There's no better way to experience Alaska's rugged terrain than by driving an All Terrain Vehicle through the forests and mountains on Chichagof Island.
Boarding your coach at the pier, your tour begins with a drive through the Tlingit village of Hoonah and then you head into the surrounding hills. Arriving at the ATV staging area, you will receive an orientation on how best to operate an ATV in the Alaskan wilderness. Once everyone is ready, you will hop aboard and set-off on your journey.
The fifth largest island in the United States at 2,100 square miles, Chichagof is an excellent setting for this outdoor adventure. The entire island lies within the limits of the 17-million acre Tongass National Forest, which has the distinction of being America's largest national forest. The terrain of Chichagof Island ranges from seaside estuaries to alpine mountain peaks, and you will have plenty of chances to stop and view the scenery. Many of the roads you will see were built to harvest valuable timber, including hemlock, spruce and cedar trees.
With its remote location and limited accessibility, Chichagof is home to some of the animals most often associated with Alaska, including the brown bear. In fact, the island has the world's largest brown bear population, estimated to be three per square mile. You might also see bald eagles soaring above, land otters, Sitka black-tail deer and red squirrels.
After approximately 75-minutes spent traversing the trails of Chichagof, you will return your ATV to the staging area where your coach awaits to transfer you back to the pier.
Please note: This tour includes walking; however most of it is over both gravel and natural and uneven surfaces. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests, those with mobility concerns, pregnant women or guests with back or neck problems. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed on the tour and children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Sturdy, flat shoes; warm layered clothing and waterproof outerwear are suggested. During the tour you will be in wilderness areas that are not fenced and the wildlife is not in captivity; therefore, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This is a remote 4X4 experience and the trails will be bumpy. There will be 2 guests per 4X4 and all guests who will be driving must present a valid drivers' license. Participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before being allowed to take part in the tour.