Deer Mountain is the pointed, 3,000-foot peak that stands directly behind Ketchikan and appears in almost every photograph of the harbour. A trail climbs it from the edge of town, and on a clear day the views from its upper slopes — the Tongass Narrows, Gravina and Annette islands, Prince of Wales Island on the horizon — are the best you can get without an aircraft.
It is a real mountain hike: steep, often muddy, with snow lingering near the top into early summer. If that is more than you want, the Rainbird Trail, cut along the hillside above the town, gives a short, moderate walk through the same rainforest with glimpses of the harbour below.
Top things to do: Deer Mountain & Rainbird Trails
Hike to the first overlook
About a mile up, after a steady climb on steps and switchbacks through hemlock and cedar, a viewpoint opens over the town and the Narrows. For many visitors with limited time this is the right turnaround point — allow about an hour and a half return.
Go for the summit
The top is roughly 2.5 miles from the trailhead with about 2,600 feet of ascent. Fit hikers take four to five hours return. Above the tree line the trail crosses open alpine ground; do not continue in cloud or over steep snow without proper equipment.
The Rainbird Trail
About 1.3 miles long, running along the slope above the Third Avenue bypass near the university campus. There are roots, steps and some mud, but little overall climb, and several openings with views of the cruise ships and floatplanes.
Join a guided hike
If you would rather not navigate alone, guided rainforest hikes and e-bike tours explore gentler trails with a naturalist.
How to get there
- Deer Mountain trailhead: on Ketchikan Lakes Road, about 1.5 miles from the downtown berths and uphill all the way — 30–40 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride.
- Rainbird trailhead: on the Third Avenue bypass above the centre; reachable on foot via staircases from downtown, or by taxi.
- Information: ask at the Discovery Center for current trail conditions.
Insider tips
- Check the time honestly. Cruise passengers should only attempt the first overlook unless they have a long port day.
- Wear proper boots and carry waterproofs, water and a snack. The trail is wet even in dry weather.
- Snow often covers the upper trail until June or July. Turn back if you are not equipped.
- This is bear country: make noise, hike with others and keep food packed away.
- If the mountain is in cloud, save your legs — there will be no view. Walk the Rainbird Trail or Ward Lake instead.
Best tours for this sight
These bookable Ketchikan excursions fit best with a visit to Deer Mountain & Rainbird Trails:
Bike & hike from $164 Ketchikan: E-Bike and Hike Tour
Explore beyond town on an electric bike, then leave the saddle for a hike through the rainforest with local guides. The motor takes the sting out of the hills, snacks are included and reviews are consistently excellent.
- Guided e-bike ride through Alaskan scenery
- Rainforest hike with a local guide
- Snacks included
Adventure from $149 Ketchikan: Tongass Forest Alaska Bigfoot ATV Ride and Hike
Head into the Tongass National Forest by ATV and on foot with a guide who mixes natural history with light-hearted Bigfoot lore. Small groups and one of the highest guest ratings in Ketchikan.
- Guided ATV ride in the Tongass National Forest
- Short hike to look for local wildlife
- Tall tales of Bigfoot’s “stomping grounds”
Adventure from $225 Ketchikan: Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure
Glide between treetop platforms in the Tongass National Forest on a series of eight ziplines and an aerial bridge. Guides clip you in, coach you and point out wildlife below. Small groups and full safety gear; no experience needed.
- Eight ziplines through the Tongass canopy
- An aerial suspension bridge
- Wildlife seen from above
