Ketchikan Rainforest Zipline — Alaska Canopy Adventures

Soaring through the canopy of a temperate rainforest is a unique thrill, and in Ketchikan, it’s one of the most popular ways to get your adrenaline pumping. The Ketchikan Zipline tour, operated by Alaska Canopy Adventures, offers a high-energy adventure through the towering Sitka spruce and hemlock trees of the Tongass National Forest. It’s a fantastic way to experience the forest from a bird’s-eye view.

What to Expect

Your adventure begins right near the cruise ship docks, where you’ll meet your guides and board a shuttle for the drive out to the course, located near the beautiful Mahoney Lake and Rainbird Trail area. After a short, scenic ride, you’ll arrive at the base camp.

Here, friendly and professional guides will get you outfitted with all the necessary safety gear: a harness, helmet, and heavy-duty gloves. They’ll then lead a comprehensive safety briefing, demonstrating how the equipment works and what to expect on the course. You don’t need any prior experience; the guides handle all the technical aspects of clipping you in and out of the lines.

The course itself consists of a series of ziplines—typically between five and eight—that crisscross through the dense, old-growth rainforest. You’ll move from one massive tree platform to another, some over 100 feet off the ground. In between zips, you’ll cross one or two swaying rope suspension bridges, adding to the adventure. The experience is less about panoramic mountain vistas and more about the immersive feeling of flying through the lush, green canopy. On clear days, you may catch glimpses of the Ketchikan waterway through the trees.

After the final, exhilarating zip, you’ll de-gear and hop back on the shuttle for the return trip to town. The entire excursion lasts about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, making it an efficient use of your port time. The shorter tours leave you with plenty of time to explore Creek Street or grab a bite to eat afterward.

Who This Is For

This excursion is ideal for active families, couples, and solo travelers looking for an exciting, physical activity. It’s a huge hit with older kids and teenagers who meet the physical requirements.

This tour is a great fit for:

• First-time zipliners: Guides manage all the safety equipment, so you can just enjoy the ride.
• Families with kids over 70 lbs: It’s an engaging and memorable family bonding experience.
• Thrill-seekers: The combination of height and speed provides a solid dose of adrenaline.
• Travelers on a budget: It delivers an aerial thrill for significantly less than a floatplane or helicopter tour.
• Those with flight anxiety: Get a bird’s-eye view without ever leaving the forest.

You might want to skip this if:

• You are outside the weight limit of 70–250 lbs.
• You have a significant fear of heights.
• You have mobility issues that prevent you from walking on uneven trails or climbing stairs.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

For the Ketchikan zipline, the choice between booking through your cruise line or directly with the operator is less about price and more about convenience. The primary local outfitter, Alaska Canopy Adventures, is the same company that provides the tour sold on your ship.

• Booking Through the Cruise Line: This is the easiest option. The price is competitive, it’s charged to your onboard account, and you get the cruise line’s “back-to-ship” guarantee. The only potential downside is that ship-booked groups can sometimes be larger.
• Booking Independently: You can book directly with Alaska Canopy Adventures online. You won’t find a major price difference, but you might have more control over your tour time. The risk is minimal, as the tour’s duration is well within a typical port day, but you are responsible for getting back to the pier on time.

Verdict: Either option is fine. For maximum peace of mind and simplicity, booking through your ship is a solid choice.

What to Bring

Packing correctly will make your rainforest adventure much more comfortable.

• Mandatory: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Hiking shoes or athletic sneakers are perfect. No sandals, Crocs, or open-toed footwear will be allowed.
• Rain Jacket: This is Ketchikan. Assume it will rain and be pleasantly surprised if it doesn’t. A waterproof layer is essential.
• Layers: Wear a non-cotton base layer and a fleece or sweater. It can be significantly cooler in the shade of the forest canopy.
• Comfortable Pants: Jeans or hiking pants are better than shorts.
• Secure Camera: A small camera or phone on a lanyard or in a secure zippered pocket is best. You’ll want to avoid dropping anything from 100 feet up!
• Leave Behind: Avoid bringing bulky backpacks, as they can interfere with the harness. Secure storage is usually available at the tour’s base camp.

How to Book

You can book this excursion in one of two ways:

1. Through Your Cruise Line: Look for tour names like “Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition” or “Alaska Canopy Adventure” in your ship’s shore excursion list. This is the most straightforward method.
2. Directly with the Operator: Book online via the Alaska Canopy Adventures website.

Because of its popularity, especially with families, we highly recommend booking this tour as far in advance as possible—ideally 3-6 months before your cruise, particularly for peak season sailings in June, July, and August.