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ACTIVITIES
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Ketchikan Sightseeing Tours |
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P Inside Passage P Wrangell Narrows P Totem Bight State Park
P Misty Fjords P Tongass National Forest P Anan Bay Bear Viewing
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Ketchikan is well known as the salmon capital of the world and a paradise for sport fishermen and naturalists alike. During the summer months, the town bustles with visitors from all over the world. While the rustic boardwalk on Creek Street preserves a distinct historic feel, the town hums with new construction to keep up with the ever-expanding wave of tourism.
Ketchikan has a population of 14,500 and is built along a steep hillside, with sections of the town built right over the water on pilings. An outstanding collection of totem poles make a visit to Ketchikan essential for anyone interested in Native art. Ketchikan's name supposedly comes from the native term "Katch Kanna", which roughly translates: "spread wings of a thundering eagle" and rightly named, for you only need to look along the water line and you're likely to see many bald eagles on waterside perches.
The 2.2 million acre Misty Fjords National Monument lies 22 air miles east of Ketchikan. Ketchikan is the first Alaska port of call for northbound cruise ships and State ferries. Summer temperatures range from 51 to 65; winter temperatures range from 29 to 39. Ketchikan averages 162 inches (13.5 feet) of precipitation annually, including 32 inches of snowfall. |
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Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane
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3 1/4 hour
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$294 Adult $294 Child
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Take off on a 20-minute flight from the Ketchikan by floatplane with a veteran Alaska bush pilot, headed to a remote site in the Tongass National Forest noted for its salmon rich streams and abundant wildlife. Upon landing, you will be met by a naturalist and be driven a mile along a forest road to the trailhead. A short hike along an improved trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking a salmon spawning stream in a rich rain forest environment. In addition to black bear, the area is frequented by Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, mink and marten.
Here, black bear gather to feed on runs of pink, coho, and chum salmon, and bald eagles perch in the surrounding trees waiting for fish scraps left by the bears. This is an incredible experience for the nature lover and photographer. Ample time is allowed to observe the forest wildlife and ecosystem before the hike back to the van and the short drive to your waiting aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with CD stereo sound systems, intercoms, and headsets for each individual passenger. Each participant is guaranteed a window seat and the pilot will identify points of interest along the way.
NOTES:
Wear comfortable hiking footwear and waterproof outerwear. Bottled water is provided. Access to this prime habitat is restricted by U.S. Forest Service permit, to minimize impact and to protect the resources. This tour is not recommended for guests with physical limitations as guests must be able to keep up with the pace of the tour for logistical reasons. The 1/4-mile hike to/from the bear viewing area is over uneven, and sometimes difficult, slippery terrain with a few steps and narrow passageways. This tour operates during prime bear viewing months, usually late July through mid-September. Wildlife sightings are frequent, however they cannot be guaranteed.
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Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer
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4 hours
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$142 Adult $99 Child
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Explore Misty Fjords, one of nature's most spectacular creations, while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska. Leave Ketchikan's picturesque harbor, passing colorful float planes and fishing boats, in route to a wilderness experience into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords. You'll stop to view an active bald eagle's nest, and a Tlingit pictograph. Admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea. You'll delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument, as you glide quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs. Feel the mist of glistening waterfalls and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces. Enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages while watching for other species of wildlife, including seals. Returning to Ketchikan, you'll have the opportunity to experience Native culture and history presented by a Tlingit storyteller, watch a Native artist at work, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation.
NOTES:
Bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck. Tour operates in all weather conditions. Wildlife sightings are frequent, but not guaranteed.
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Tatoosh Islands Kayak Adventure
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4 1/2 hours
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$125 Adult $89 Child
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Learn to paddle a sea kayak and explore the Tatoosh Islands on a guided adventure.
The journey begins with a narrated drive to Knudson Cove, where you board an inflatable motorboat for the ride to the Tatoosh Islands. There, your guides lead an instruction class and safety briefing before you launch your two-person sea kayak from the beach. You quickly gain confidence in your kayak and guides are always nearby to provide assistance. Paddling in and around this unique island
environment, learn about the natural and cultural history of this part of the Tongass National Forest.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles, whales, seals, sea lions and other marine life native to the Tatoosh Islands.
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