Ketchikan, Alaska: Tongass National Forest

A recap of our ATV Rainforest Family Adventure in Ketchikan, Alaska. One of our favorite excursions during our recent Alaskan cruise!

Alaskan Rain Forest

Our recent Alaskan cruise can be summed up with one simple word: surprise. I was surprised how family-friendly it was, I was surprised how good the food was, I was surprised by how close we got to the breathtaking landscape and wildlife, I was surprised how much quality alone time I was able to enjoy with my husband, I could go on. 

Ketchikan Alaska Port

One excursion that definitely surprised me was the Alaskan Rainforest ATV Family Adventure we signed up for in Ketchikan.

Blueberry Pancakes e1501182867695

When we read the excursion description online, we were intrigued by the promise of getting our guys on their first ever ATV ride, cruising through the rainforest and finishing up with blueberry pancakes around a campfire.

Ketchikan Tongass Forest Jacob Laughing

I mean c’mon, it doesn’t get much better than that does it? Turns out, it does.

Asher and Jacob ATV e1501182938874

First of all, let’s talk about the ATV. It was so much fun and ideal for a family of four! Our boys got to sit on their own in the back, safely buckled in, taking in all the sites and sounds of the Alaskan rainforest.

Ketchikan Rain Forest

Along our way to the rainforest, our driver pulled over for the endless incredible photo opportunities. It was unreal to see rainforest, ocean and snow capped mountains all in one site.

Ketchikan Asher Totem Pole Park

Before heading into the national forest, we made a pit stop at the Saxman Native Village to check out the totem poles. My five year old made me take a photo of him in front of each one to send to his preschool teacher explaining why he was missing class.

Ketchikan Tongass National Forest

We eventually made our way into the lush and green Tongass National Forest, the longest national forest in the United States at 17 million acres.

Ketchikan Rain Forest Bon Fire

When we arrived, a fire pit was waiting for us to make s’mores along with a blueberry pancake buffet complete with hot cocoa and warm apple cider.

Ketchikan Forest Asher sipping cider

Essentially, my little boys (and their parents!) were in hog heaven. It doesn’t get much better than crisp forest air, buttery pancakes and family time together away from our daily grind.

Ketchikan Forest View of Ocean

The next time you’re vacation planning, I highly recommend an Alaskan cruise with a stop in Ketchikan. Believe me, you won’t regret it and you’ll have a lifetime of memories to prove it.

Your passport is waiting.

Disclosure: Princess Cruise Line hosted me and my family during our recent Alaskan cruise. I have not been compensated to write this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Lemon Bowl possible. All thoughts are my own.

Check out more of my travels on my Pinterest board!

14 thoughts on “Ketchikan, Alaska: Tongass National Forest”

  1. You really remind me how much I enjoyed so many aspects of Alaska when i visited as a teenager with my parents many decades ago. I need to revisit and take my husband with me this time!

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