Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

Kawanti Adventures operates a 40-acre private reserve located at Herring Cove, adjacent to a salmon hatchery, and is Ketchikan’s only private adventure and wildlife sanctuary. The site offers the best wildlife viewing location accessible by road. Our site is endorsed and supported by all major cruise lines that call to port. We have consistently received superior quality ratings from on-line reviews and on-board cruise ships.

We offer interpretative walks through the rainforest with wildlife viewing opportunities, including seasonal Black Bears. Visit the custom-built Alaska Raptor Center exhibit and witness a flight demonstration. Join a Photography tour. View our totem park with its impressive 40-foot totem and the first Tsimshian totem pole park in the Country. Walk through a historic sawmill, visit the Blacksmith, shop in the General Store, and so much more. The site has the best that Southeast Alaska has to offer, all in one location!

Depending on your tour, you can expect 0.5 to 1 mile of guided walking with a Naturalist along an improved forest trail. On our Black Bear & Wildlife Exploration, you will be walking on an elevated wooden boardwalk along a protected estuary following Eagle Creek.

All rainforest walks are all completed at a leisurely pace and there are no stairs to climb. The walks occur over compressed gravel and wooden boardwalks that are accessible to wheelchair users, weather dependent. During periods of heavy rains (frequent on Southeast Alaska) the trail can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are not provided on site, however with at least 24 hours’ notice we can provide an able-bodied person to push/assist anyone in a wheelchair. Most of the trail system is flat however, there are short (30 yards) sections with moderate inclines and declines.

Wildlife sightings are frequent. We offer the only drive up bear viewing location in Southeast Alaska.

Our bear tour operates from mid-July into September, and are small intimate groups guided by an experienced naturalist. You will enjoy wildlife and photographic opportunities from elevated bridges, boardwalks, and viewing decks, with approximately 60 minutes of wildlife viewing time. Chances of seeing Black Bear are very good. Food is not permitted on the walking trails.

Comfortable water-resistant walking shoes, layered clothing and a waterproof outer layer are recommended.