
Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 130 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST worth booking?
Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST is a 2-hour experience in Sitka, United States, from $119 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 130 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (130)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $119 per person
PERFECT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS- The gentle giant of the Tongass National Forest will capture your heart. • See eagles, pick edible berries, spot salmon (Seasonally dependent) • Learn from your local guide about life in Sitka • Hike safely in America’s largest National Forest • Snacks provided • Adjust the skill level to fit your group’s needs LOCAL WILDLIFE & TREES: On this tour, you will spot bald eagles in the trees and (if the season is right) salmon spawning. Wild berries along the path: edible and clean. Your guide is familiar with all local berries and mushrooms! EXPERIENCE THE RAINFOREST: We will talk about the way the mountains, forest, and ocean have been traditionally used, and are still used today, for subsistence, foraging & hunting by the Tlingit. HIKE SAFELY: Your guide will give a hiking-safety briefing before entering the National Forest. We monitor trail conditions to ensure that these hikes are completely safe. Our guides have years of experience on these trails.
What you get
About this experience
PERFECT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS- The gentle giant of the Tongass National Forest will capture your heart. • See eagles, pick edible berries, spot salmon (Seasonally dependent) • Learn from your local guide about life in Sitka • Hike safely in America’s largest National Forest • Snacks provided • Adjust the skill level to fit your group’s needs LOCAL WILDLIFE & TREES: On this tour, you will spot bald eagles in the trees and (if the season is right) salmon spawning. Wild berries along the path: edible and clean. Your guide is familiar with all local berries and mushrooms! EXPERIENCE THE RAINFOREST: We will talk about the way the mountains, forest, and ocean have been traditionally used, and are still used today, for subsistence, foraging & hunting by the Tlingit. HIKE SAFELY: Your guide will give a hiking-safety briefing before entering the National Forest. We monitor trail conditions to ensure that these hikes are completely safe. Our guides have years of experience on these trails.
What's included
Included
- Trekking Poles (At Special Request)
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Safety Equipment & Instruction
- Resident Guide
Not included
- Transportation (Hike starts from free cruise shuttle drop-off)
- Gratuities (Always appreciated by our passionate guides!)
What you'll see and do
Russian Bishop's House
Here the hike will discuss the imperial history of this land: your guide will discuss the Russian history of Sitka, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church, and the impact of Russian colonization on the Alaskan national forest.
5 minutes here
The first stop on the tour is in front of picturesque Crescent Harbor. The guide will explain the daily workings of a fishing town in Alaska from the personal perspective of a commercial and charter fisherman.
5 minutes here
Sitka
We will see and discuss the Tlingit Totem Pole on Sitka's Seawalk. Before we reach the trailhead, the hike parallels the main street Lincoln St.
5 minutes here
Your guide will bring you into the Tongass National Forest. Your small group will spend 90 minutes hiking. The base trail is gravel and fairly flat. There is an option to follow the boardwalk into the muskeg (swamplands), or a more rigorous route that climbs up into the mountains.
90 minutes here
Sitka
Depending on your group's desires we can end the tour either at the cruise shuttle pick-up site OR at the main gathering of local food trucks.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sitka
CRUISE PASSENGERS: Take the free shuttle from the cruise ships into downtown. Your guide will be dressed in a red jacket, at the LEFT CORNER of the main building in front of the shuttle drop-off (Centennial Hall). If you are not on a cruise: please still meet in front of Centennial Hall.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
CRUISE PASSENGERS: Take the free shuttle from the cruise ships into downtown. Your guide will be dressed in a red jacket, at the LEFT CORNER of the main building in front of the shuttle drop-off (Centennial Hall). If you are not on a cruise: please still meet in front of Centennial Hall.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sitka Walking Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 130 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
130 verified traveler reviews for Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
If you like hiking and a...
If you like hiking and a great tour guide . This is for you ! Great way to spend 2 hours . I highly recommend. Sam was the best! Friendly and very knowledgeable!
via Viator
Good Day to be in Sitka!
The hike is absolutely amazing, we had great weather. Learned so much about the natural habitat and how it replenished.
via Viator
Enjoyable hike
Our tour guide, Aurora did a great job at answering questions and sharing information. It was a beautiful day to walk through the forest. We also appreciated the snacks and water bottles.
via Tripadvisor
A Must-do Tour in Sitka
A must-do tour in Sitka! If you're looking for a stress-free way to experience the beauty of the Tongass National Forest, this tour is fantastic. Nephi was a wonderful guide—super personable, engaging, and eager to answer all of our questions. He shared fascinating details about local plant life, wildlife, and what it’s like living in Sitka. It was the perfect, well-paced outing for all ages. Thanks to Nephi for making our trip so special!
via Tripadvisor
A must-do tour in Sitka of the Tongass National Fores
A must-do tour in Sitka! If you're looking for a stress-free way to experience the beauty of the Tongass National Forest, this tour is fantastic. Nephi was a wonderful guide—super personable, engaging, and eager to answer all of our questions. He shared fascinating details about local plant life, wildlife, and what it’s like living in Sitka. We saw salmon in one of the small creeks. It was the perfect, well-paced outing. Thanks to Nephi for making our trip so special!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 46
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sitka Walking Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.2.
See everything Sitka Walking Tours runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sitka.
How much does Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST cost?
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Prices start at $119 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sitka usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sitka is not rushed.
Is Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 130 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sitka, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST?
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Around 46 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sitka can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sitka and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sitka within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sitka?
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Sitka runs sea otter and whale quest boats, bear and raptor rescue centre visits, Tongass rainforest hikes, kayak paddles through the islands and Russian colonial history walks. On Outty we rank every Sitka experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour, Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems, Sitka Whale Watching & Wildlife Adventure. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sitka?
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May to September. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sitka?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST?
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Included: Trekking Poles (At Special Request); Sunscreen; Bottled water; Snacks; and Safety Equipment & Instruction. Not included: Transportation (Hike starts from free cruise shuttle drop-off); and Gratuities (Always appreciated by our passionate guides!). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST?
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CRUISE PASSENGERS: Take the free shuttle from the cruise ships into downtown. Your guide will be dressed in a red jacket, at the LEFT CORNER of the main building in front of the shuttle drop-off (Centennial Hall). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST?
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Across 130 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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