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Sitka Hiking Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Information for all of private hiking tours
Age Restrictions:
Our treks are great for families and there is no minimum or maximum age! However, please click here to read more information on transportation requirements for children under 8 years old.
Meeting Location:
We pick you up! When you book there is a place to put where you would liked to be picked up at - your cruise dock, hotel, vacation rental, etc. Once we receive your reservation we will send you information with your specific meeting point details.
What's Included:
Transportation to and from the trail, a knowledgeable local guide, bear and wilderness safety, a light snack, hiking poles, and a bottle of water (but encourage participants to bring their own when possible to reduce single-use plastic waste).
Tongass Treks Tour FAQs
Are your tours good for cruise passengers?
Yes! Many of our guests are visiting Sitka on a cruise. All tours are designed to fit within your port time, with reliable pickup and drop-off. We track ship schedules and build our timing around your port window. We meet you at your dock and transportation is included in the price. It is best to allow 15 to 30 minutes from docking time to the start time of your reservation to avoid being rushed or late.
Do I need hiking experience?
Nope! many of our guests are not experienced hikers. We work with you to pick a trail that matches your comfort level and since it is a private hike we keep a flexible pace and adjust to your group depending on how fast or slow you would like to go.
What is the age restrictions for hikes?
There are no age restrictions for our trails. We regularly guide families, and many of our hikes are a great fit for kids, but please review our transportation policy for requirements for children under 8. Children can also be carried in a backpack if you have experience doing so. We’ll work with you to make sure your itinerary is a safe, comfortable, and fun fit for the whole family.
How many people can join a tour?
Most of our hikes can have up to 7 people. This is due to trail regulations through the US Forest Service and the City of Sitka. There are a few trail where we can accommodate up to 12. If you have more than 7 people please send us and email or request through or customizable tour option.
What should I bring on my hiking tour?
Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction, a rain jacket or waterproof layer, warm layers (weather can change quickly), a hat, water, and a small backpack to put your extra layers and water in. We hike rain or shine, so it’s best to come prepared for Southeast Alaska conditions.
Are your tours better than cruise excursions?
If you’re looking for a more personal experience, yes. Our tours are fully private, flexible, and never rushed. You won’t be in a large group, and we can adjust the pace and stops based on your interests. Many guests tell us this is the highlight of their trip.
What should I expect on a Tongass Treks tour?
Tongass Treks experiences are designed to feel less like a scheduled excursion and more like experiencing Sitka alongside a guide who was born and raised here. Expect a private guided hike with a thoughtful pace and the flexibility to pause, ask questions, take photos, and enjoy the landscape. Each experience is tailored to your interests, ability level, and conditions on the day of your hike to create a more personal way to explore the Tongass National Forest.
Sitka and Tongass National Forest FAQs
Is Sitka good for hiking?
Yes! Sitka is one of the best places in Alaska for hiking, with access to rainforest trails, alpine terrain, waterfalls, and coastal views all within a short distance.
Will we see wildlife on the tour?
Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed. Sitka is home to bald eagles, coastal brown bears, salmon, deer, and marine life like whales and sea otters. Wildlife activity varies by season, but there’s always something to see. Your guide knows where to look and will point out things most people miss.
Will we see bears?
Sitka is in bear country, your guide will carry bear spray and knows what to do if a bear is encountered. There will be a bear and safety briefing before your tour starts. Bears are curious, intelligent, and potentially dangerous, but they tend to avoid or ignore groups. It is important to be bear aware and know the risks and safety precautions for hiking in and around the Tongass National Forest.
What is the weather like in Sitka?
Sitka is in the heart of a temperate rainforest. It has a mild coastal climate with frequent rain. Temperatures are usually cool, and conditions can change quickly. Being prepared with layers and rain gear makes a big difference.
What should I wear hiking in Sitka?
Shoes with good tread and layered clothing that you can easily put on and take off works best. Start with a t-shirt for the base layer, add a warm layer, and bring a waterproof outer layer. As you hike you will be warmer and probably not wear all of your layers, but will want to have extra clothing for when you stop or if it is raining.
What are the best things to do in Sitka, Alaska
Private guided hikes are one of the top-rated activities in Sitka, in addition to wildlife viewing, and exploring Sitka’s history. Our private guided tours combine all three, giving you a more personal and immersive way to experience Sitka beyond standard bus tours.
Booking and Policy FAQs
What are the age requirements for tranportation?
The State of Alaska requires children 7 and under who are less than 65 pounds and less than 57 inches tall to be in a car seat or booster seat. If you cannot bring your own, Sitka Baby Rentals (sitkababyrentals.com) offers affordable baby equipment. We can help accommodate picking up and dropping off the equipment for you, but please let us know before you book so we can coordinate on the times.
Can I add more people to my existing reservation?
In most instances, yes! If you add extra people to the reservation, the cost difference for additional people will be due prior to the start of the hike. If you would like to add people to an existing booking please be in contact before your hike to confirm availability and price.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 21+ days prior to the booked tour will receive a full refund minus a 6% processing/admin fee. Cancellations made 14-20 days of the tour's start date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 13 days or less or no-shows (more than 20 minutes late from the start time of the tour) will receive no refund unless due to a cruise ship cancellation to the port of Sitka. If you cannot make it to your hike due to your cruise ship canceling its stop in Sitka, you will receive a full refund minus a 5% processing/admin fee. Outings are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including, but not limited to, weather conditions, wildlife, park or public land closures, and unsafe trail conditions. If the itinerary you booked cannot be accommodated, another option of similar difficulty and distance will be provided. Tongass Treks reserves the right to cancel outings due to unsafe conditions or unforeseen circumstances. If this is the case, a full refund of the amount paid will be given. Tongass Treks is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by preparing for the trip (for example non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, etc.) and suggests a third-party "cancel for any reason" travel insurance for unexpected travel interruptions.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run in all weather conditions. Rain is a normal part of life in Sitka, and often makes the forest and waterfalls even more impressive. As long as you’re dressed properly, it’s still a great experience and ss it is commonly said – “There's no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Unless there are unsafe conditions, the trek will go on. If your reservation needs to be canceled due to unsafe conditions and full refund will be given.
Is gratuity included?
A gratuity is not included in the listed price of a hike. If guests would like to leave a tip it is always greatly appreciated. Tips commonly range from 10% to 20% of the booking price.
Will we need to sign a waiver?
Tongass Treks requires each participant to sign Activity Waiver & Acknowledgement of Risks Agreement, which will need to be signed prior to starting the tour. Your guide will have a copy of the waivers on hand when they meet you on the date of your outing. If you have any questions, please get in touch prior to your tour.
What is a leave-no-trace excursion?
Tongass Treks is a U.S. Forest Service permitted company of the Tongass National Forest. Our tours in Sitka are conducted in the Tongass National Forest, under permit by and in partnership with the Forest Service. We are dedicated to educating our clients and other visitors about the importance of preservation and the Leave No Trace principles. All hikes are a leave-no-trace excursion, including no littering or food left behind.