Ketchikan: Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary & Totem Park

Tucked away in the heart of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, the Ketchikan Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary & Totem Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s natural wonders and rich indigenous heritage. With guided nature walks, a historic sawmill, and an impressive display of intricately carved totem poles, this 40-acre private preserve promises a captivating experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the enduring connection between the land and the native culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking to explore the unique beauty of Alaska’s temperate rainforest, this sanctuary is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• The Ketchikan Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary is a 40-acre private preserve of temperate rainforest where visitors can explore diverse wildlife, a historic sawmill, and a collection of intricately carved totem poles.

• The sanctuary offers guided nature walks that provide opportunities to spot wildlife like salmon, bald eagles, and black bears in their natural habitat.

• The guided tour includes a visit to a historic sawmill, where visitors can learn about the region’s timber industry and see the essential equipment used in lumber production.

• The sanctuary features a display of authentic totem poles carved on-site by skilled Native American artisans, offering visitors a deeper understanding of this iconic Pacific Northwest art form.

• Visitors can experience the enduring connection between indigenous peoples and the land, with opportunities to witness traditional craft demonstrations and learn about the significance of the totem poles.

Overview of the Sanctuary

The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a 40-acre private preserve of temperate rainforest that borders the Tongass National Forest.

This unique natural environment provides a guided nature walk that allows visitors to explore the area’s diverse wildlife, historic sawmill, and impressive collection of totems. The 3-hour tour is suitable for all ability levels, with a gradual pace that ensures everyone can enjoy the experience.

Visitors will have the opportunity to spot wildlife like salmon, bald eagles, and black bears in their natural habitat.

They’ll also learn about the sanctuary’s rich cultural heritage, including a visit to the on-site totem park and historic sawmill.

The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the natural beauty and indigenous traditions of Ketchikan.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

One of the main highlights of the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary tour is the opportunity to spot an array of wildlife in their natural habitat. During the guided nature walk, visitors may catch glimpses of salmon swimming upstream, majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, and the elusive black bears foraging for food. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Wildlife Spotting
Salmon	Migrating upstream
Bald Eagles	Soaring overhead
Black Bears	Foraging for food
Other Species	Diverse range of flora and fauna

The gradual pace of the tour ensures that guests of all ability levels can enjoy the wildlife viewing experience comfortably.

Guided Nature Walk Experience

During the guided nature walk, visitors explore the 40-acre private preserve of temperate rainforest bordering the Tongass National Forest. Knowledgeable guides lead the way, pointing out highlights along the gradual trail suitable for all ability levels.

Along the way, guests may spot wildlife such as salmon, bald eagles, and black bears. The tour also includes a visit to a historic sawmill and a display of intricately carved totem poles, all created on-site.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about native culture and traditions as they enjoy the serene natural beauty of the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.

Exploring the Historic Sawmill

Visitors explore a historic sawmill nestled within the lush rainforest, learning about the integral role it played in the region’s timber industry.

The sawmill, which operated from the early 20th century until the 1990s, provides a glimpse into the hard work and ingenuity of the Ketchikan pioneers.

Guides explain the various steps involved in the milling process, from logging and transporting the giant trees to the intricate machinery that transformed the raw timber into finished lumber.

Guests can see the massive saws, pulleys, and other equipment that were once essential to the local economy.

This hands-on experience adds depth to the understanding of Ketchikan’s rich logging heritage and the resourcefulness of its residents.

Totem Pole Collection and Display

The Ketchikan Rainforest Sanctuary boasts an impressive collection of authentic totem poles, all carved on-site by skilled Native American artisans.

Guests can marvel at the intricate designs and symbolic meanings that depict significant aspects of the region’s indigenous culture and history.

The totem park allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this iconic Pacific Northwest art form.

Visitors can examine the totem poles up close and learn about the legends and traditions behind the carvings from knowledgeable guides.

Whether towering overhead or positioned along the forest trails, the vibrant totem poles offer a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Alaskan wilderness.

Native Culture and Traditions

Guests enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region as they explore the Ketchikan Rainforest Sanctuary.

Native American artisans skillfully demonstrate traditional craft techniques, inviting visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the indigenous peoples’ enduring connection to the land.

Guides share insights into the significance of the towering totem poles, each one uniquely carved to depict important clan symbols, legends, and historical events.

Visitors can witness live blacksmithing demonstrations, where skilled artisans forge traditional tools and implements using time-honored methods.

Throughout the experience, guests are captivated by the vibrant living traditions that continue to shape the cultural fabric of Ketchikan and the surrounding Tongass National Forest.

Meeting Point and Transportation

The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau serves as the pick-up location, with a 30-minute van transfer transporting guests to and from the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.

This convenient transportation option ensures a hassle-free arrival and departure for the 3-hour guided nature walk.

The vans are comfortable and equipped to handle the short journey, allowing visitors to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the temperate rainforest landscape.

Upon arrival at the sanctuary, guests will be greeted by the knowledgeable guides who’ll lead them on an immersive exploration of the 40-acre private preserve.

The transportation service provided is a seamless component of the overall Rainforest Sanctuary experience.

Important Information to Know

Rainforest Sanctuary operates rain or shine, though it may be canceled in extremely bad weather.

Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, pack layered clothing, and bring a waterproof jacket. Pets, food, drinks, and umbrellas aren’t permitted on the premises.

The guided nature walk explores the wildlife, historic sawmill, and totem park at a gradual pace suitable for all ability levels. Visitors can spot salmon, bald eagles, and black bears during the tour. They’ll also view a collection of totems carved on-site and learn about native culture and traditions.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes transportation to and from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.

Recap

The Ketchikan Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary & Totem Park offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Alaska’s temperate rainforest.

Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for the land and its indigenous traditions, making this attraction a must-see during any visit to Ketchikan.

Whether spotting wildlife, exploring the historic sawmill, or admiring the impressive totem pole collection, visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for the land and its indigenous traditions, making this attraction a must-see during any visit to Ketchikan.