Ketchikan Rainforest Canopy Zipline: Shore Excursion Through Old-Growth Cedars
Clip in among 650-year-old cedars on a 3.5-hour canopy ropes and zipline tour in Ketchikan. This shore excursion combines adrenaline with close-up access to Tongass old growth and convenient port pickup.
The Experience
Before You Go
Secure footwear
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip—platforms and wet boardwalks can be slippery.
Respect weight & height limits
This tour enforces minimum 4'6" and 70 lb and maximum 280 lb limits—confirm measurements before boarding.
Bring a tether for cameras
If you want photos, use a wrist or chest tether; loose items aren’t allowed on ziplines.
Expect wet weather
Pack a lightweight rain shell and quick-dry layers—coastal rain can arrive suddenly.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Platform views over a tidewater channel—watch for seals and foraging seabirds.
- •Short forest walk near the pavilion with interpretive signs about Tlingit use of cedar.
Wildlife
- •Bald eagle
- •Harbor seal
Conservation Note
Tours emphasize minimal impact: stay on platforms, don’t climb trees, and follow guides’ rules to protect understory plants and root systems.
The tour operates in Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, a region with deep Tlingit cultural history and long-standing subsistence connection to cedar and salmon.
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoesEssential
Provides traction on wet platforms and forest trails.
Lightweight waterproof jacketEssential
Keeps you dry in the coastal rainforest’s frequent showers.
Small camera with tether
Captures canopy views—must be secured to avoid dropping.
Gloves with grip
Thin gloves improve comfort on ropes and while braking.
Common Questions
How long is the excursion?
Total time is about 3.5 hours from pickup to drop-off; the canopy portion runs roughly 2–3 hours.
Are there age or weight restrictions?
Yes—minimum height 4'6" (121 cm), minimum weight 70 lb (30 kg), maximum weight 280 lb (127 kg). Children typically need to be old enough to follow instructions and fit safety gear.
Is this suitable for someone afraid of heights?
The course involves platforms 45 feet high and multiple ziplines; it’s best for people comfortable with moderate exposure. Instructors can advise but it’s not ideal for severe acrophobia.
Do I need to bring anything else?
Bring a rain shell, closed-toe shoes, and any necessary personal medications; the operator provides helmets, harnesses, and gloves.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Ketchikan, Alaska
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; comfortable with stairs and heights and able to walk short uneven trails.
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