How physically demanding is the walk to the Mount Dewey overlook?

This tour involves moderate elevation gain along the historic John Muir Trail, consisting of stairs, wooden boardwalks, and gravel paths. While the pace is unhurried with frequent stops for botanical interpretation and scenery, guests should be comfortable navigating steady uphill sections and outdoor stairs.

What types of terrain and trail conditions should I expect?

You will walk on a mix of maintained wooden stairs, boardwalks across muskeg bogs, and natural forest paths through the temperate rainforest. Boardwalks and roots can be damp or slick in Southeast Alaska weather, so sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots with good traction are strongly recommended.

Is this tour suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?

Because the trail up Mount Dewey includes stairs and natural forest footing, The Naturalist is not wheelchair or standard stroller accessible. For guests seeking a semi flat, paved, and fully accessible route, our downtown-focused walks (The Scout & The Explorer) are the best fit.

What kind of flora and ecology will we explore?

We dive into the rich ecology of the Tongass National Forest, exploring old-growth spruce, hemlock, and red cedar, as well as the specialized carnivorous plants, mosses, and shrubs native to Southeast Alaska’s muskeg bogs. We also discuss traditional Indigenous ethnobotany, identifying edible berries and wild plants with historical medicinal uses.

Will we be foraging or harvesting wild plants on the tour?

To respect local conservation practices and leave no trace on public trails, this is an observational and interpretive educational walk. Your guide will highlight edible species, historic uses, and local harvesting traditions without disrupting native plant communities.

What should I wear for this specific rainforest trail walk?

Dress in layers with a waterproof outer jacket, as weather can shift quickly between the shaded forest canopy and the open overlook. Avoid slick-soled footwear; comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or trail runners with dependable grip are ideal for wooden steps and boardwalks.

What happens if it's raining on the day of our tour?

Tours run rain or shine. The lush muskeg and temperate rainforest are at their most vibrant in the mist and rain. The tree canopy provides natural cover along portions of the path, and we adjust our pacing to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable on the trail.

Does this route still include local Wrangell history and culture?

Yes. While the primary focus is natural history and botany, the route winds through the historic John Muir trail, returns past Totem Park, and connects the landscape back to Wrangell’s frontier history and Indigenous heritage.

Walking Tour

The Naturalist

$119

person +
sales tax

2.5 Hrs

3.5 Mi

Strenuous

History • Nature • Overlook

Tour Overview

A Glimpse of the Journey

Ascend the historic John Muir trail to the Mount Dewey overlook for sweeping views of the Inside Passage. Descend through muskeg and rainforest trails to explore native botany, concluding past Kiks.ádi Totem Park and the Wrangell Museum.

Tour Highlights

Mount Dewey Overlook: Guided climb to sweeping viewpoints
Ecology Walk: Rainforest and muskeg trail exploration
Living Ethnobotany: Traditional plant lore & wild edibles
Island Heritage: Tlingit culture, frontier lore, and totem park

Kids 12 & Under Free • Museum Admission Included

Deep Dive

The Experience

Step into the footsteps of a legendary explorer on this immersive guided walking tour up Wrangell's historic John Muir Trail. As we ascend through the lush, old-growth canopy of the Tongass National Forest, you will hear the rich stories of our island's frontier history and its deep connection to the surrounding wilderness. The climb rewards you at the Mount Dewey overlook, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the Inside Passage, where forest-draped islands meet the ocean. The journey continues as we descend through a dramatically different landscape: a unique Southeast Alaskan muskeg ecosystem. Winding our way down the forested Nature Trail, we dive deep into the fascinating local botany of the Tongass. This isn't just a walk in the woods; it is a living ecological narrative. You will encounter Devil’s Club, a striking, broad-leafed plant historically revered by the Tlingit for its spiritual significance and still utilized today in soothing botanical salves. We will spot the massive, water-repellent leaves of the Skunk Cabbage, traditionally used to line baskets or wrap freshly caught salmon for steaming. Look closely at the branches to find Usnea, or "Old Man's Beard," an antimicrobial lichen utilized for centuries as a natural wound dressing, and examine hardy shelf fungi, which were ingeniously used by early inhabitants to safely carry smoldering embers over long distances. Emerging from the forest, our route weaves back toward the heart of downtown Wrangell, merging these natural wonders with our rich cultural history. We will pass the striking, hand-carved cedar monuments at Totem Park and conclude near the local museum, providing a deeper understanding of the Indigenous roots and resilient community of our small island town. This comprehensive trek is perfectly crafted for curious, active travelers eager to experience the true, authentic spirit of Alaska's Inside Passage.

The Historic Muir Ascent: Walk in the footsteps of naturalist John Muir as we climb through lush old-growth Tongass rainforest to the Mount Dewey overlook for panoramic views of Wrangell's surrounding islands and waterways.
Muskeg & Rainforest Ecology: Transition from dense forest into an open Southeast Alaskan muskeg bog, exploring the distinct soil, mosses, and hardy flora that thrive in this specialized wetland ecosystem.
Living Ethnobotany & Plant Lore: Discover the traditional Indigenous and frontier uses of native flora—including the medicinal power of Devil's Club, water-resistant Skunk Cabbage, antimicrobial Usnea (Old Man's Beard), and shelf fungi used to transport fire.
Wrangell's Cultural Roots & Frontier Lore: Hear authentic local stories of island life, frontier transitions, and deep Indigenous history as our route brings you past the hand-carved cedar monuments at Kiks.ádi Totem Park and the Wrangell Museum.

The Route

Tour Itinerary

Wrangell Tours Booth

We meet up at our hut near the cruise ship dock. After a quick introduction and safety briefing, we set off through the heart of town to begin our journey.

Post Office & Historic Fort

Our first major stop brings us to the site of the old U.S. Army Fort, which now serves as the local Post Office. Here, we'll discuss the town's early military history and view the beautiful, hand-carved totem poles standing on the property.

Ascent into the Tongass

We begin our climb up the historic Mount Dewey Trailhead, stepping into the lush, old-growth canopy of the Tongass National Forest and walking the very same paths the famous naturalist John Muir explored in 1879

Panoramic Views

We reach the summit overlook to take a breather and soak in the breathtaking, elevated views of the Inside Passage, capturing the surrounding islands and bustling waterways below.

Volunteer Trail Botany

Descending the newest trail on the backside of Mount Dewey, we cross the airport road via the Spur Road access into a unique muskeg ecosystem. We will walk the forested Nature Trail, identifying fascinating local flora like Devil's Club and Skunk Cabbage along the way.

Heritage Architecture

Emerging from the forest, we weave our way back into the community. We'll pass local mainstays like the elementary school and the old hospital, and view the historic architecture of the oldest church in town, the Episcopal Church of Wrangell.

Totem Park & Carving Shed

As we near the waterfront, we will walk past the striking, traditional cedar monuments at Totem Park and pass the local carving shed, where the rich artistic heritage of the Tlingit people is actively preserved today.

The Nolan Center

Our guided trek concludes right at the doors of the local museum. Your admission is included with the tour, allowing you to head inside and explore the town's comprehensive historical exhibits at your own pace.

Trip Essentials

Logistics & Requirements

What's Included

Expert Local Naturalist
Guided 3.5-Mile Route
Wrangell Museum Pass

Perfect For...

Active Explorers
Nature & Botany Enthusiasts
Cultural History Buffs

Not the Best Fit For...

Vehicle Tour Seekers
Limited Mobility Guests
Casual Strollers

Difficulty & Terrain

This strenuous 3.5-mile route covers approximately 300 feet of elevation gain, featuring a steep initial climb from sea level up the Mount Dewey boardwalk followed by uneven forest trails, gravel paths, and paved town sidewalks.

Private & Custom Bookings

Private departures and customized itineraries are available upon request for families, cruise passengers, and independent groups looking for a personalized pace or specific focus areas. Please call or email to discuss availability and pricing.

Local Knowledge

Trust & Safety

Owner & Lead Guide

Jonas Crabtree

Wrangell Tours is led by a lifelong wilderness guide with over 15 years of professional experience—including a decade exploring the deep, wild heart of the Tongass National Forest. Backed by a degree in Outdoor Leadership and a lifetime spent navigating these remote lands, your guide brings a warm, deeply knowledgeable, and passionate approach to every tour. Whether we are sharing the hidden stories of our small island community or navigating the rugged terrain, your safety, comfort, and connection to the landscape are always our highest priorities.

15+ Years Local Guiding

Over a decade of professional leadership rooted directly in the local terrain of Wrangell and the Tongass National Forest.

First Aid & Emergency Preparedness

Standard professional baseline for field safety coordination and emergency response preparedness.

Wildlife Safety Expertise

Experienced in professional wildlife awareness and bear safety protocols for safe navigation in Tongass territory.

Guest Reviews

★★★★★

"I booked a last-minute walking tour in Wrangell, and it was one of the highlights of my visit! Jonas was an excellent guide, and the two-hour tour flew by. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the area’s history and shared so many interesting stories. As a local now with his family living in Wrangell, it’s obvious how much he loves the community. Skip the large tour groups and book a small-group tour with Jonas—you won’t regret it!"

Jodi M.

August 2026 • Verified Customer

★★★★★

"We stepped off our ship in Wrangell with no real plan and stumbled onto this walking tour total jackpot. Jonas, who owns the company, guided us himself and was fantastic: warm, easygoing, and full of great stories about the town’s history and what everyday life is like in this part of Alaska. It felt less like a tour and more like getting the inside scoop from a local friend. If you’re in port and want an authentic, easy way to see Wrangell on foot, book this one. Highly recommend!"

Tammy G.

July 2026 • Verified Customer

★★★★★

"My sisters and I just experienced one of the highlights of our Alaskan tour. Jonas was a wealth of information and so knowledgeable about the Alaskan culture, history and life experience of native Alaska!! We cannot wait to return and bring the rest of our families. Thank you, Jonas for an unforgettable experience!"

Maureen J.

July 2026 • Verified Customer

★★★★★

"The 2-hour walking tour we booked was a delight. Jonas started the tour by asking about our interests so that the tour could encompass what we most wanted to learn about Wrangell. The tour covered indigenous culture and history, details about John Muir’s time spent in the area, information about current life in Wrangell, and of course, an informative stop at petroglyph beach. Jonas was thoughtful, engaging, and welcomed our questions, while pacing the tour to accommodate our needs. There is no better way to learn about an area than from a local guide, and we highly recommend booking this tour for a unique and immersive experience in Wrangell."

Michaela B.

July 2026 • Verified Customer

Clear Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How physically demanding is the walk to the Mount Dewey overlook?
This tour involves moderate elevation gain along the historic John Muir Trail, consisting of stairs, wooden boardwalks, and gravel paths. While the pace is unhurried with frequent stops for botanical interpretation and scenery, guests should be comfortable navigating steady uphill sections and outdoor stairs.
What types of terrain and trail conditions should I expect?
You will walk on a mix of maintained wooden stairs, boardwalks across muskeg bogs, and natural forest paths through the temperate rainforest. Boardwalks and roots can be damp or slick in Southeast Alaska weather, so sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots with good traction are strongly recommended.
Is this tour suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
Because the trail up Mount Dewey includes stairs and natural forest footing, The Naturalist is not wheelchair or standard stroller accessible. For guests seeking a semi flat, paved, and fully accessible route, our downtown-focused walks (The Scout & The Explorer) are the best fit.
What kind of flora and ecology will we explore?
We dive into the rich ecology of the Tongass National Forest, exploring old-growth spruce, hemlock, and red cedar, as well as the specialized carnivorous plants, mosses, and shrubs native to Southeast Alaska’s muskeg bogs. We also discuss traditional Indigenous ethnobotany, identifying edible berries and wild plants with historical medicinal uses.
Will we be foraging or harvesting wild plants on the tour?
To respect local conservation practices and leave no trace on public trails, this is an observational and interpretive educational walk. Your guide will highlight edible species, historic uses, and local harvesting traditions without disrupting native plant communities.
What should I wear for this specific rainforest trail walk?
Dress in layers with a waterproof outer jacket, as weather can shift quickly between the shaded forest canopy and the open overlook. Avoid slick-soled footwear; comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or trail runners with dependable grip are ideal for wooden steps and boardwalks.
What happens if it's raining on the day of our tour?
Tours run rain or shine. The lush muskeg and temperate rainforest are at their most vibrant in the mist and rain. The tree canopy provides natural cover along portions of the path, and we adjust our pacing to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable on the trail.
Does this route still include local Wrangell history and culture?
Yes. While the primary focus is natural history and botany, the route winds through the historic John Muir trail, returns past Totem Park, and connects the landscape back to Wrangell’s frontier history and Indigenous heritage.

Your Alaskan Adventure Awaits

Experience The Naturalist

Spaces are limited for intimate small-group experiences. Secure your booking or reach out to check date availability today.

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