Nestled within the Tongass National Forest, the Lunch Creek Trail beckons adventure-seekers with its stunning natural beauty. Winding through a lush, old-growth landscape, this gentle hike offers an immersive experience in Southeast Alaska’s wilderness. As hikers ascend the trail, they’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas and the chance to spot local wildlife. But the true gem of this trail lies in the tranquil ambiance, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and fully appreciate nature’s captivating splendor.
Good To Know
- Lunch Creek Trail in Tongass National Forest offers a scenic hike with stunning views of the temperate rainforest landscape.
- Participants can expect to encounter diverse wildlife, including deer, bears, and bald eagles, during the moderately challenging trek.
- The trail features a gradual ascent through a dense forest of towering spruce and hemlock trees, bubbling creeks, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Rest stops along the way provide panoramic vistas of the forested mountains and opportunities to reflect on the natural beauty.
- The hike immerses participants in the tranquil wilderness of Southeast Alaska, creating an overall outdoor experience.
Getting Started
Begin your hike on the Tongass National Forest‘s Lunch Creek Trail with the Island Girl Hiking Company.
They’ll provide a cinch pack, bottled water, and snacks. Dress appropriately, bringing rain gear if needed, and pack healthy trekking foods like fruit, trail mix, and energy bars.
Meet the group at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, looking for the Island Girl Hiking Company sign. The hike is limited to 8 travelers, so book early.
With moderate fitness required, this isn’t recommended for those with back, heart, or other serious health issues.
Enjoy the scenic Tongass National Forest on this expertly guided hike.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ketchikan.
Meeting the Group
Where do travelers meet the Island Girl Hiking Company for the Tongass National Forest hike?
The meeting point is the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at 131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901.
Look for the Island Girl Hiking Company sign next to The Rock sculpture.
The group will meet here before setting off on the Lunch Creek Trail adventure.
The hike concludes back at the same location.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.
Be sure to arrive on time, as the group departs promptly.
Bring your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable hike in the Tongass National Forest.
Embarking on the Trail
Once the group gathers at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, it’s time to set off on the Lunch Creek Trail adventure.
The hiking guides distribute the provided cinch packs and ensure everyone has their snacks and water. After a quick safety overview, the group hits the trail, following the marked path into the lush Tongass National Forest.
The hike starts with a gentle ascent, offering stunning views of the forested landscape. Along the way, hikers should watch for:
- Towering spruce and hemlock trees
- Bubbling creeks and streams
- Vibrant wildflowers in bloom
- Glimpses of distant mountain peaks
- Wildlife like deer, bears, and bald eagles
Exploring the Tongass National Forest
As the group ascends into the verdant Tongass National Forest, they’re immersed in a serene world of towering conifers, babbling creeks, and vibrant wildflowers.
The Lunch Creek Trail winds through dense temperate rainforest, offering glimpses of the creek’s sparkling waters. Hikers must remain vigilant for wildlife like bears, eagles, and deer.
The trail climbs gradually, with occasional steep sections that challenge the group. Stopping to rest, they savor panoramic vistas of forested mountains.
Underfoot, a carpet of ferns, moss, and fallen logs creates a magical atmosphere.
Reaching the turnaround point, the hikers reflect on their immersion in this unspoiled natural wonder.
Experiencing Lunch Creek
As hikers traverse the Lunch Creek Trail, they’re treated to the sights and sounds of the vibrant, flowing waterway.
The trail follows the creek, allowing visitors to witness its cascading falls and serene pools.
Explorers may spot wildlife such as:
- Black bears fishing for salmon
- Bald eagles soaring overhead
- Spawning salmon swimming upstream
- Lush vegetation along the creek’s edge
- Colorful wildflowers dotting the landscape
The gentle pace of the hike and proximity to the creek create a tranquil and rejuvenating outdoor experience for visitors to the Tongass National Forest.
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Enjoying the Scenery
While hiking the Lunch Creek Trail, visitors are treated to a visually stunning landscape that showcases the natural beauty of the Tongass National Forest.
Towering evergreen trees line the trail, their branches reaching up to the sky. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the forest floor, adding pops of color to the verdant surroundings.
The trail itself winds alongside the bubbling Lunch Creek, offering glimpses of the clear, rushing water. Hikers can admire the rugged mountains in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow.
This scenic hike provides a chance to take in the untamed wilderness of Southeast Alaska.
Refueling and Resting
After taking in the stunning scenery along the Lunch Creek Trail, hikers can look forward to refueling and resting during the excursion.
The hike includes bottled water, snacks, and a variety of healthy trekking foods packed by each hiker, such as:
- Fresh fruit
- Trail mix
- Energy/protein bars
- Pretzels
If rain gear isn’t brought, ponchos are available for use.
The activity concludes back at the meeting point, providing a convenient end to the day’s adventure.
Hikers can enjoy the rejuvenating experience before continuing their exploration of the Tongass National Forest.
Returning to the Starting Point
Once the hikers have refueled and rested, they’ll retrace their steps back to the meeting point at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.
They’ll follow the same Lunch Creek Trail, keeping an eye out for any wildlife they may have missed earlier.
As they approach the trailhead, the group will regroup and ensure everyone has their belongings.
The Island Girl Hiking Company guide will thank the group for joining and provide any final instructions.
Hikers will then depart, having experienced the beauty of the Tongass National Forest and created lasting memories of their adventure on the Lunch Creek Trail.
The Sum Up
The Lunch Creek Trail in Tongass National Forest offers an unforgettable adventure. Hikers can enjoy the serene wilderness, surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, and the soothing sounds of the creek. With breathtaking vistas and the chance to spot local wildlife, this tranquil trail provides a true appreciation of nature’s beauty. Whether seeking reflection or simply enjoying the outdoors, the Lunch Creek Trail is a must-visit destination in Southeast Alaska.
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