Excursion Tongass forest rainbow falls hike tour at Wrangell

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty, serenity, and unique ecosystems of the Tongass Rainforest during this picturesque, half-day nature trek.

Wrangell, Historical Sites, Tongass Rainforest, Trailhead, Nature Hike, Towering Trees, Flowers

Depart the pier with your naturalist guide for a short drive past Wrangell’s historical sites en route to the verdant Tongass Rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in North America. Upon arrival at the trailhead of the Tongass Rainforest, begin your guided and narrated rainforest hike. Beneath the dense forest canopy of this beautiful and serene natural environment, towering stands of hemlock, spruce, and cedar, along with blueberry and huckleberry bushes, line the approximately 0.8-mile (about 1.3-kilometre) trail. During your hike, marvel at the uniquely diverse, abundant, and colourful flowers that have been growing in this exquisite forest for thousands of years.  

Rainbow Falls, Diverse Forest Ecosystems, Flora & Fauna

The lower part of this trail winds easily through the Tongass National Forest to a bridge overlooking the clear waters of the rainforest. The trail then continues in a series of uneven, natural stairs to a narrow boardwalk leading to a platform with a breath-taking view of Rainbow Falls, a local favourite. This panoramic hiking excursion also offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the unique eco-systems within this coastal temperate rainforest. Discover the inter-connectedness between tidal, muskeg, alpine, and deep-forest eco-systems, and a variety of edible and medicinal uses for the flora and fauna found here in southeast Alaska. Following your hike, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Wrangell, Historical Sites, Tongass National Forest, Rainforest, Nature Hike, Towering Trees, Flora & Fauna, Rainbow Falls, Diverse Forest Ecosystems.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, gravel, rocky, slippery, and muddy surfaces and inclines, with over a thousand steps to negotiate (the stairs have no handrail) along the hiking trail. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking or hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof sweater or jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least seven years old to participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour.