Tongass National Forest

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Coast Mountains and Canadian border on the east, the lush greenery of the Tongass National Forest spans 500 miles of Southeast Alaska.


Welcome to the Tongass National Forest. The Tongass is the nation’s largest national forest and covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage and offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breath-taking vistas of “wild” Alaska. Hike or take a sled-dog ride on a glacier, stroll along boardwalk trails, fish in streams or the ocean, or relax at a remote cabin. If spying some truly wild wildlife is on your bucket list, visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Steep Creek Bear Viewing area in Juneau, Anan Wildlife Observatory in Wrangell, Fish Creek Bear Viewing Area in Hyder, or Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island, or immerse yourself in native culture at the stunning Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, located just steps away from the cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Chuck River Wilderness - There are no longer established hiking trails along the Chuck River, or public recreation cabins, but this wilderness can offer a sense of solitude and remoteness once away from the shorelines of Windham Bay.

Coronation Island Wilderness - Lush ferns, shrubs, moss, wild flowers and lichens carpet the forest floor.

Endicott River Wilderness - There are no trails within this Wilderness, offering individuals a true wilderness solitude if they are prepared to bushwhach along the river.

Karta River Wilderness - This Wilderness is best known for its salmon runs and scenic river systems.

Kuiu Wilderness - Coho, pink, sockeye and chum salmon along with Dungeness and tanner crabs, halibut and shrimp thrive around these wilderness waters.

Maurelle Islands Wilderness - This Wilderness is best known for its abundance of marine mammals that populate their surrounding waters.

Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness - Bring your fishing poles to this Wilderness as migrating fish are in abundance!

Pleasant/Lemusurier/Inian Islands Wilderness - Recreational opportunities are increasing on this Wilderness and include sea kayaking and hunting. Come prepared for wet weather and grounds.

Russell Fjord Wilderness - Wildlife and birds abound within this Wilderness that is rugged and seldom visited.

South Baranof Wilderness - Accessible only by boat or floatplane, this Wilderness features fjords, cascading waterfalls, active glaciers, and glaciated u-shaped valleys.

South Etolin Wilderness - Many hunters visit this Wilderness to attempt to hunt the introduced Sitka black-tailed deer though few are successful every fall.

South Prince of Wales Wilderness - With no trails or facilities for visitors, this Wilderness offers ample opportunities for solitude.

Stikine-LeConte Wilderness - From hikers to paddlers, birders to ice climbers, this Wilderness has an adventure for just about any outdoor enthusiast.

Tebenkof Bay Wilderness - Marine mammals and four types of salmon find their home in this bay.

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness - Most visitors to this scenic Wilderness arrive by boat or floatplane.

Warren Island Wilderness - Best known for its seabirds, this rough and remote Wilderness provides an amazing opportunity to experience unspoiled nature and solitude.

West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness - Although difficult to access, there are four public recreation cabins, six established hiking trails, and one geothermal hot spring in this wilderness.

Invasive Species

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