BLACK BEAR and WILDLIFE EXPLORATION
Enjoy a guided walk through rainforest terrain as you seek out black bears during this approximately three-hour excursion. You’ll also visit several historic and cultural sites preserved within the sanctuary, including a sawmill, as well as watching a blacksmith at work.
Excursion details
On this excursion lasting about three hours, you’ll travel to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary at Herring Cove. The area provides an important habitat for wildlife, including black bears, and you’ll be trying to spot some of these fantastic creatures during the excursion.
A drive of around 30 minutes takes you from the port to the sanctuary, where you’ll meet your guide for a brief orientation before setting out on a walk lasting approximately 75 minutes. The route follows well-maintained trails through dense forests, arriving at an elevated boardwalk that leads to viewing platforms above Eagle Creek.
You’ll then be on the lookout for some of the black bears that call the area home, plus other local wildlife, but please be aware that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
Afterwards, you’ll have roughly 30 minutes to explore some of the sanctuary’s historic sites and buildings. These include the Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, where old machinery survives from Ketchikan’s once-thriving logging era, and a totem park featuring totem poles carved by the Tsimshian people, an Indigenous community of the Pacific Northwest.
You’ll be able to learn more about the significance of the totem poles and find out how they’re carved, and there’s also the chance to observe further skilled craftsmanship while watching a blacksmithing demonstration.
Following this, you’ll have approximately 15 minutes to shop for souvenirs before a drive of about 30 minutes – featuring commentary from an onboard guide about the local area –returns you to the port.
Important Information:It is recommended that guests wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
The boardwalk can reach heights of up to 15 feet, and the walking path is on a well-maintained, compact gravel surface. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old. Guests will be standing for long periods of time. Food is not permitted to be brought on this tour. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. Please be aware that the boardwalk railing may obstruct the view of wildlife for those using wheelchairs
