Alaska’s Temperate Rainforest Alaska Cruise Guide

Alaska’s temperate rainforest, part of the largest remaining coastal rainforest in the world, stretches along the southeastern coastline. This lush ecosystem features towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar trees, receiving over 100 inches of annual rainfall. The forest supports diverse wildlife including bears, eagles, salmon, and whales, making it a prime attraction for cruise visitors.

Quick Facts About Alaska’s Temperate Rainforest

Want to know more about the incredible animals you’ll encounter in Alaska’s coastal ecosystems?

Why This Isn’t Your Average Rainforest

When most people think rainforest they picture steamy jungles with monkeys swinging through vines. Alaska’s version is something completely different and honestly more dramatic. The temperate rainforest thrives in cool, wet conditions where ocean currents moderate the temperature and near-constant precipitation feeds the ecosystem. You won’t be sweating through your clothes but you will be surrounded by more shades of green than you knew existed.

The trees here grow massive because they have access to abundant water and mild temperatures that rarely dip into extreme cold. Some Sitka spruces reach over 200 feet tall and can live for 800 years. The forest floor is a spongy carpet of moss that can be several feet thick, creating a surreal walking experience when you venture off the ship.

Best Ways to Experience the Rainforest From Your Cruise

Viewing From the Ship

Here’s something cruise veterans know: the starboard side of your ship typically offers better rainforest views when sailing northbound through the Inside Passage cruises route, while port side wins on southbound journeys. This matters when you’re booking your cabin, though honestly the scenery is spectacular from either side.

Bring binoculars and stake out a spot on the outer decks during daylight sailing. The best viewing happens when you’re passing through narrow channels like Wrangell Narrows or Frederick Sound where the forest crowds right up to the water’s edge.

Shore Excursions Worth Booking

Not all rainforest excursions are created equal. Skip the overcrowded tourist traps and look for these experiences:

• Guided nature walks in Tongass National Forest – Available in Ketchikan and Juneau, these get you into old-growth sections most visitors miss
• Canoe or kayak tours through quiet inlets – Water-level perspective shows you how the forest meets the sea
• Zipline canopy tours – Seeing the forest from above reveals its layered structure
• Private boat charters to remote areas – More expensive but you’ll escape the crowds entirely

For those interested in exploring on foot, check out Alaska hiking excursions that take you deep into the rainforest interior.

Wildlife Spotting Strategy

The rainforest teems with wildlife but they don’t exactly line up for photo ops. Your best chances for sightings:

• Early morning and late evening – Animals are most active during these times
• Near salmon streams during spawning season – Bears concentrate where the food is (typically July through September)
• Along shorelines at low tide – Look for bears, deer, and wolves foraging for marine life
• In tall snags and coastal trees – Bald eagles perch with commanding views of the water

A local guide once told me something that proved invaluable: look for movement in your peripheral vision rather than scanning directly. Your eyes naturally detect motion better this way and you’ll spot more animals. For comprehensive information on what to watch for, visit our complete Alaska wildlife guide.

Weather Reality and What to Wear

It’s called a rainforest for a reason. You will get wet. Pack these essentials:

• Waterproof rain jacket with hood – Not water-resistant, actually waterproof
• Rain pants or waterproof hiking pants – Regular jeans will stay soggy for days
• Waterproof boots with good tread – The moss-covered rocks and logs are slippery as ice
• Layers made from synthetic or wool – Cotton is miserable when wet
• Dry bag for electronics and valuables – Even if it’s not raining, the humidity and mist can damage your gear

The temperature rarely gets truly cold during cruise season but the dampness makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Dress like you’re expecting 10 degrees cooler than forecasted.

Little-Known Rainforest Facts

The forest here stores more carbon per acre than tropical rainforests due to the massive tree size and thick accumulation of organic matter on the forest floor. When you’re walking through these woods you’re literally standing on centuries of accumulated plant material.

The ecosystem depends on salmon in ways that seem strange at first. Bears catch salmon and drag them into the forest to eat, leaving the carcasses which decompose and fertilize the trees. Scientists have traced ocean nutrients in the growth rings of trees hundreds of feet from water. The forest feeds the ocean with organic matter, and the ocean feeds the forest right back.

Devil’s club, a plant that grows throughout the understory, has thorns that will absolutely ruin your day if you brush against it. Native peoples used it for medicinal purposes but modern hikers just try to avoid it. Learn to identify it before you go wandering off trail.

Challenges You Should Know About

The rainforest isn’t all Instagram-perfect moments. Here’s what can catch you off guard:

• Limited visibility – Fog and mist can roll in quickly, obscuring views and making photography frustrating
• Midges and mosquitoes – Bring bug spray, especially if you’re visiting in June or July
• Slippery conditions – More people get injured from falls than from any wildlife encounter
• Cool temperatures – Even summer days rarely get warm, so you won’t have that tropical rainforest experience
• Crowded popular spots – Main viewing areas near ports can be packed when multiple ships are in town

Bonus Tips From Rainforest Experts

• Download a tree and plant identification app before you lose internet access – it makes your walk more educational
• Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe moisture off your camera lens constantly
• Ask locals about “the muskeg” – these boggy areas are fascinating ecosystems within the forest but most tourists never learn about them
• Look up as much as you look around – the canopy architecture is stunning
• Early season cruises (May) have fewer mosquitoes but more rain; late season (September) has better weather but some wildlife has moved on
• If you wear glasses invest in a good anti-fog treatment before your trip
• The forest smells incredible after rain – take a moment to just breathe it in rather than rushing through photo spots
• Nurse logs (fallen trees hosting new growth) tell amazing stories about forest succession if you take time to examine them
• Pack hand warmers for early morning excursions even in summer
• Remember that the rainforest continues underwater – if you book a diving or snorkeling excursion you’ll see kelp forests that are equally impressive

Photography Tips for the Low-Light Environment

The dense canopy and frequent cloud cover create challenging lighting conditions. Bump up your ISO to at least 800 or 1600 and use a faster shutter speed to avoid blur from your hands shaking (or the boat moving). A lens with image stabilization helps tremendously.

Overcast days actually provide better lighting for forest photography than rare sunny days because the diffused light reduces harsh shadows and brings out the rich green tones. Embrace the mist and fog in your compositions rather than waiting for it to clear.

Conservation and Responsible Visiting

The Tongass National Forest faces ongoing debates about logging and development. As a visitor your actions matter. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the fragile moss and understory plants. Never feed wildlife or leave food scraps behind. The “leave no trace” principles apply even more strictly in this pristine environment.

Book excursions with companies that employ local guides and support conservation efforts. Your tourism dollars help justify protection of these forests when economic decisions are being made.

Common Questions and FAQ

Can you see the rainforest from the ship without booking excursions?

Absolutely. Much of the Inside Passage cruising route takes you directly through or alongside the temperate rainforest. The best viewing happens during daylight hours through narrow passages. However shore excursions let you experience the forest interior which is dramatically different from viewing the outer edge from the water.

Is the rainforest accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Some areas offer boardwalks and paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. Ketchikan’s Rainforest Sanctuary and certain sections of trails near Juneau provide accessible options. Always check with your cruise line about accessibility before booking specific excursions.

What’s the difference between the temperate rainforest and other Alaskan forests?

Southeast Alaska’s coastal temperate rainforest receives far more precipitation and stays milder than interior forests. Interior Alaska features boreal forest with smaller trees like spruce and birch adapted to colder, drier conditions. The temperate rainforest has much larger trees, thicker undergrowth, and completely different wildlife patterns.

Will I definitely see bears in the rainforest?

There are no guarantees with wildlife but your chances are decent during salmon runs. Bears prefer areas away from large human groups so smaller excursions offer better odds than crowds at main viewing platforms. Most visitors see bears from the ship or during dedicated wildlife viewing excursions rather than during regular forest walks.

How do I avoid damaging the moss when walking?

Stick to established trails and boardwalks. The thick moss layer took decades or centuries to develop and a single footprint can cause damage that takes years to recover. If you must step off trail to let others pass, step on rocks or bare ground rather than moss-covered areas.

Personal Experience

Last summer, our cruise ship glided into Tracy Arm Fjord, and I couldn’t believe how green everything was. Growing up, I always pictured Alaska as this icy, barren landscape, but standing on deck watching the mist roll through those massive Sitka spruces felt like entering another world entirely. The trees stretched so high they seemed to touch the low-hanging clouds, and everywhere you looked, moss and ferns draped over fallen logs like nature’s own tapestry. Our guide mentioned we’d picked the perfect time in early June – the wildlife was active, the weather was mild enough for good viewing, and the forests were at their most vibrant after spring rains.

The best part was spotting a black bear foraging along the shoreline near Icy Strait Point. Everyone rushed to one side of the ship with their cameras, but honestly, just watching it move through that lush undergrowth was enough for me. We also took a smaller boat excursion through Misty Fjords National Monument, and being that close to the waterfalls cascading down those steep, tree-covered cliffs was breathtaking. If you’re planning a trip, definitely consider the Inside Passage route – it takes you through the heart of the temperate rainforest, and you’ll see why this part of Alaska feels so magical and unexpected.