WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

The tours are intended for those who exercise regularly or semi-regularly and require participants to be able to do physical outdoor recreation, in all kinds of weather, without any facilities. Trekkers should be able to handle slippery, uneven surfaces and at times somewhat steep terrain. Trekkers should not have debilitating medical conditions, injuries, or poor balance. Participants need to be able to sustain hiking 3–9 miles and be able to exercise for several hours. For those who do not walk or exercise regularly, these tours would be a struggle and not a good fit due to the risk of injury, safety, or schedule disruption. Unfortunately, the trails we use are not wheelchair accessible, nor is the transportation vehicle. It is the participant's responsibility to only sign up for tours that they and their group have sufficient skill and fitness level to participate in as well as having no medical, mental, or physical conditions which could interfere with their or the group's safety or ability to participate in these activities. Treks are designed to be able to be completed on schedule. Though there is time to comfortably hike, if for whatever reason a participant is struggling physically or has taken more time than usual, some activities may be cut short, adapted, or eliminated without a refund. If one is unable to complete the tour, there are no refunds.

Tongass Treks cannot legally transport children under 8 years old who are less than 65 pounds and less than 57 inches tall unless you provide a car seat or booster seat for your child. Sitka Baby Rentals (sitkababyrentals.com) offers affordable baby equipment rentals if needed. 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.

Based on the level of difficulty and distance of each trek we have the following age recommendations: Indian River: All ages Sitka Cross Trail: All ages Shore and Summit: All ages Herring Cove to Beaver Lake: 7 years and older recommended Harbor Mt. to Alpine Hut: 7 years and older recommended Indian River To Falls: 10 years and older recommended Gavan Hill and Harbor Mt.: 10 years and older recommended Children in backpacks are also an option if you have had experience carrying them in similar situations as your booked hike. Age recommendations are based on average ability and are designed to help keep hikes on schedule. We believe you know your group and self better than we do and let you decide, however, if for any reason a participant is taking more time than usual, or there is unsafe behavior, some parts of the hike may be cut short, adapted, or eliminated without a refund.

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.

Nope! The Tongass National Forest is a temperate rainforest, and Sitka gets around 100 inches of rain a year. There is a fair chance that it might rain or sprinkle on your trek. As it is commonly said – “There's no bad weather, only bad clothing” and it’s important to dress appropriately. 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.

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the booked tour will receive a full refund minus a $50 processing/admin fee. Cancellations made within 15 to 29 days of the tours's start date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of the reservation or no-shows (more than 20 minutes late from the start time of the tour) will receive no refund unless due to a last-minute 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 $50 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 accomodated, 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.

Sitka is in bear country, and you may see a bear while hiking. Bears are curious, intelligent, and can be dangerous, but tend to avoid or ignore people and especially groups. It is important to be bear aware and know the risks and safety precautions to take while hiking in and around the Tongass National Forest. Your guide will carry bear spray and is knowledgeable about what to do if a bear is encountered. There will be a bear and safety briefing before the start of your tour.

Yes, we can meet you at your dock and transportation is included in the price. It is best to allow 30 minutes from docking time to the start time of your reservation so you're not rushed disembarking.

A gratuity is not included in the listed price of a hike. G­uests will have the opportunity to leave a tip at the end of the hike if they would like. Tips commonly range from 10% to 20% of the booking price.

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.

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.