Zip Lining in the Summer, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Mountain Adventures:
Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

An Alaska Adventure Cruise You Won't Easily Forget

By: Thessa Lageman | Published on January 14, 2022

If riding a zip line is on your ultimate bucket list item, then planning an Alaska adventure cruise to the small but picturesque Icy Strait Point port to ride the famous ZipRider® is a must-do. The ZipRider® opened in 2007 and to immediate popularity. At 5,495 feet (1.67 kilometers), it's the world's longest zip line. This spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience will surely blow you away. In fact, riding the zip line is about as close to the feeling of flying as one can get.

A Couple Zip Riding Through the Mountains, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Best & Longest Ziplines In Alaska

Your Alaska adventure begins with a 6-mile van ride up the mountain, through the forest and past wildlife including deer, eagles, and brown bears, to the zip liner station. Share the experience with your family and friends, as the zip line has six side-by-side cables and chairs.

Soar Above The Trees

At the top, you'll take a short walk through the charming rainforest to the launching area, where a guide will help you safely get ready for a 1 1/2-minute thrill ride. Even in the summer, the weather in southeastern Alaska is unpredictable. Remember to wear warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and closed-toe shoes. And pack sunscreen because even on a chilly day, the sun shines brightly on any Alaskan mountain adventures!

This spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience will surely blow you away. In fact, riding the zip line is about as close to the feeling of flying as one can get.

Alaska Mountain Adventures, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Once you're set, you'll take off at a top speed of 65 miles (about 105 kilometers) per hour — the ultimate adrenaline rush. As you soar above the pine trees, be sure to take in the breathtaking scenery. Look down for a panoramic view of Port Frederick and the surrounding islands, and keep an eye out for whales breaching in the bay. If you ride the zip line on a clear summer day, you can see the peaks of the amazing Glacier Bay National Park in the distance.

Alaska, Icy Strait Point Beach — Icy Strait Point Beach

At the bottom, the zip line drops you off at Icy Strait Point beach, home of the longest zipline in Alaska and the World where you can share thrilling stories with your crew. No doubt, you'll want to get right back on for another ride!

Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

One of the Many Historic Cannery Buildings, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Explore The Port Of Call

Icy Strait Point has more to enjoy than just its world-famous zip line. You can book a whale and marine mammals tour in a covered and comfortable whale-watching vessel where you'll sail to the renowned Point Adolphus area, home to Alaska's largest summer population of humpback whales. You may see other marine life on the way too, like orcas, Steller sea lions, seals, and porpoises, but the whales are pretty much guaranteed. In fact, humpback whales have been sighted on every tour since they first departed in 2004.

Alaska, Whale Jumping Over the Water — Whale Jumping Over the Water with Mountain in the Background

You can also take a guided nature hike through the nearby towering rainforest and the mist-shrouded mountains. The remote and picturesque Chichagof Island, located in the Alexander Archipelago, has the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on earth. So, why not join a trip to spot bears along the salmon-filled Spasski River Valley? You may even spot eagles soaring overhead and Sitka black-tailed deer grazing alongside the road.

Alaska, Grizzle Bear Fishing — Grizzle Bear Fishing by the River

Immerse Yourself In Native Alaskan Culture

Icy Strait Point is owned by its native population and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation. It was built with the goal to preserve the character of the local village and culture while helping the local economy.

Kids Playing Around a Totem Hiking Trail

The zip line is only 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometers) from the historic native Tlingit settlement of Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village and the original inhabitants of Glacier Bay. Head to nearby Hoonah to experience Alaskan native Tlingit culture and contemporary life, and attend a tribal dance show. Stop in the local restaurants to sample local Alaskan dishes like a sourdough bread bowl filled with freshly caught salmon, and finish it off with a slice of wild Alaskan berry pie.

You could spend the whole day in the village learning its history, popping in and out of the small shops, and visiting a restored Alaskan salmon cannery from 1912, which is now a museum.

Tour the Salmon Cannery, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Plan Your Alaskan Adventure In The Mountains

The famous ZipRider® is worth the trip alone, but there is so much to see in the quaint port of Icy Strait Point. On your next adventure trip to the mountains of Alaska enjoy the exhilarating experience of riding the world's longest zip line, discover the local wilderness, as well as take the time to learn more about Native culture.

Pine Trees by the Ocean, Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Written By
Thessa Lageman

Thessa Lageman is a freelance journalist and content marketing writer from the Netherlands. She started her career writing travel guidebooks about European destinations and also worked as a correspondent from Tunisia. Right now, she lives in the Dutch seaside town of Scheveningen, a popular tourist destination, and writes stories for companies and organizations, including inflight magazines and the hotel industry.

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