking a personalized, small-group outing that highlights the beauty of Alaska’s rainforests. Families with children over 6, wildlife enthusiasts, and folklore buffs will find plenty to enjoy here.

If you’re after a tour that combines scenic beauty, local legends, and light physical activity — all wrapped in a friendly, informative atmosphere — this is a strong choice. The affordability, combined with the high praise from past participants, makes it a good value for your cruise port day.

While it’s not a rigorous hike or a lengthy ATV experience, the tour’s real strength lies in its authentic storytelling and stunning scenery. It’s a chance to experience Alaska’s wilderness in an accessible, fun way that keeps you engaged and entertained from start to finish.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, your pickup and drop-off from the Ketchikan cruise ship docks are included, along with transportation in an air-conditioned van.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience takes approximately 2.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a port day without feeling rushed.

Is the ATV ride long?
No, the ATV ride is relatively brief—about 10 minutes—just enough to add some excitement before heading into the forest on foot.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking shoes suitable for walking on trails with bridges and stairs.

Can children participate?
Not children under 6, as the trail may be challenging for very young kids. It’s best suited for families with older children or adventurous adults.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Participants should be able to walk easily on the trail. The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What’s included in the price?
Transport, guided hike, ATV ride, the storytelling, hot chocolate or coffee, and a gourmet cookie.

What is the guide’s knowledge level?
Guides like Lexis and Marcus are noted for their expertise on local flora, fauna, and Bigfoot stories, making the experience both educational and engaging.

In essence, the Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike is a delightful way to explore Ketchikan’s wilderness with a playful twist. It offers just enough adventure and storytelling to make your port day in Alaska truly memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby