Ketchikan: Rainforest Zipline, Skybridge, & Rappel Adventure

Ketchikan’s Rainforest Zipline, Skybridge, and Rappel Adventure offers visitors an unforgettable journey through the lush Alaskan wilderness. Guests embark on a scenic coastal drive and board a rugged Unimog to ascend to a canopy chalet with sweeping vistas. The thrilling zipline course features eight lines, including a breathtaking hanging bridge over a salmon-spawning creek. Visitors can also rappel from a 55-foot viewing tower and observe the majestic bald eagles and elusive black bears that call this rainforest home. But the adventure doesn’t end there – there’s more to discover about Ketchikan’s natural and cultural heritage.

Key Points

• Exhilarating zipline course through the lush Alaskan rainforest, featuring eight lines ranging from 100 to 600 feet in length and platforms up to 100 feet above the ground.

• Unique hanging bridge leading to the longest and most thrilling zipline, offering a breathtaking view of the salmon-spawning creek below.

• Opportunity to spot majestic bald eagles, powerful black bears, and other native wildlife from the elevated zipline platforms.

• Descent from a 55-foot viewing tower via a moderate 2-minute rappel, providing a different perspective of the surrounding rainforest and wildlife.

• Exploration of the Tsimshian totem park and historic sawmill, showcasing the indigenous culture and logging heritage of the region.

Scenic Coastal Drive to Herring Cove

The adventure begins with a scenic 8-mile coastal drive that takes visitors from Ketchikan to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary at Herring Cove, where the zipline course is located.

Along the way, guests are treated to stunning views of the rugged Alaskan coastline. Towering mountains and lush forests line the scenic road, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty of the region.

As the drive progresses, the landscape transitions from urban to rural, providing a serene and peaceful transition into the heart of the rainforest.

Unimog Transportation to the Canopy Chalet

From the Herring Cove parking lot, guests board a rugged Unimog all-terrain vehicle that transports them up the steep, winding rainforest hillside to the canopy chalet – the launching point for the zipline adventure. The Unimog’s impressive off-road capabilities easily navigate the challenging terrain, providing a thrilling ride through the lush, verdant forest.

Once at the chalet, guests are greeted with:

1. Sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness, with the opportunity to spot wildlife like eagles and bears.
2. A series of platforms and suspended walkways that seamlessly integrate the chalet into the treetops.
3. The start of the zipline course, where the heart-pounding adventure is about to begin.

Exhilarating Zipline Course Through the Rainforest

Departing from the canopy chalet, thrill-seekers embark on an exhilarating journey through the rainforest canopy, gliding across a series of eight ziplines ranging from 100 to 600 feet in length.

Platforms situated up to 100 feet above the ground provide breathtaking views of the lush, verdant landscape.

As participants zip through the air, they may catch glimpses of the local wildlife, including bald eagles and bears, amidst the sights and sounds of the rainforest preserve.

The longest zipline traverses a hanging bridge, offering a unique perspective of the salmon-spawning creek below.

Adrenaline-fueled adventurers will undoubtedly revel in the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of Alaska’s temperate rainforest.

Hanging Bridge Leading to the Longest Zipline

After traversing the rainforest canopy on a series of exhilarating ziplines, adventurers reach a hanging bridge that leads to the longest and most thrilling zipline of the course.

Crossing this suspended walkway, participants are treated to a unique vantage point overlooking the salmon-spawning creek below, heightening the sense of immersion in the lush, verdant landscape of the Alaska rainforest.

The bridge:

1. Stretches over the pristine waterway, allowing guests to spot the leaping salmon below.
2. Sways gently, adding to the excitement and connection with the natural surroundings.
3. Offers a moment to pause and take in the breathtaking views before zipping across the longest line.

Rappel Descent From the Viewing Tower

Atop the 55-foot viewing tower, adventurers prepare to descend via an exhilarating rappel, overlooking the Whitman Lake Fish Hatchery below. With safety gear firmly secured, they’ll slowly lower themselves down the sheer rock face, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.

Rappel Descent Details
Elevation	55 feet
Duration	Approximately 2 minutes
Difficulty	Moderate

This thrilling finale to the adventure offers a unique perspective of the wilderness, as participants take in the sights and sounds of the hatchery and its resident wildlife. The rappel is the perfect culmination to an unforgettable journey through Ketchikan’s lush, coastal rainforest.

Wildlife Sightings Along the Zipline Platforms

As adventurers soar through the treetops on the zipline courses, they’re treated to a unique opportunity to spot an array of native wildlife thriving in the lush Alaska rainforest. Bald eagles and black bears are commonly seen from the elevated platforms, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the sanctuary’s vibrant ecosystem.

The zipline adventure allows visitors to:

1. Observe majestic bald eagles gliding effortlessly through the sky, perching on nearby trees and scanning the ground for their next meal.

2. Catch a glimpse of the powerful and elusive black bears foraging for berries and salmon in the dense undergrowth.

3. Listen to the symphony of birdsong echoing through the towering trees, creating a truly immersive rainforest experience.

Tsimshian Totem Park and Historic Sawmill

Visitors to the Rainforest Zipline, Skybridge, and Rappel Adventure can also explore the Tsimshian totem park and historic sawmill located within the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The Tsimshian totem park showcases intricately carved wooden totem poles that tell the stories and legends of the indigenous Tsimshian people. Nearby, the historic sawmill provides a glimpse into the region’s logging heritage, with exhibits detailing the machinery and processes used to harvest the abundant timber. Guests can wander through these cultural attractions at their own pace, seeing the rich history and traditions of the area.

Tsimshian Totem Park	Historic Sawmill
Intricately carved wooden totems	Exhibits on logging equipment and processes
Legends and stories of indigenous people	Region’s timber harvesting heritage
Self-guided exploration	Self-guided exploration

Packing and Accessibility Considerations

When packing for the Rainforest Zipline, Skybridge, and Rappel Adventure, guests should wear closed-toe shoes and bring layered clothing to account for the variable rainforest climate.

Those with back or mobility issues, fears of heights, or weighing over 250 lbs. may find the activities unsuitable, as the tour isn’t accessible for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or minors without a guardian.

The adventure offers:

1. 8 ziplines ranging from 100-600 feet with platforms up to 100 feet above ground.
2. A hanging bridge leading to the longest zipline with views of the forest and salmon spawning creek.
3. A 55-foot viewing tower for a rappel descent overlooking the Whitman Lake Fish Hatchery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider typically provides light snacks and water for participants. Guests should check with the tour company for any specific policies regarding outside food and beverages.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Zipline Equipment?

There is a weight limit of 250 lbs for the zipline equipment. Guests over this weight limit are not allowed to participate for safety reasons. The tour has this restriction in place to ensure all participants can use the ziplines properly.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Disqualify Participants?

Participants with certain medical conditions like pregnancy, back/mobility issues, or a fear of heights may be disqualified from the zipline adventure. The activity has weight and age restrictions as well to ensure guest safety.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Zipline Experience?

Participants can take photos and videos during the zipline experience, as long as they maintain a secure grip on their equipment. However, they should exercise caution to avoid interference with the safety gear or the activity itself.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Children on the Tour?

The tour has an age restriction – guests must be 18 or accompanied by a guardian if under 18. Children are welcome but must be supervised by a responsible adult throughout the zipline, skybridge, and rappel adventure.

Recap

The Rainforest Zipline, Skybridge, and Rappel Adventure offers visitors an unforgettable experience exploring Ketchikan’s lush wilderness.

From the scenic coastal drive to the thrilling ziplines and rapelling, this excursion immerses guests in the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

With wildlife sightings, towering totem poles, and a historic sawmill, it’s a comprehensive adventure not to be missed.