The Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States at 16.9 million acres, sprawls across an archipelago of islands and a strip of coast from below Ketchikan to north of Yakutat, covering more than 73 percent of the land along the Inside Passage. The Tongass contains 19 wilderness areas as well as Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fiords National Monument. Excluded from the forest are Glacier Bay National Park and the general area around Haines and Skagway.
A vast coastal rain forest, it breeds immense hemlock, spruce and red and yellow cedar. Beneath the towering conifers are young evergreens and shrubs such as devil's club, blueberry and huckleberry. Moss and ferns cover the ground, and lichens drape many trees. Muskeg bogs, glacial outwash plains and marshlands in river valleys and deltas break the dense forest. Wildflowers splash color against a variegated green background.
Activities and Attractions
The Tongass National Forest offers outstanding recreation opportunities. You can camp in a campground or reserve one of 150 public use cabins scattered throughout. Hike dense forest, alpine meadow or a wooden trail through peat bogs called muskegs. Explore world-class caves or enjoy salt-water fjords and unending waterways by canoe or kayak. Get the same experience in comfort aboard a sail boat, charter boat, ferry or cruise ship. You can watch bears, eagles, whales and countless other creatures in their natural setting. Visit glaciers by land or by sea and fish both fresh or salt water species.
Wildlife is abundant throughout Tongass. Sitka blacktail deer and its two main predators, wolf and brown bear, are found here. Black bear are common as well as mountain goats and some moose. Marine mammals found along the shores include Dall and harbor porpoises, hair seal and humpback, minke, sei and Pacific killer whales and a growing population of sea otters. Gray whales and northern fur seals pass by during migrations. The waters teem with fish including halibut and all five species of salmon. Blue grouse, great horned owls, woodpeckers, Steller's jays and thrushes are some of the common birds. More bald eagles live in this region than in any other place in the world. Large numbers of waterfowl and shore birds make the forest home and thousands more migrate through each year.
The forest encompasses glaciers and ice fields. The Mendenhall Glacier is 13 miles from downtown Juneau along a paved road. A boat ride from Petersburg or Wrangell brings you near the face of LeConte of Shakes Glaciers. LeConte Glacier is the southernmost tidewater glacier on the continent. Shakes Glacier, about 30 miles northeast of Wrangell, flows into Shakes Lake and Slough. Flightseeing the Stikine Ice Field is popular from both Petersburg and Wrangell with air taxi operators available in both towns. Juneau is the base for tours to Juneau Icefield where you can land, hike and even enjoy a dog sled trek.
Many of the districts of the Tongass feature special programs for visitors and resident alike. In addition, Forest Service interpreters aboard the mainline ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway share their knowledge of the resources and programs of the Tongass from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Accessibility
The forest is accessible from all but a few Inside Passage communities. Most communities have a U.S. Forest Service office or visitor center with opportunities and information for that area.
Fees
Fees vary depending on what you are doing. For camping, cabin, and permit information, visit the Tongass National Forest website or check with one of the visitor facilities.
Weather and Climate
The Tongass National Forest is located in the coastal rainforest of Southeast Alaska. Summer temperatures usually range from the mid 40s to mid 60s°F with extremes dipping into the 30s and "soaring" into the 80s. Annual rainfall in downtown Juneau averages over 90 inches and in Ketchikan over 120! Needless to say, good rain gear and warm clothing are essential. Layers of wool clothing and rubber boots are standard dress in all the areas of Southeast Alaska.
Facilities
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center - 907-789-6640 - 8465 Old Dairy Road, Juneau (open year round)
Petersburg Visitor Information Center - 907-772-4636 - First and Fram, Petersburg (open year round)
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center - 907-228-6220 - 50 Main Street, Ketchikan (open year round)
Most communities in Southeast Alaska have visitor information centers.
History
Tongass National Forest was created in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect the timber resources, wildlife and fisheries of Southeast Alaska.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/