Road to Nowhere, Into the Tongass: Ketchikan’s Original E‑Bike & Hike

KETCHIKAN BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Road to Nowhere, Into the Tongass: Ketchikan’s Original E‑Bike & Hike

A four-hour electric-assist bicycle ride from downtown Ketchikan to the edge of the Tongass National Forest, followed by a guided one-mile rainforest loop and smoked salmon at Clover Pass Resort—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Road to Nowhere, Into the Tongass: Ketchikan’s Original E‑Bike & Hike.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Ketchikan
Operator
Ketchikan Kayak Company
Category
Bike Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Ketchikan Kayak Co.’s original E‑Bike & Hike threads motorized ease and old‑growth wilderness: an electric‑assist ride along the so‑called road to nowhere to the edge of the Tongass National Forest, then a guided hike through lush rainforest beside streams, waterfalls and beach viewpoints before a seaside finish at Clover Pass Resort.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Electric‑assist ride to the edge of the Tongass

Ride easy on electric‑assist bicycles along the paved ‘road to nowhere’ to the end of the paved system at Settlers Cove State Park — the literal edge of extensive wilderness.

THE HIKE

A guided one‑mile rainforest loop

Disembark from the bikes for a guided, one‑mile loop trail through dense, lush rainforest that follows a stream with waterfalls, rapids and beach views before crossing back to the e‑bikes.

THE FINISH

Smoked salmon and oceanfront views at Clover Pass

After returning roughly six miles by e‑bike to the marina, the outing concludes with delicious smoked salmon and other snacks and beverages at the scenic, oceanfront Clover Pass Resort.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The flow is purposeful and relaxed: round‑trip transport from the downtown docks or Ward Cove drops you at the start, then you roll on electric‑assist bicycles along quiet pavement toward the forest, trade wheels for boots for a short guided rainforest loop past streams and falls, then ride back to the marina for a shoreline, smoked‑salmon finish.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Active adults comfortable on a bikeA good match for travelers comfortable riding a regular bicycle who want a mix of easy e‑bike mileage and a short rainforest hike.
2
Cruise passengers short on timeDesigned for cruise visitors—the operator provides round‑trip transport from downtown docks or Ward Cove and the tour fits a half‑day schedule.
3
Hikers who want a short rainforest experienceIdeal for people seeking a guided, roughly one‑mile loop through dense rainforest with stream and waterfall views rather than a long backcountry trek.
4
Not recommended for those unable to ride a bikeNot suitable for participants who are not comfortable riding a regular bicycle; electric assist helps, but basic bicycle competence is required.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Wear clothing appropriate for an outdoor forest hike; quick‑dry clothing is recommended. Bring footwear you can walk in on wet beach or trail—hiking boots or rain boots are most often used; on sunny days tennis shoes are acceptable.

Provided Gear

Helmets, rain pants and rain jackets are provided by the operator.

Footwear & Clothing

Hiking boots or rain boots are recommended for beach exploration and wet trail conditions; on dry, sunny days participants often wear tennis shoes.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the E‑Bike & Hike tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Where do I check in for the tour?

Downtown guests meet the driver with a RED “Ketchikan Kayak Co.” sign under the covered shelter on the docks at berth 3 (420 Water Street) 15 minutes before departure; guests docking at The Mill at Ward Cove will be picked up about 15 minutes after the departure time.

Are the bicycles electric and is riding difficult?

This is Ketchikan Kayak Co.’s original electric‑assist bicycle tour; participants should be comfortable riding a regular bicycle.

What does the hike include?

A guided, roughly one‑mile loop through dense rainforest along a stream with waterfalls, rapids and beach views, including a stream crossing before returning to the e‑bikes.

What is the cancellation and refund policy if the weather or my ship schedule changes?

Full payment is due at booking; if Ketchikan Kayak Co. cancels due to weather or if you miss the tour because your ship is late or skips the port, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations made more than 7 days before the tour receive a full refund; cancellations within 7 days are not eligible for a refund unless the operator can resell the seats.

Are snacks provided at the end of the tour?

Yes — after returning to the marina the tour finishes with smoked salmon and other snacks and beverages at the oceanfront Clover Pass Resort.