Leaving from Settlers Cove Campground parking lot (not the larger one by the campground host), follow the trail along the coast to cross the Lunch Creek bridge, where the Lunch Falls Trail begins on the other side. Leaving from the end of Tongass Highway, enter the Lunch Creek Trail and very soon take the trail to the left as this steps you quickly down to a waterfall viewing platform and then the rest of the way down to where, to the right, you can also cross the Lunch Creek bridge, which provides waterfall views as well as the ocean where the creek flows into.

At the Lunch Falls trailhead, there is a kiosk where you are welcome to sign your name and date your hike and leave any comments about your time on the trail. You may either take the trail to the right or left to begin this loop. Right steps you steeply up along the side of the river, climbing toward the roaring height of the waterfall. Once your elevation is gained, the trail begins curving left away from the river, alternating between occasional boardwalk, steps, and gravel/dirt trail. The trail ambles through quite large western redcedar, western hemlock, and Sitka Spruce as the path makes its way back down to the coast.

Finishing the loop, the trail hems the shore, providing opportunities to step out of the canopy of trees and onto the rocky shoreline, where if the tide is out, you can also walk back towards Lunch Creek and discover a sandy beach too, though finding where to access the trail again from the shoreline can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the area. This trail is a wonderful add-on to the Lunch Creek Trail or if you are just spending some time on the beach for the day.

Getting There

Coordinates
Latitude: 55.510183
Longitude: -131.724637

From downtown Ketchikan, 18 miles north on Tongass Hwy until it dead-ends. There are two places to access the trail: 1) Just before the end of the road, turn left into Settlers Cove Campground and follow the road down to the campground loop, bear right, and park in a small parking lot on the right across from the pit toilets. 2) Park at the end of Tongass Hwy where the Lunch Creek Trail begins and where you can also access the Lunch Falls Trail.

Driving Directions