KETCHIKAN BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Rainforest E‑Bike Loop: Pedal and Throttle Through Tongass to Connell Lake Dam
A 2.5–3 hour guided electric‑mountain‑bike and nature‑walk combo from the cruise pier through the temperate rainforest, ending at a historic dam and a fireside snack.
Rainforest E‑Bike Loop: Pedal and Throttle Through Tongass to Connell Lake Dam.
This guided Rainforest E‑Bike & Nature Walk carries you on electric mountain bikes along a gently sloped, historic three‑mile trail through the moss‑soaked Sitka spruce and western hemlock of the Tongass National Forest. Along the way guides point out local flora and fauna, explain the history of the Connell Lake Dam and the Ketchikan pulp mill, and pause for a short nature walk and fireside snack before the return ride and shuttle back to the pier.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Temperate‑rainforest canopy and wildlife
Towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock line the trail; lichens, berries and native undergrowth carpet the forest floor and you may encounter Sitka black‑tailed deer along the way.
A historic three‑mile trail to Connell Lake Dam
The ride traces a gently sloped, historic three‑mile corridor through the Tongass, terminating at the Connell Lake Dam—a structure built to support the Ketchikan Pulp Company—and your guide will explain the dam’s role in local industrial history.
Fireside snack beneath ancient conifers
After parking bikes you follow an active salmon‑spawning stream (when salmon are running) and settle under the canopy for a fireside snack before saddling up for the return along the pipeline trail.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
A short shuttle from the pier delivers you to the gear station where guides fit electric mountain bikes, helmets and rain gear, run through safety basics, then lead the group along a gently sloping, historic trail. Much of the effort is eased by throttle assistance, leaving headroom to notice the rainforest’s textures and wildlife. The outward ride ends at Connell Lake Dam, followed by a short walk beside a salmon stream and a fireside pause; the group then remounts for a scenic pipeline‑trail return and a shuttle back to the cruise pier.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should plan an alternative.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress in layers for damp, cool rainforest conditions; bring closed‑toe shoes suitable for biking and a small daypack for personal items. The operator provides helmets and rain gear as needed.
Helmets and rain gear (if needed) are provided. Refreshments include bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a S’mores kit served during the fireside snack.
The guided portion runs about 2.5 hours; if your ship is docked downtown a shuttle transfer is required and increases the total trip time to approximately 3 hours.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The guided tour runs approximately 2.5 hours; if a shuttle from a downtown dock is required the total trip time increases to about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start?
A short shuttle from the cruise pier brings you to the gear station where the guides outfit you and fit bikes before departure.
What gear and refreshments are provided?
The operator provides helmets and rain gear as needed; refreshments include bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a S’mores kit for the fireside snack.
Are there age, height or weight limits?
Yes: participants must be at least 12 years old, between 5'0" and 6'4" tall, and no more than 275 pounds.
Will we see wildlife or salmon?
Guides point out local flora and fauna and there is the possibility of wildlife sightings such as Sitka black‑tailed deer; visitors walk along an active salmon spawning stream when salmon are running.
What kind of trail is it?
The ride follows a gently sloped, historic three‑mile trail through the Tongass National Forest, with a return along the pipeline trail.