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

FSRD3030 Road Cleanup

The Forest Service is working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other federal and state agencies to address the lower-than-normal pH levels in six streams on northern Prince of Wales Island (POW) near Sweetwater Lake along a 3-1/2 mile stretch of the Coffman Cove Road Project The affected portion is on a portion of the route identified as part of the Forest Service 3030 Road. Click here for more...

Tongass Recreation Facility Analysis is online!

The Tongass National Forest has analyzed developed recreation sites through a process called "Recreation Facility Analysis." The foundation of any effort for improvement is knowing how well we are doing -- establishing a baseline. Click here...

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Friday Night Insights Program

Programs begin at 7PM and are open to the public free of charge and hel in the theater at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, 50 Mian Street, Ketchikan, AK. Call 228-6220 for more information. Each week guest presenters cover an array of topics on the natural and cultural heritage of Southeast Alaska.

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 $50 per night. Shown here is the newest and the first young growth cabin on the Tongass, the Starrigavan Creek Cabin near Sitka, Alaska.

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)