Yamaha Rhino Tour in the Tongass National Forest

Bill Jones | September 4, 2009 | 1 Comment

Bill and Kris in their Yamaha Rhino

By Bill Jones

This summer I did something very different for me. My wife and I went on a cruise to Alaska. That in itself is not that earth shattering, but while I was in Alaska we had a unique off road adventure. As some of you may know, I am an avid sand dune fanatic. A little bit of desert riding here and there, but I love sand dunes.

While we were in the small town of Sitka Alaska we made arrangements to rent a Yamaha Rhino and explore the Tongass National Forest. The trip began with a spirited 30-minute ride through the scenic islands and channels of Sitka Sound in a small 24′ aluminum hull skiff to Kruzof Island. Kruzof Island is the 41st largest island in the United States. The island was formed in part by Mount Edgecumbe, a small dormant strato volcano and several cones and collapsed cones that make up its volcanic field.

Rhinos Crossing Bridge in the Iris Meadows Estuary

The island does not have any permanent population except bears. Our trip began by landing on the shore of the island and climbing up a black shale path to the staging areas for the Rhinos. The brief safety orientation included the operation of the 4X4 Rhino and also how to use the can of bear repellant. Yup, bear spray! The island averages one bear per square mile and the island is 167 square miles. That is one thing you don’t have to worry about at Glamis! One interesting fact I learned is that bears frequently swim from one island to another to stake out new territory.

We began our journey on an old logging road to the opposite side of the island. Winding our way through the forest was amazing. I have only off-roaded in the western desert so this was an eye opener for me. Huge old growth trees with trunks 15 feet in diameter lined the narrow trail as we snaked our way through the brilliant green forest as the sun filtered through the forest canopy. Stopping at Iris Meadows Estuary to check out the bear tracks I was awe struck at the beauty and tranquility of the forest. Luckily this was as close to any bears as we got. I suspect the noise of the Yamaha Rhinos kept them away. I would hate to be flying around a sharp corner and t-bone one of those big furry things. That might irritate them a little.

Black Sand Beach

After about an hour of riding we arrived at a beautiful black sand beach where we stopped and had a small snack. Smaller islands off the beach glistened in the ocean breeze. This was our half way point. When it was time to return to the other side of the island our guide mentioned we needed to go faster on the way back. I had a small smile on my face as I thought to myself be careful what you ask for. I enjoyed sightseeing through the forest, but I loved charging down the trail with the tree branches flying past on each side with my right foot planted on the go pedal. The Rhinos did not go that fast, but the faster pace awakened my inner duner. Resisting the urge to bump and run the other Rhinos I arrived at the staging area invigorated and my passenger (wife) arrived a little less from wear, giving me dirty looks.

Thank you Alaska ATV Tours for giving me a wonderful day to remember. I enjoyed riding in the primitive forest more than I thought I would. As different from Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes) as you could get. There is nothing else like it. I felt I had truly experienced Alaska and not merely visited Alaska. I also found out even on vacation, you can’t leave your inner duner behind.