From Ketchikan: Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour

If you’re considering a quick, cultural, and nature-filled trip from Ketchikan, the Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour might be on your list. While it’s not a full-day adventure, it offers a nice peek into Alaska’s indigenous craftsmanship and rugged wildlife, all wrapped into about two and a half hours. We’ve checked out what travelers are saying, looked at what’s included, and broken down what you can expect—so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.

What’s great about this tour? First, many folks appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to learn about Native totem art and local history. Second, the scenic coastal drive and the chance to see wildlife at Herring Cove add a fun, outdoorsy element. But there’s a catch: some reviews mention that the actual wildlife sightings can be fleeting or limited, especially outside of salmon season. It’s a trip that suits those wanting a snapshot of local culture and nature without a hefty time commitment or price.

If you’re a traveler who loves small group tours, learning from guides, and appreciates authentic local sights, this could be a nice afternoon option. Just keep your expectations in check if wildlife viewing is your main goal—timing and luck play a part here.

Key Points

• Cultural focus: Visitors get to explore authentic totem poles and learn about indigenous craftsmanship.
• Beautiful scenery: The coastal drive offers lovely views of Ketchikan’s landmarks and natural surroundings.
• Wildlife spotting: Herring Cove provides opportunities to see bears, seals, eagles, and other wildlife, especially in salmon season.
• Expert guides: The guides are generally knowledgeable, sharing stories and insights about Alaskan history and culture.
• Limited time: At just 2.5 hours, this tour is a quick hit—great if you’re short on time but want a taste of Alaska.
• Variable wildlife sightings: Reviews show that while some see bears and seals, others don’t see much beyond tracks or birdlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Scenic Drive and the Landmarks

Starting from Ketchikan, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle and head north along a scenic coastal road. This drive alone is quite charming because it passes by notable landmarks like the old pulp mill, Ward Cove Cannery, and other historic sights. The guide often shares stories about Ketchikan’s fishing and logging past, giving some context to the area’s thriving industries. It’s a picturesque way to get out of the busy town center and into the natural surroundings.

Exploring Potlatch Park

The main highlight here is Potlatch Park, an area filled with colorful totem poles that harken back to local Native traditions. The tour usually includes a visit to the tribal house and the carving center, where you’ll see artisans actively working on totems—an intriguing sight that adds an authentic touch to the experience. The guides do a good job explaining the symbolism behind the totem poles, making this a meaningful stop for anyone interested in indigenous culture.

Some travelers, like Craig from the UK, found the totem visit particularly interesting, enjoying the stories and history shared by the guide. Others, however, wish for more time at this stop or a deeper dive into the art and stories, since the visit is pretty quick, roughly 20 minutes or so.

The Alaska Totem Trading Shop

Before leaving Potlatch Park, most groups stop at the Alaska Totem Trading Shop, which displays a range of antiques and curiosities—some include rare firearms. If you like quirky souvenirs or are curious about local crafts, this shop offers a good opportunity to browse. Keep in mind, it’s more of a quick stop rather than a shopping spree.

More Great Tours Nearby

Herring Cove Wildlife Spotting

The final part of the tour takes you to Herring Cove, a small inlet known for wildlife sightings. This is the chance to get your camera ready—birdlife like eagles and herons are common, and seals sometimes pop up. The real excitement? Salmon swimming upstream during season, which can attract bears. Several reviews, like Philip’s, mention that their guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining, making the wildlife spotting more engaging.

However, not everyone is lucky. Reviews like Gabriele’s from Germany note that they only saw bear tracks and no bears in sight, with only a brief 10-minute visit. The wildlife scene depends on timing, luck, and the season, so don’t count on guaranteed sightings.

The Logistics: What You Should Know

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, making it an easy addition if you’re docked in Ketchikan and want a manageable activity. The group size isn’t specified but is typically small, which enhances the experience and allows for personalized storytelling. The tour includes transportation, which is especially handy since parking or finding the right spots can be tricky.

Cost and Value

Priced at $85 per person, it’s a reasonable fee for the combination of cultural insights, scenic drive, and wildlife viewing. While some reviews suggest that wildlife sightings can be hit or miss, the stories and cultural stops often make the price worthwhile, especially if you’re interested in Native Alaskan traditions.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

You’ll meet at booth #17 inside the Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau, or if on a cruise like NCL, you’ll take a shuttle to the town and check in at a designated booth near the cruise berths. Be sure to arrive 20 minutes early. Note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with difficulty climbing steps, and high heels or large luggage aren’t permitted.

What’s Not Included

Food and drinks are not part of the package, so plan accordingly if you want to grab a snack before or after.

Authenticity and Honest Feedback from Past Travelers

Reviews paint a mixed picture. Many praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with one traveler saying Laura was “very knowledgeable and friendly,” and another calling Bonnie “amazing and entertaining.” The scenic and cultural elements generally receive positive remarks.

Conversely, some travelers found the wildlife observation frustrating. For example, Gabriele from Germany noted that their visit at Herring Cove was brief and that no bears were visible, which was disappointing. Others expressed that the tour’s description didn’t always match their experience—some felt rushed or that key sights like Creek Street weren’t included, which they’d hoped to see.

A common thread is that the tour’s value depends a lot on your expectations and luck with wildlife sightings. If you’re just looking for a taste of Alaskan culture with a bit of outdoor scenery, it’s generally well-received.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for travelers who want a short, manageable glimpse into Ketchikan’s indigenous art and local wildlife. It’s a good fit if you prefer guided experiences, appreciate storytelling, and enjoy scenic drives. Keep in mind, if wildlife viewing is your top priority, you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility that animals might not appear.

It’s also a solid option if your schedule is tight, as it’s only 2.5 hours and offers a mix of cultural and natural sights without requiring full-day commitment.

Final Thoughts

The Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour offers a balanced look at Alaska’s native art, history, and wildlife, all wrapped into a concise trip. While wildlife sightings can be unpredictable—particularly outside salmon season—the cultural stops and scenic drive often make the price worthwhile for many travelers.

The guides tend to be knowledgeable and friendly, adding warmth to the experience even if some stops are brief. If you’re interested in learning about Native totems and getting a taste of Alaskan nature, this tour fits the bill. Just keep your expectations realistic about wildlife, and you’ll likely come away with some interesting stories and photos.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a relaxed, informative adventure that complements a busy cruise day or a short stay in Ketchikan.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, making it a perfect short activity during a cruise port stop or a busy day.

Where do I meet the tour?
You check in at booth #17 inside the Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau or at a designated booth near the cruise berths if on a ship like NCL. Be sure to arrive 20 minutes early.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, all guests must be able to ascend and descend vehicle steps. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers a guide, transportation, and Potlatch Park entrance fees.

Is food or drinks included?
No, you should plan to bring snacks or grab something beforehand, as food and drinks are not provided.

Can I see wildlife during the tour?
Wildlife sightings depend on luck, season, and timing. Some visitors see bears, seals, and eagles, while others see only tracks or birdlife.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s generally suitable for most ages, but the physical aspect and walking involved might be challenging for some children. It’s not specifically tailored for families with young kids.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, since weather can change quickly; binoculars could be helpful for wildlife spotting; and don’t forget your camera.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers a balanced peek into Alaska’s indigenous heritage and natural beauty. It’s a straightforward, affordable way to get a taste of Ketchikan’s cultural and scenic charm—just keep in mind that wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed and that the stops are brief. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, it’s worth considering during your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: