Welcome to Tongass National Forest – the world’s largest temperate rainforest, spread across a jaw-dropping 17 million acres in Southeast Alaska. It’s a wild dream of glaciers, fjords, forests, and wildlife with over 700 miles of scenic trails to explore!
Most of the forest covers Southeast Alaska, including the Inside Passage and more than 1,100 islands. You’ll likely arrive by cruise ship, then jump into adventures like hiking, fishing, ziplining, or even dog sledding.
Pro Tips:
Layer up — Alaska weather loves to change.
Start your journey at visitor centers in Ketchikan or Juneau ($5 entry for adults).
Binoculars are a must to spot bald eagles!
No rental car needed—boats and seaplanes are your rides here.
Cell service can be spotty, so plan ahead.
Drones are allowed in select areas.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (40s–70s°F) is ideal, but crowded (June–August = cruise season).
Visit in spring or autumn to skip the crowds.
September = rain, so pack smart!
Northern Lights? Visit between August and April.
Bonus Tip: Don’t miss Sitka WhaleFest in November
Top Things to Do:
Watch bears at 4 managed sites.
Go whale watching via boat.
Explore glaciers by boat, kayak, or plane.
Discover 19 wilderness areas like Misty Fjords and Admiralty Island.
Where to Eat:
Tracy’s Crab Shack (Juneau) – famous for Alaskan king crab!
Bush Pilot’s Lounge (Ketchikan) – seafood + float plane views + aviation vibes
Campfire Kitchen (Sitka) – try their wood-fired pizzas and reindeer hot dogs, served with craft beer
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