Tongass National Forest

Almost 17 million acres of land area makes up theTongass National Forestmaking it the largest in the national forest system. The area is so large that it covers most of Southeast Alaska. There is an abundance of wildlife populations in the forest and on the islands that are included.

Visitors to this area will never run out of activities to do or scenery and wildlife to adore.
The forest is made up of the Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve, which was proclaimed by President Theodore Roosevelt on 20 August 1902, and the Tongass Forest, proclaimed on September 10, 1907. It was July 1908 when the two forests were combined making it the nation’s largest forest.

There are about 75,000 people who have made the forest their home and live of the produce from the land. The largest population is Juneau which is also the state capital. The forest was named after the Tongass group of the Tlingit people. There are 31 communities in the forest including several Alaska Native tribes that live throughout Southeast Alaska.

Close to a million people visit the forest every year to experience the activities that the area has to offer. Many of these activities can only be found in Alaska. Most of the creatures that seldom inhabit North America can be found in abundance in the forest. Most of these creatures are unique and are therefore protected. Different species of bald eagles, salmon and brown and black bears have made the forest their home.

Visitors who plan on really finding an adventure can select from over 150 rustic cabins scattered throughout the area. Cost of the cabins vary per night and come with warming stoves, benches, bunks and tables. The Tongass National Forest offers any visitor adventures to last a lifetime.

Tongass National Forest