Ketchikan / Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

The Origin of the Beaver by Wayne Hewson

The story begins ... "Once there was a great hunter. Game was easy for him to kill. He was told that beyond his village on the other side of a mountain there was great hunting and a lot of different animals to hunt. He went home and told his wife, 'Pack everything, we are moving to the other side of that mountain where there is good hunting.'" You can read the rest of the story at Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary - Native Totem Carver.One of Alaska’s leading Native carvers can be seen at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary carving facility, transforming an Alaska red cedar log into a classic totem pole, featuring wildlife and legends of the area. Master carver Wayne Hewson has been carving since 1989. He is a Tsimshian from Metlakatla, a Native community on Annette Island, 17 miles from Ketchikan.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk. [B]

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

There I am in the back with my waterproof camera bag, rain jacket, and rain pants AND we even had a plastic cover for our cameras, even though we couldn't prevent rain spots. I didn't have a lens cloth :) [B]

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Skunk Cabbage

Skunk Cabbage (Lysichitor americanum) is a plant found in swamps and wet woods, along streams and in other wet areas of the Pacific Northwest, where it is one of the few native species in the arum family. The plant is called Skunk Cabbage because of the distinctive "skunky" odor that it emits when it blooms. This odor will permeate the area where the plant grows, and can be detected even in old, dried specimens. The distinctive odor attracts its pollinators, scavenging flies and beetles. In the early spring, bear and deer eat Skunk Cabbage for a fiber source. Traditional uses: The roots are boiled into medicinal tea to cure lung ailments. Leaves are used as liners for berry baskets and to bake salmon in earthen fire pits.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk. [B]

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Skunk Cabbage

With its big green leaves and bright yellow flowers, Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanum) is a plant found in the wet rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. This plant got its name for one very good reason - it has a stinky smell! The odor attracts bees, beetles, and gnats which pollinate the plant. Bears eat the roots to clean out their system after hibernating. For humans, it will burn the throat and stomach.

Cedar

Cedar

Red-breasted Sapsucker

The Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber) lives in coniferous forests of the northern Pacific Coast, usually found at middle or lower elevations.has two subspecies. The northern form, resident from Alaska to Oregon, is redder on the head and has less white on the back. The southern form, found in California, often shows the black and white face striping of the other sapsucker species, but all the facial feathers are tipped in red.

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Fallen Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Cedar

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Bear Marking

The gray coloring on the bottom of the tree was caused by a Black Bear, marking his/her territory.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk. [B]

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the state tree of Alaska. It is commonly 200 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter. Sitka Spruce, known also as Tideland Spruce, Coast Spruce, and Yellow Spruce, is the largest of the world's spruces and is one of the most prominent forest trees in stands along the northwest coast of North America. This coastal species is seldom found far from tidewater, where moist maritime air and summer fogs help to maintain humid conditions necessary for growth. Traditional uses: Roots are gathered from naturally exposed areas and used to weave baskets and hats. The pitch is used as a salve for skin irritations.Throughout most of its range from northern California to Alaska, Sitka Spruce is associated with Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in dense stands where growth rates are among the highest in North America. The Western Hemlock is a valuable commercial timber species for lumber, pulp, and many special uses. It is commonly 150 feet tall and 3-5 feet in diameter. Traditional uses: Outer bark is used for creating dyes. Inner bark is eating and brewed in tea. Boughs of branches are submerged in seawater to capture herring spawned eggs. 75% of the trees in Southeast Alaska are Western Hemlock.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.

Banana Slug

Banana slug is a common name for three North American species of terrestrial slug in the genus Ariolimax. These slugs are often yellow in color and are sometimes spotted with brown, like a ripe (or overripe) banana.

Banana Slug

Banana slug is a common name for three North American species of terrestrial slug in the genus Ariolimax. These slugs are often yellow in color and are sometimes spotted with brown, like a ripe (or overripe) banana.

Best Tour Guide Ever!!!!

Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek is one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams that flows through the sanctuary and enters a tidal estuary before emptying into Herring Cove. Four species of Pacific salmon return to spawn here each summer, making this one of the most active spawning streams in Alaska. Massive numbers of returning fish can be viewed in the creek during most of the summer, attracted by a major salmon hatchery located across the creek from the sanctuary. This activity attracts bears, seals, eagles and many other types of wildlife.

Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek is one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams that flows through the sanctuary and enters a tidal estuary before emptying into Herring Cove. Four species of Pacific salmon return to spawn here each summer, making this one of the most active spawning streams in Alaska. Massive numbers of returning fish can be viewed in the creek during most of the summer, attracted by a major salmon hatchery located across the creek from the sanctuary. This activity attracts bears, seals, eagles and many other types of wildlife.

Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek is one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams that flows through the sanctuary and enters a tidal estuary before emptying into Herring Cove. Four species of Pacific salmon return to spawn here each summer, making this one of the most active spawning streams in Alaska. Massive numbers of returning fish can be viewed in the creek during most of the summer, attracted by a major salmon hatchery located across the creek from the sanctuary. This activity attracts bears, seals, eagles and many other types of wildlife.

Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek is one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams that flows through the sanctuary and enters a tidal estuary before emptying into Herring Cove. Four species of Pacific salmon return to spawn here each summer, making this one of the most active spawning streams in Alaska. Massive numbers of returning fish can be viewed in the creek during most of the summer, attracted by a major salmon hatchery located across the creek from the sanctuary. This activity attracts bears, seals, eagles and many other types of wildlife.

Bear Scat

Bear Cub Training Tree

Bear Cub Training Tree

Bear Cub Training Tree

Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This 40 acre rainforest reserve includes tall stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor saturated with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. The sanctuary is located at Herring Cove, 8 road miles from Ketchikan. On-site experiences include interacting with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center, watching a Native master totem-pole carver at work, and visiting a historic Alaska sawmill. Eagle Creek, one of Alaska’s richest salmon spawning streams, flows through this diverse ecosystem, into an estuary and then the ocean. A major fish hatchery is located across the creek from the sanctuary boardwalk.