Overview
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, covering an area of approximately 16.7 million acres in southeastern Alaska. Located on the Pacific coast, the forest stretches from the Canadian border in the north to the city of Ketchikan in the south. What makes the Tongass National Forest special is its unique blend of rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and majestic mountain peaks. The forest was designated as a national forest in 1907, and in 1990, the Tongass Timber Reform Act was passed, which protected over 1 million acres of old-growth forest from logging. Today, the Tongass National Forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
The Tongass National Forest is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including giant spruce and hemlock trees, brown bears, black bears, moose, caribou, and bald eagles. The forest’s unique ecosystem is supported by the mild and wet climate, with some areas receiving over 200 inches of rainfall per year. The Tongass National Forest is a truly unique and special place, and its designation as a national forest has helped to protect it for future generations.
Getting There
The Tongass National Forest is located in southeastern Alaska, and the nearest major airport is the Juneau International Airport (JNU). From Juneau, visitors can take a ferry or a floatplane to access the forest. The GPS coordinates for the forest are 57.7833° N, 134.5333° W. The forest can also be accessed by car via the Glacier Highway, which runs from Juneau to the town of Haines. The driving distance from Juneau to Haines is approximately 500 miles, and the trip takes around 8-10 hours.
There are several access roads that lead into the forest, including the Mendenhall Loop Road, the Auke Bay Road, and the Glacier Highway. Visitors can also take a shuttle or tour bus from Juneau or Haines to access the forest. The nearest towns to the forest are Juneau, Haines, and Ketchikan, which offer a range of amenities, including lodging, restaurants, and outdoor gear stores.
- Nearest airport: Juneau International Airport (JNU)
- GPS coordinates: 57.7833° N, 134.5333° W
- Access roads: Mendenhall Loop Road, Auke Bay Road, Glacier Highway
- Nearest towns: Juneau, Haines, Ketchikan
Top Trails & Hikes
The Tongass National Forest offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular trails include the West Glacier Trail, the Mendenhall Glacier Trail, and the Tongass Island Trail. The West Glacier Trail is a 3.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the foot of the Mendenhall Glacier, while the Mendenhall Glacier Trail is a 3.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the glacier’s visitor center. The Tongass Island Trail is a 30-mile hike that takes visitors through a rugged and remote area of the forest.
Trail Difficulty Levels
The trails in the Tongass National Forest range from easy to difficult, and visitors should be prepared for challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. The forest’s trail system is well-marked, but visitors should still bring a map and compass, and know how to use them. The best time to hike in the forest is from May to September, when the weather is mild and dry.
- West Glacier Trail: 3.5 miles, moderate difficulty
- Mendenhall Glacier Trail: 3.5 miles, easy difficulty
- Tongass Island Trail: 30 miles, difficult difficulty
Camping Options
The Tongass National Forest offers a range of camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry camping. The forest has several developed campgrounds, including the Mendenhall Campground, the Auke Bay Campground, and the Echo Cove Campground. These campgrounds offer amenities such as flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Backcountry camping is also allowed in the forest, but visitors must follow the forest’s regulations and guidelines.
The forest also offers several cabin rentals, including the Mendenhall Lake Cabin and the Auke Bay Cabin. These cabins offer amenities such as bunks, tables, and wood stoves, and are available for rent through the forest’s website. Visitors can also bring their own RVs or trailers to the forest’s campgrounds, but must follow the forest’s regulations and guidelines.
- Mendenhall Campground: 12 sites, flush toilets, potable water
- Auke Bay Campground: 10 sites, vault toilets, potable water
- Backcountry camping: allowed, but must follow regulations and guidelines
Wildlife
The Tongass National Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown bears, black bears, moose, caribou, and bald eagles. The forest’s unique ecosystem supports a wide range of plant and animal species, and visitors may see wildlife such as deer, wolves, and mountain goats. The best time to see wildlife in the forest is from May to September, when the weather is mild and dry.
Some of the best places to see wildlife in the forest include the Mendenhall Lake, the Auke Bay, and the Tongass Island. Visitors can also take a guided tour or rent a boat to access the forest’s more remote areas. The forest’s wildlife is an important part of its ecosystem, and visitors should respect and protect it.
- Brown bears: common, but can be aggressive if threatened
- Black bears: common, but generally not aggressive
- Moose: common, but can be aggressive if threatened
- Caribou: rare, but can be seen in the forest’s more remote areas
Fishing & Water Activities
The Tongass National Forest offers a range of fishing and water activities, including salmon fishing, halibut fishing, and kayaking. The forest’s rivers and lakes are home to a wide range of fish species, including salmon, halibut, and trout. Visitors can fish from the shore or from a boat, and must follow the forest’s fishing regulations and guidelines.
The forest also offers several lakes and rivers that are perfect for kayaking or canoeing. The Mendenhall Lake and the Auke Bay are two of the most popular lakes for kayaking, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes from the forest’s concessionaires, or bring their own.
- Fishing: salmon, halibut, trout, and other species
- Kayaking: Mendenhall Lake, Auke Bay, and other lakes and rivers
- Boating: allowed, but must follow forest regulations and guidelines
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Tongass National Forest is from May to September, when the weather is mild and dry. The forest’s summer months offer warm temperatures, long days, and access to the forest’s more remote areas. The forest’s winter months are cold and snowy, and access to the forest’s more remote areas may be limited.
The forest’s peak visitation season is from June to August, when the weather is warmest and driest. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly, and be prepared for crowds and long lines at the forest’s popular attractions. The forest’s shoulder season, from May to June and September to October, offers fewer crowds and lower prices, and is a great time to visit for those who want to avoid the crowds.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Spring (May-June): mild temperatures, wildflowers blooming, baby animals being born
Summer (July-August): warm temperatures, long days, access to remote areas
Fall (September-October): cool temperatures, fall colors, hunting season
Winter (November-April): cold temperatures, snowy conditions, limited access to remote areas
Permits & Fees
The Tongass National Forest requires a free permit for backcountry camping and cabin rentals. Visitors can obtain a permit from the forest’s website or from the forest’s visitor center. The forest also charges a fee for camping, fishing, and boating, and visitors must follow the forest’s regulations and guidelines.
The forest’s entry fee is $5 per vehicle, and visitors can pay with cash or credit card. The forest’s camping fee is $10 per night, and visitors can pay with cash or credit card. The forest’s fishing fee is $20 per day, and visitors must have a valid Alaska fishing license.
- Backcountry camping permit: free, required
- Cabin rental permit: free, required
- Camping fee: $10 per night
- Fishing fee: $20 per day
History & Culture
The Tongass National Forest has a rich and diverse cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. The forest was home to several indigenous tribes, including the Tlingit and Haida, who lived in the forest and relied on its natural resources for survival. The forest was also an important place for the early European explorers, who came to the forest in search of fur and other natural resources.
The forest’s modern history began in the late 19th century, when the United States government established the forest as a national forest. The forest was logged and mined, and the forest’s natural resources were exploited for economic gain. In the 1990s, the forest’s management plan was revised to prioritize conservation and sustainability, and today the forest is managed to protect its natural and cultural resources.
Indigenous History
The Tongass National Forest has a rich and diverse indigenous history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. The forest was home to several indigenous tribes, including the Tlingit and Haida, who lived in the forest and relied on its natural resources for survival. The forest’s indigenous people had a deep spiritual connection to the land, and believed that the forest was inhabited by spirits and ancestors.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to the Tongass National Forest requires careful consideration and preparation. Visitors should plan to spend at least 3-5 days in the forest, and should be prepared for challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. The forest’s visitor center is a great place to start planning a trip, and offers a range of information and resources, including maps, brochures, and ranger programs.
Visitors should also be prepared to bring the necessary gear and supplies, including hiking boots, rain gear, and bear spray. The forest’s concessionaires offer a range of guided tours and activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking, and visitors can rent gear and equipment from the forest’s outdoor gear stores.
Guided Tours
The Tongass National Forest offers a range of guided tours and activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can take a guided tour with one of the forest’s concessionaires, or rent gear and equipment from the forest’s outdoor gear stores. The forest’s guided tours offer a great way to experience the forest’s natural and cultural resources, and are led by knowledgeable and experienced guides.
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Preparation: challenging terrain, unpredictable weather
- Gear: hiking boots, rain gear, bear spray
- Guided tours: available, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking