ketchikan rainbird trail

A great little hike with easy access from town. No altitude gain and a spectacular view of Tongass Narrows and Ketchikan town. It can be very muddy in spots, especially if it has just rained. It can also be easy to stray off the path in one particular spot, so take care when you cross the little creek on the University side. A person travels through large trees and ferns, can hear Ravens calling, and just gets a taste of the Alaska rainforest all within walking distance of the Cruise ship docks. Highly recommended. Not for high heels however.

Another wonderful downtown hike. This trail takes you above our waterfront with views of float planes, whales, cruise ships and fishing vessels. Watch the sunset and enjoy solitude in town.

We started from the South end of the trail, near the high school and University (behind a large water tower) and, unfortunately, some construction - i.e., digging - was taking place near the start of the trail, so it took us a while to find the signage/markers. Once on the trail, we found it to be well-marked, with decent footing most of the way. Please note that the South end has a much more-difficult grade than the North end (near Third St), so be prepared to break a sweat! Well worth it, though, for the peace and quiet and beautiful forest scenery.

A relatively short hike- doable if your ship is only in port for 6 hours or so. Just take the city bus ($1) to trailhead and have at it. The end has some spectacular views overlooking the town and the tongass narrows (the channel the boats come in). On a clear day its fantastic. Fairly easy hike, some ups and downs. Some places you do loose the path a little, but its maintained fairly well.

I recommend grabbing a taxi and having them take you to the far end of the trail near the stairs for ~$10. Climb a long, steep set of stairs (not for the weak of heart) then a slow descending hike into the rainforest. When the trail dumps out, you are a short few block hike down a steep hill to get back to the cruise dock. Whole adventure takes a little over an hour.

This is a rain forest trail that starts and ends in urban areas. There is a view at the South end but if you like to quickly get into the forest this is the one trail for you.

We walked along the sidewalk and to jefferson street, then a ridiculous uphill climb to the trailhead at the college. On the way up, lots of waves from the locals....it was really steep...after a quick breather, we started up the trail....up! Once you get pass that, it is a gorgeous rainforest hike. Breaks in foliage provide great views..lots of recent rain made parts very slippery! We exited at the third street bypass and got back to cruise dock downhill....about a four mile trip includibg walk to the trail...well worth it if you do not have a lot of time...there is a bus or cab that can get you to trailhead, but you miss seeing cool stuff in the way...

My husband and I took the trail first to the college and then turned around and went to the overlook. After you get done with the stairs at the beginning, it is an easy hike. We enjoyed the vegetation and the little trickle waterfalls throughout the hike. The eagles flying while we were overlooking Ketchikan were beautiful. If you want to hike and only have an hour or so than this hike is for you. The view from the over look is fantastic!

Very nice trail with significant up and down. Will take about 45-60 minutes one-way. The trail has a access point about half way: a staircase with 330 steps will bring you up from the bypass road to the trail. Good views at the southern half of the trail. Gigantic trees in the northern half. The trail is in good condition, with only a short section that can be a bit muddy.

This is a nice trail, mostly gravel, with some stairs. Its easy to walk, and really peaceful. Lots of locals walk it daily. It goes from the third ave. bypass to the university. if you haven't yet, you should.

The Rainbird Trail is a short hike above the city of Ketchikan. It offers exposure to the rainforest and includes sweeping views of the city and surrounding area. It can be done easily from the cruise ship terminal. Dry weather is preferred but not required: this is a coastal rainforest, so bring appropriate footwear, clothing, and be prepared to encounter wildlife (bears).