Overview
Rainbird Trail is the accessible, low-commitment rainforest hike in Ketchikan, and the counterpart to the demanding Deer Mountain Trail that climbs 3,000 feet across town. Where Deer Mountain requires a full-day commitment and serious fitness, Rainbird delivers a genuine old-growth forest experience in a short, manageable outing that most visitors can handle. The trail gains 450 feet over 1.1 miles, passes through dense temperate rainforest characteristic of the Tongass National Forest, and reaches a ridgeline viewpoint with views of the Tongass Narrows and Gravina Island before returning to the trailhead.
The name "Rainbird" is fitting for Ketchikan, one of the rainiest cities in the United States at roughly 150 inches of annual precipitation. The trail is well-maintained and hikeable year-round, though rain gear and waterproof footwear are practical necessities rather than optional accessories. The lower trail is particularly atmospheric in light rain, with the moss-covered forest floor and the dripping Sitka spruce canopy creating the kind of primordial forest atmosphere that is genuinely difficult to find outside of Southeast Alaska.
For cruise ship passengers or visitors on a tight schedule who want a real forest walk without the physical demands of Deer Mountain, Rainbird is the practical answer. For hikers who want a longer challenge, the Deer Mountain Trail and the Perseverance Lake Trail (near Ward Lake north of Ketchikan) offer more elevation and more remote terrain.
The Route
Miles 0 to 0.3: Neighborhood to forest. The trail begins at a signed trailhead near Ketchikan High School and transitions quickly from the urban edge into forest. The initial section crosses through second-growth trees before entering older forest. The grade is modest at the start.
Miles 0.3 to 0.8: Old-growth rainforest. The trail enters sections of older Sitka spruce and western hemlock with large trees and a well-developed understory of ferns and moss. The canopy closes overhead and the sound of the city disappears. This is the most scenic section of the trail, representative of the temperate rainforest that covers much of the Tongass.
Miles 0.8 to 1.1: Ridgeline and viewpoint. The trail climbs more steeply in the upper section and reaches a ridgeline with views of the Tongass Narrows, Gravina Island (where the Ketchikan airport is located), and the surrounding forested hills. The viewpoint is the standard turnaround for the 2.2-mile out-and-back. The trail continues beyond this point for experienced hikers, but the maintained section effectively ends here.
When to Visit
Rainbird Trail is hikeable in all four seasons, which distinguishes it from higher elevation Tongass trails that are snow-covered for much of the fall and spring. The main variable is rain rather than snow at this elevation.
April through November covers the drier portion of the Ketchikan year, though "drier" is relative. July and August are the best months for odds of a dry window, but even these months see frequent rain.
December through March is the heaviest precipitation period, with shorter days and the coldest temperatures. The trail is hikeable for prepared visitors but the experience is significantly more demanding than in summer.
What to Bring
A waterproof jacket and waterproof boots are the primary gear consideration. The trail surface handles rain well but puddles and mud accumulate on the lower sections. Trekking poles are optional but useful for the steeper upper sections.
No water is available on the trail. Bring sufficient water for the 2.2-mile round trip. Individual needs vary but the relatively short distance means this is not a demanding hydration situation for most hikers.
Brown bears are present throughout the Tongass, including near Ketchikan. This urban-edge trail is less active bear habitat than the backcountry, but carrying bear spray is a reasonable precaution. Review the Leave No Trace principles for general trail practices.
Practical Details
Parking: Street parking near Ketchikan High School. No designated trailhead lot. The neighborhood streets have parallel parking. No fee.
No restrooms at trailhead: The nearest public restrooms are in downtown Ketchikan.
Cell service: Limited at the trailhead, spotty on the trail. The urban proximity means service is better than on remote Tongass trails, but do not rely on it.
Trail marking: The trail is well-signed at the trailhead and adequately marked through the maintained section. The upper viewpoint and beyond are less clearly marked.
Year-round access: The low elevation makes this one of Ketchikan's most reliable year-round hiking options. Ice can form on the upper section in winter cold snaps, but significant snowpack is uncommon at this elevation.
Getting There
From the Ketchikan cruise ship dock, walk north along the waterfront and into downtown Ketchikan. Continue through town toward Ketchikan High School. The trailhead is located near the school. The walk from the cruise dock is approximately 1 mile and takes 20 minutes on foot.
From the Ketchikan Airport on Gravina Island, take the airport ferry to the Ketchikan side and taxi or ride-share to the trailhead. The drive from the ferry terminal is about 5 minutes.
For a more demanding Ketchikan hike on the same visit, the Deer Mountain Trail starts from Ketchikan City Park and is accessible by taxi or on foot from downtown. For a rainforest lake experience north of the city, the Perseverance Lake Trail at Ward Lake Recreation Area offers a quieter alternative. Visitors who want to understand the full scope of the Tongass before their trip should review our national forest overview. For those new to checking conditions in Alaska before hiking, the USFS Ketchikan Ranger District website posts current trail status updates.