
Harriet Hunt Lake
Discover the serene beauty of Harriet Hunt Lake, a tranquil Alaskan gem offering peaceful canoeing and rainforest hikes near Ketchikan.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Harriet Hunt Lake
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of Harriet Hunt Lake, a tranquil Alaskan gem offering peaceful canoeing and rainforest hikes near Ketchikan.
"A beautiful peaceful lake, the canoeing was a one-time life experience."

☔ Pack Rain Gear!
Alaskan weather changes fast. Waterproof layers are essential for comfort on the lake and trails.
🛶 Canoe Tours Recommended
Guided canoe tours offer a unique perspective and are great for all ages and skill levels.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canoeing on Harriet Hunt Lake
Harriet Hunt Lake
Paddle across serene waters surrounded by lush rainforest. A truly peaceful Alaskan experience.

Temperate Rainforest Walk
Trails around Harriet Hunt Lake
Explore the vibrant flora and fauna of Alaska's coastal rainforest. Keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Scenic Lake Views
Overlooks of Harriet Hunt Lake
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Perfect for quiet reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Alaskan Weather
Book Excursions in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☔ Pack Rain Gear!
Alaskan weather changes fast. Waterproof layers are essential for comfort on the lake and trails.
🛶 Canoe Tours Recommended
Guided canoe tours offer a unique perspective and are great for all ages and skill levels.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Waterproof hiking boots or shoes are best for the trails and potentially wet conditions.
💧 Portable Toilets Available
Be prepared for portable toilets if visiting; there are no flushing facilities.
Tips
from all over the internet
☔ Pack Rain Gear!
Alaskan weather changes fast. Waterproof layers are essential for comfort on the lake and trails.
🛶 Canoe Tours Recommended
Guided canoe tours offer a unique perspective and are great for all ages and skill levels.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Waterproof hiking boots or shoes are best for the trails and potentially wet conditions.
💧 Portable Toilets Available
Be prepared for portable toilets if visiting; there are no flushing facilities.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The lake and surrounding nature offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Harriet Hunt Lake for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. The guided canoe tours are a standout activity, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for all ages. While the facilities are basic and weather can be unpredictable, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a serene escape.
"We ended here with the excursion we booked with our ship. It is a beautiful peaceful lake. The canoeing was a one-time life experience. It was my first time and I had a great time. It is plenty of people on the canoe so the combined efforts made it easier. The guide is very knowledgeable and never felt in jeopardy. It is an activity for all ages and skills, in my group there were kids and also a person with vision loss. There was a stop for drinks and snacks, everything was delicious, and a little walk. I wish the walk was longer, a little hike. The guide shared very good information about the lake, the area, flora, and fauna. There are no flushing toilets, so if you do not like the portable ones, plan accordingly."
Yinzú Nairouz
"We did a guided canoe tour and hike here and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend you bring rain gear and gloves the weather changes rapidly on the lake."
Doug
"A beautiful lake in Alaska. I visited as part of a cruise tour and we traversed the lake in canoes. Wonderful and peaceful away from cities their noise.
Mostly untouched beauty that welcomes you to explore. Take only memories, leave only footprints."
Laci McGee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Harriet Hunt Lake is typically accessed via guided tours or excursions from Ketchikan, often booked as part of a cruise ship itinerary. These tours usually include transportation to and from the lake.
While there are roads in the general vicinity, direct public car access to the prime activity areas of Harriet Hunt Lake is limited. Most visitors arrive via organized tours.
Travel time can vary depending on the tour operator and mode of transport, but it's generally a scenic journey of about 30-60 minutes from Ketchikan.
Public transport directly to Harriet Hunt Lake is not common. The most reliable way to visit is through pre-booked excursions from Ketchikan.
It's possible to arrange private transport, but most visitors find it more convenient and informative to book a guided tour that includes transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the lake itself is generally free, but activities like guided canoe tours and hikes usually require booking and payment through tour operators.
Costs vary by operator, but expect prices to range from $100-$200 per person for a guided canoe and hike excursion.
There are typically no specific entrance fees for Harriet Hunt Lake itself, but tour operators may include park access fees in their package prices.
While you might be able to reach the general area, participating in activities like canoeing or guided walks usually requires booking with a tour operator.
Booking in advance, especially during peak cruise season, is highly recommended. Check with your cruise line or local tour operators in Ketchikan.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities include guided canoeing on the lake and hiking through the surrounding temperate rainforest.
Yes, it's considered an activity for all ages and skills, with guides ensuring safety and enjoyment for everyone.
You might spot various birds, including blue herons, and other local fauna. Salmon are also known to run in the area.
Restrooms are available, but they are typically portable toilets, so plan accordingly if you prefer standard facilities.
The trails are generally easy to moderate, winding through the lush temperate rainforest.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Some tours include stops for drinks and snacks, which are often described as delicious. However, there are no formal restaurants on-site.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea, especially if your tour doesn't include refreshments or if you plan to stay longer.
Tours often provide local treats and refreshments. The quality is generally well-regarded by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The serene lake reflections, lush rainforest scenery, and potential wildlife sightings offer fantastic photography moments.
Yes, with care, you can take photos from the canoe. Ensure your camera or phone is secured to prevent it from falling into the water.
A waterproof camera or a phone with a waterproof case is advisable due to the potential for rain and splashes.
Various points along the lake and trails offer beautiful perspectives. The overlooks provide panoramic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Harriet Hunt Lake Experience: Canoeing and Nature
The surrounding temperate rainforest provides a lush backdrop for the lake. Trails offer opportunities for short hikes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant ecosystem. While the walks might be brief, they are rich with the sights and sounds of the Alaskan wilderness. The chance to spot wildlife, such as birds and potentially other native animals, adds an element of discovery to the visit.
It's important to be prepared for the unpredictable Alaskan weather. Rain gear and waterproof footwear are highly recommended, as conditions can change quickly. The lake is not typically crowded, contributing to its serene atmosphere, and visitors are encouraged to practice 'leave no trace' principles to preserve its untouched beauty.
Navigating Ketchikan's Cruise Port and Excursions
Cruise ship excursions to Harriet Hunt Lake are a common and convenient way to visit. These tours often bundle transportation, guided activities like canoeing and hiking, and sometimes even refreshments. It's advisable to book these excursions in advance, as they can fill up quickly, especially during the peak tourist season. Some travelers have expressed disappointment with certain cruise line excursions, so researching options and reading reviews can be beneficial.
For those looking for alternatives to organized tours, exploring Ketchikan's other attractions like the totem poles at Whale Park or hiking the Married Man's Trail offers different perspectives of the area's natural and cultural heritage. However, for a focused experience of the lake's serene beauty, a dedicated tour remains the most popular and recommended approach.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit