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.
Adventure brief
Road to Nowhere, Into the Tongass: Ketchikan’s Original E‑Bike & Hike
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.
Discover the perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty with the E-Bike & Hike experience offered by Ketchikan Kayak Company. Ride an electric bike through breathtaking scenery en route to the edge of the ancient Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. This unique tour combines smooth e-bike trails with a guided hike through dense rainforest landscapes featuring towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and serene beach vistas. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the local ecology and Indigenous culture, enriching your outdoor adventure. The hike culminates at Clover Pass Resort, where you’ll enjoy succulent smoked salmon, a true Alaskan delicacy, amid stunning coastal surroundings. Perfect for adventurers looking to explore Ketchikan’s wilderness without foregoing comfort, this private experience promises a memorable mix of adrenaline and relaxation. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable way to explore Alaska’s wild side, this trip offers something special for everyone.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key stops along the ride-and-hike, from pickup to the seaside finish.
Pickup at downtown docks or Ward Cove
Round‑trip transportation is provided from the downtown cruise docks (driver with a RED “Ketchikan Kayak Co.” sign under the covered shelter at berth 3) and from The Mill at Ward Cove on the way to the tour start point.
E‑bike ride to Settlers Cove / road to nowhere
An easy electric‑assist bicycle ride along paved road that ends at the edge of the Tongass National Forest and Settlers Cove State Park.
Guided one‑mile rainforest loop
Park the bikes and take a guided hike on an enjoyable trail through dense rainforest, following a stream with waterfalls, rapids and beach views; the loop is roughly one mile and includes a stream crossing before returning to the bikes.
Return ride and Clover Pass Resort
After the hike you ride approximately six miles back to the marina and finish with smoked salmon and snacks at the oceanfront Clover Pass Resort.
Be comfortable riding a regular bicycle; tours run in variable weather and the operator may cancel or change plans for safety or due to ship schedule changes.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
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.
Helmets, rain pants and rain jackets are provided by the operator.
Hiking boots or rain boots are recommended for beach exploration and wet trail conditions; on dry, sunny days participants often wear tennis shoes.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:53:04.142Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.