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!

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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