Tongass National Forest: The Essential Guide

There are more than 700 miles to explore. hiking trails, 17,000 miles of creeks and rivers, and 128 glaciers, Tongass National Forest This is a paradise for those who wish to experience the “wild” Alaska. The area covers approximately 17 million acres, including Alaska’s prized wildlife. Inside Passage—it’s the largest national forest in the U.S.

Peter Nave, the owner and guide of Southeast Alaska’s tour company, says that “the Tongass National Forest is over 90% of Southeast Alaska.” Wild Coast Excursions. It is a region with mountains and fjords. towns “The gorge is a thin strip of land between steep, forested hills and deep, rich water.”

Tongass Rain Forest is the largest temperate rainforest in the United States and the largest in all of the world. This is a biodiversity hotspot that’s perfect for wildlife. There are many species of animals that can be seen in the wild, including brown bears and wolves. 

Tongass National Forest, located in Southeast Alaska, includes the Alexander Archipelago. It is made up of over 1,100 islands. On the waterways you can see five types of Pacific salmons, killer whales (humpbacks), seals, sea otters and sea lions. In addition, the region is the native home of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indigenous peoples, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.

Juneau’s capital is a popular starting point for cruises, and most people arrive via Ketchikan or Sitka in Alaska. If you’re on a cruise, and have the time, you can go hiking, dog-sledding or zip lining to explore the forest.

You can find out everything you need before visiting Tongass National Forest.

Know Before You Go

You’ll want to be prepared for chilly weather by dressing in layers, and a raincoat never hurts—Tongass is a rain forest after all. Bring water and a fully-charged cellphone. As cell reception in this area can be patchy, let someone know where you are going.

There is no entrance fee or official entrance like at a national parks. Southeast Alaskan Discovery Center Ketchikan, Alaska or the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Juneau is a great place to start. Children are admitted free. Admission costs $5 for adults. By walking through the exhibits, watching movies, or taking part in activities, you can learn more about the history, culture, geography, and flora of Tongass National Forest. Park rangers can answer questions, make suggestions, and provide maps.

There are very few roads around. Seaplanes and boats are the most common ways to travel between towns. In some places, drones are permitted. Please follow the guidelines. Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

Steve Blackledge, Environment AmericaSenior director of conservation campaigns at’s recommends binoculars. “If you’re from the lower 48 and aren’t used to being around bald eagles, these birds—America’s symbol—will take your breath away,” says Blackledge. 

When is the best time to visit?

Many people would agree on the fact that the best time to visit Alaska is during summer, when the weather is warmest—usually in the 40s to 70s Fahrenheit. Winter is the darkest season, with less than 7 hours of daylight. From August to April you can catch the Northern Lights, but it’s better if you go further north. Fairbanks is a good place. Avoid visiting during the high season of cruise ships, June to August. This will help you avoid crowds and expensive prices. Up to 16,000 cruise passengers can descend on these small cities during weekends. Visit the town in November for the Sitka WhaleFest You can learn about the local marine life in Sitka Sound and watch whales. September is one of the wettest months in the year.

How to get there

The majority of travelers arrive at airports via cruise shipSitka is a small town in Alaska. KetchikanCruise ships visit Alaska from May through September. Alaska is usually visited by cruise ships from May to September.

You can fly into Ketchikan International Airport KTN or Juneau International Airport JNU, but it’s not as common. Most of the points of interest in the park can only be reached by boat or seaplane.

The Best Things to do

Bears in the wild.

The best thing you can do is to watch bears in their own environment. U.S. Forest Service has four observation areas that they manage to keep bears and travelers safe. The majority of sites are fenced off. require permits and fees.

Watch the whales breaching.

You must get on the water. Marine life is plentiful in the channels, bays and fjords of the forest. The sight of majestic animals such as humpback whales, killer whales, sea otters, and sea-lions in their habitats can be thrilling. Many companies offer boat tours. 

Glaciers can be seen up close.

Alaska is known as a breathtaking place. glaciers Tongass National Forest offers several opportunities to view ice fields and other natural phenomena. You can see them by boat, kayak or helicopter. You can also walk around them, or even ride on a sled with dogs.

Explore a wild area.

There are 19 designated wilderness areas The Last Frontier is a wild and beautiful place. In “The Last Frontier,” you can camp, fish, hike, kayak or simply enjoy the scenic and wild landscape. Two of the areas are: Misty Fjords The following are some examples of how to get started: Admiralty IslandThe monuments listed below are all national monuments.

Best Hikes 

Mount Roberts Alpine Loop Trail

This hike begins with a scenic trip on the Goldbelt TramThis will take you up to the trailhead of 1,800 ft. The half-mile trail The tram offers expansive views of Juneau, the surrounding waterways, and the beautiful forests. Get a map of the trail at the Goldbelt gift shop.

East Glacier Loop

This roughly three-mile loop can be accessed trailStart at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center In Juneau, you can watch a video on the glacier. The moderate trail rewards you with spectacular views of the 13-mile long Mendenhall Glacier, which flows from the Juneau Icefield. 

Perseverance Trail

The three to five mile out-and back is located at the end of Basin Road, Juneau. Perseverance Trail. The trail runs along an abandoned railroad and past mine shafts. The trail is open to mountain bikers and dogs. 

Indian River Trail

Follow the Indian River for four miles to reach a spectacular waterfall. Indian River Trail, also known as the Kaasda Héen Trail. The trail winds through a lush forest just outside Sitka. The trailhead can be accessed via the public transportation system. Ride bus From downtown.

Where to Stay in the Best Hotels

Raven’s Roost Cabin

The best places to stay in A backcountry lodge Alaska is a popular destination on people’s bucket lists. Raven’s Roost CabinThe U.S. Forest Service owns and operates this tranquil retreat, which can only be accessed by helicopter, or by walking four miles along the Raven Trail, starting from Petersburg.

Mendenhall Campground

Mendenhall Glacier is visible from your tent, RV or other vehicle. this fully equipped campground Near downtown Juneau. There are flush toilets and showers as well as grills. Spend your days on the trail and your evenings around the campfire. 

Salmon Falls Fishing Resort

Book a stay in the area if you want to catch a “big fish.” Salmon Falls Fishing Resort. This all-inclusive Ketchikan hotel, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” offers rustic rustic lodgings, a waterfront seafood restaurant, and guided fisheries excursions.

Four Points Sheraton in Juneau

The Hotel is a modern hotel that offers a more contemporary stay. Four Points by Sheraton Juneau. The Sheraton offers all the modern comforts and amenities that you expect. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, close to restaurants and shops.

Restaurants 

Tracy’s Crab Shack 

Sink your teeth into a true Alaskan delicacy, Alaskan king crab, at Tracy’s Crab Shack. You can get crab legs and crab claws at two Juneau locations. Also, you can get crab cakes or crab bisque. You can choose from red king, golden king, Dungeness, or snow crab.

Bush Pilot’s Lounge

This Ketchikan waterfront restaurant serves locally sourced seafood and offers a view of float planes taking off and landing. At Bush Pilot’s LoungeWhile enjoying a three course, homemade meal, you can discover the history of Alaskan bush flying. The 3D-printed Alaska Inside Passage map is a must. 

Campfire Kitchen

Sitka is located in Sitka Harbor Mountain Brewing CoYou can enjoy a craft beer and a hot, artisan pizza at Campfire Kitchen. These wood-fired hand-tossed pies, which are topped with eight toppings, come in six variations, including “Break Up at Burning Man”. There are also reindeer-hot dogs.