Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest, located in Southeast Alaska, is the biggest national forest in the United States, with around 16.7 million acres. It has a wide variety of ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, Rocky Mountains, glaciers, and pure waterways, and is widely recognized for these reasons. Many animals live in the forest, from bald eagles and brown bears to wolves and salmon.
Indigenous groups have profound relationships with the soil in the Tongass National Forest, adding to the forest’s cultural and historical significance. It’s a great place for kayaking, fishing, hiking, or animal watching. Timber, tourism, and subsistence activities all play important roles in the local economy that the forest helps to sustain in Alaska Native villages. This biologically significant forest is the focus of ongoing efforts to balance conservation and sustainable resource management.
Things To Do At Tongass National Forest
You can camp in the Tongass National Forest and spend the night surrounded by beautiful nature scenery. Tongass National Forest is also a great place to go hiking. There are many trails to explore and enjoy the forest’s beauty.
Hiking At Tongass National Forest
A brief excursion through the Tongass rain forest’s dripping, mossy, cathedral-like spaces will transport you to another dimension. You’ll feel like you stepped into an old-school adventure movie if your route includes sights like a glacier overlook, a roaring waterfall, a seaside perspective, or a heart-thumping scramble up the side of a mountain. Numerous cities and harbors provide easy access to the forest’s 700 miles of paths. Some of the best routes in the area are Juneau’s West Glacier and Nugget Falls, Ketchikan’s Deer Mountain and Rainbird, and Sitka’s Indian River Trail.
Camping At Tongass National Forest
The Tongass is famed for its wide network of public-use cabins, often picturesque wood constructions in beautiful forest settings remote from people. The ceiling and walls protect guests from rain, mosquitoes, and bears. Over 100 cottages cost $45–$75 per night. Most require boat or floatplane access. Therefore, bookings are advised. Trails or roads from towns reach some. Self-sufficiency requires you to bring gear and supplies. Camping is popular, often with beachcombing and fishing nearby.
Address: Juneau, AK 99801, United States
Opens-Closes: 9 am-5 pm
Phone: +1 907-225-3101
Area: 67,583 km²
Visitors: 1,881,000 (in 2006–2007)
Established: September 10, 1907
