Climb into a 2026 Polaris Ranger and drive from sea level to 1,800 feet through the Tongass National Forest. This short, guided UTV tour out of Icy Strait Point delivers big views, wildlife watching, and easy access to old-growth rainforest for families and small groups.
Climb into a 2026 Polaris Ranger and drive from sea level to 1,800 feet through the Tongass National Forest. This short, guided UTV tour out of Icy Strait Point delivers big views, wildlife watching, and easy access to old-growth rainforest for families and small groups.
Book with Element Alaska Rentals llc
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
34 ratings
Operated by Element Alaska Rentals llc · Hoonah, Alaska
Perched on the northern edge of Chichagof Island, the Icy Strait Point 4-Passenger UTV Wilderness Tour launches from Icy Strait Point near Hoonah, Alaska, and climbs into the Tongass National Forest for a quick, high-reward ride through old-growth temperate rainforest to 1,800-foot ridgeline overlooks above Port Frederick. This guided Polaris Ranger 570 excursion is a compact, family-friendly way to experience jagged peaks, pebble beaches, mountain streams, and nearshore waters without a long hike.
Start at the Main Vehicle Entrance at Icy Strait Point (Outside ISP Gate), where complimentary shuttle brings you to basecamp for a safety briefing, helmet fitting, and orientation. Each four-passenger Ranger seats families and small groups together with seat belts, roll cages, and an onboard heater to armor against coastal weather. Drivers must present a valid physical driver's license, and passengers should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Trails follow historic logging roads and narrow mountain tracks that reveal the Tongass's patchwork of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, moss-draped trunks, and clear streams that carve the slopes. Guides pause at overlooks that look down on Port Frederick's glassy blue water, tide-flattened beaches, and the serrated silhouette of neighboring peaks. Wildlife is part of the scenery, with bald eagles circling thermals, sea otters rafting in kelp beds, and brown bears occasionally foraging the shoreline; your guide will brief the group on safe viewing distances.
What makes this tour stand out is the access: in roughly two hours you gain alpine-scale views without multi-hour approaches, and you do it in a modern 2026 Polaris Ranger 570 built for comfort and control. The vehicle's EPS, automatic transmission, and independent suspension smooth out gravel grades while onboard heating keeps guests comfortable during fog or drizzle. Photographers and families alike will appreciate timed stops for pictures and the chance to disembark for short walks.
Beyond scenery, guides weave local context into the ride, sharing Hoonah's Tlingit heritage, the footprint of past logging that created the road network, and the conservation rules that protect sensitive habitat. Expect a brisk pace - trails can be rocky and wet - and follow the zero-tolerance sobriety and safety policies. The tour returns you to Icy Strait Point in time to connect with port schedules.
Guides also brief riders on Leave No Trace practices, carry emergency communications and first aid gear, and can tailor stops for toddlers or guests who prefer to remain in the vehicle while others stretch legs on brief shore-side strolls.
Whether you're a cruiser looking for a high-value shore excursion or small groups eager to sample Alaska's coastal rainforests without a long trek, this UTV tour delivers a concentrated encounter with Tongass landscapes, wildlife viewing, and panoramic outlooks that stay with you after the ride.
The booked experience runs approximately 2.5 hours total, including shuttle transfers to and from Icy Strait Point.
Check in outside the Main Vehicle Entrance at Icy Strait Point (Outside ISP Gate) and arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Yes; the UTV seats up to four guests, and the minimum age is 3. Children must be properly belted and follow guide instructions.
Yes, drivers must present a valid physical driver's license at check-in and must meet the operator's age requirements.
No. The activity is not wheelchair accessible and involves vehicle ingress/egress and short walks on uneven terrain.
Expect bald eagles, sea otters, and the possibility of brown bear sightings along shorelines; guides manage watch protocols and safety.
Element Alaska Rentals llc is a rental and guided-ride provider listed on The Adventure Collective that offers vehicle-based excursions at Icy Strait Point and nearby Hoonah, Alaska. Based in Tell City, Indiana, the business lists several Alaska experiences including guided UTV tours in 2026 Polaris Ranger models, guided ATV rides on 2026 Polaris Sportsman and Yamaha Kodiak 450 machines, and a half-day car/van rental for self-guided exploration of Tongass Forest and coastal beaches. All trip descriptions indicate climbs to approximately 1,800 feet with multiple scenic stops for mountain, rainforest, and ocean views, plus opportunities for wildlife spotting such as eagles and bears. Guided tours emphasize beginner-friendly routes, relaxed pacing, and local cultural or historical context provided by guides. The self-drive rental option enables visitors to explore Hoonah, remote beaches, and roadside wildlife at their own pace. Information provided about Element Alaska Rentals llc is limited to the specific trip offerings and vehicle models listed. The business presents vehicle capacities that include four-passenger and six-passenger Polaris Ranger options for group-friendly guided tours. Trip summaries detail the equipment used, general route highlights, and core appeal—scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing, and accessible adventure for families and small groups. All statements reflect the trip summaries and location data as provided.
Book with Element Alaska Rentals llc