Hike Through an Alaskan Wonderland

Pybus Point Lodge is surrounded by Tongass National Forest, which is the largest temperate rainforest in the world. It covers nearly 17 million acres, and is home to one of the world’s most biologically rich ecosystems.
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The rugged beauty of Southeast Alaska draws adventurers year after year, offering a spectacular fusion of dense forests, pristine waters, and an abundance of wildlife. Much like its oceans, Alaska’s lush, green forests are teeming with animal and plant life.

Fun fact: Rainforest plants drink a lot of water - the Tongass National Forest can get up to 220 inches of rain annually.
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During your stay with us, we’d love to take you on a hike through this remote natural wonderland for an up-close encounter with raw, untamed, Alaska at its best. Because of our remote location, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and truly immerse yourself in this beautiful forest we call home.

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What to Expect on the Trail

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Our guided rainforest hike will take you through a world straight out of a nature documentary. From the moment you step onto the trail, you’ll be surrounded by lush, moss-draped trees and vibrant plant life. Admiralty Island is known for its towering Sitka spruce, Alaskan yellow cedar, and hemlock trees, which form a protective canopy above the forest floor. The rich ground is covered with vibrant ferns, wildflowers, seasonal berries, and an array of mushrooms in a variety of shapes and colors. Wildlife is just as abundant - keep a sharp eye out, and you might see deer, river otters, martens, or bald eagles soaring above.
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This scenic nature hike takes about 1-2 hours. Because we will go through difficult muddy terrain and over craggy rocks and fallen logs, this trek isn’t for everyone. There’s no need to pack outdoor shoes though - we’ll provide waterproof boots and hiking poles for you to use, and you’ll be back at the lodge in time for dinner.

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Safety is our top priority, so our guides always carry bear protection as well as a well-stocked first aid kit on every hike. Our island is home to about 1,600 brown bears, so it’s important to be bear-conscious, and never hike through the woods alone in Alaska. We will send you with one of our friendly, seasoned guides. They’re knowledgeable about the area, so get ready for some fun facts about the things you’ll see along the way! For more information about our staff, click here.
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Notable Flora and Fauna

As we move along the trail, our guide will point out some of the stunning plants and animals to keep an eye out for. Here are a few of the highlights:
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Amanita Fly Agaric Mushroom

This iconic mushroom is typically a deep red in color, with snowy white spots dotting its cap. They’re favorite snacks for reindeer, and many of our modern Christmas stories are tied to these fungi. In parts of northern Europe and central Asia, these mushrooms were once used in winter solstice celebrations and other ceremonies.
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Sitka Black-Tailed Deer

These petite deer are a type of mule deer, with females averaging around 80 pounds. Their distinct black tails and dark facial markings make them easy to identify. We will often see them on the rainforest trail, or grazing around the lodge.
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Bracken Fern

In the spring and summer, Bracken Ferns have triangular green fronds, which turn red and curl up in the fall. They have been used as thatching for houses in parts of Asia, but their leaves are toxic to humans and animals. These ferns are normally about 2-4 feet tall, and their roots can be up to 20 feet long.
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Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle mates for life, and can reach a wing span of 6-7 feet - taller than most humans! Juvenile eagles are a mottled brown and white, and are often mistaken for Golden Eagles. They mainly eat fish, so they're spotted frequently in Southeast Alaska -- you might even catch them fishing around the lodge.
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Banana Slug

You’ll probably see a few of these yellow or green slugs gliding along the forest floor. The banana slug plays a vital role in the ecosystem by decomposing plant matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. Although technically edible, we don't recommend trying them! Even if you can muscle your way past the gag reflex, their slime has a chemical that can make your mouth and throat feel numb.
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Chicken of the Woods

These vibrant orange mushrooms can often be found in groups on fallen logs. On the books, this fungi is called Laetiporus sulphureus. It’s edible (and delicious) when cooked, and got its fun nickname because it tastes like chicken.
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Alaskan Brown Bear

If someone tells you they're taking a trip to Alaska, seeing brown bears is probably near the top of their bucket list, right up there with catching a halibut and whale watching.

Admiralty Island, where Pybus Point Lodge is located, boasts the highest density of brown bears in the world. Although high in numbers, thankfully these bears aren't too excited to see people. So although we probably won’t encounter them on the trail, you can observe these incredible creatures from a safe distance using the spotting scopes located on all the decks and porches at the lodge. These bears can eat 80 to 90 pounds of food per day when they’re storing up fat for winter, so keep an eye on the river at the back of our bay, and you might catch one fishing for salmon.
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Salmonberry

Depending on the season, you can enjoy a variety of fresh berries picked right from the trail, including wild blueberries, huckleberries, and salmonberries. Salmonberries are yellow in color before they’ve ripened, but turn a dark orange-red and look a lot like raspberries when they’re ready to eat. They’re great as a topping for vanilla ice cream, but if you prefer savory snacks, indigenous Alaskans have traditionally eaten them with salmon.
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Conk Mushroom

This mushroom is usually a dark brown, with circular stripes or rings going through it. The underside is white, and shows dark spots (almost like bruises) when it’s damaged. Because of this, some artists scratch their surface to create pictures. This is why they’re sometimes called “Artist’s Conk”.
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Come to Disconnect, Leave Connected

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply a nature lover hoping to spot some unique plants and stunning wildlife in their own habitat, this trek through the Tongass National Forest will leave you awestruck. From the earthy scent of rain-soaked trees to the vibrant colors of wildflowers and mushrooms, every step is a feast for the senses.

As you come to Pybus Point Lodge to get away and disconnect, we create experiences like this to help you feel more connected to the beauty and grandeur of the earth.

Grab your cameras and hiking sticks, and join us for a magical trek through this thriving rainforest.

We’ll see you on the trail!

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Interested in any of our other hikes? Learn more here.