Tongass National Forest

Alaska Region

Welcome

The Tongass National Forest, the nation's largest national forest, covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage. It offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breath-taking vistas of "wild" Alaska. You can take a sled-dog ride on a glacier, hike boardwalk trails, fish in streams or ocean, or just relax at a remote cabin. MORE ABOUT THE TONGASS

Features

The Tongass in the News

Forest Services responses to recent articles about the Tongass in national media. MORE

New Tongass Forest Plan
(updated July 14, 2008)

The Tongass Forest Plan Amendment Record of Decision was signed by Alaska Regional Forester Dennis E. Bschor on January 25, 2008.

MORE ABOUT THE FOREST PLAN ADJUSTMENT

Recreation Cabins

The Tongass has over 150 rustic cabins scattered at remote lakes and seaside locations from Humpback Lake south of Ketchikan to Situk Lake north of Yakutat. Containing warming stoves and plywood bunks, tables and benches, they can be reserved for $25 to $45 per night. MORE ABOUT CABINS

MORE RECREATION INFORMATION

Bear Viewing

While bears live throughout the Tongass and often gather around fish streams, the Forest Service maintains bear viewing facilities at Fish Creek (Hyder), Margaret Creek (Ketchikan), Anan Creek (Wrangell), and Pack Creek (Juneau). You need a permit to go to Anan or Pack Creek. MORE ABOUT WILDLIFE VIEWING

MORE RESOURCE INFORMATION

Visitor Centers

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan has exhibits featuring the resources of Southeast Alaska. From Juneau's Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (shown) you can watch an active glacier and nearby mountain goats. MORE ABOUT THE VISITOR CENTERS

GIS Metadata (click on SE AK GIS LIBRARY)