Tongass National Forest

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Safety

The Tongass National Forest is a place of great beauty and natural wonder. It's a place where you can truly "get away from it all." Your solitude can refresh you; it also means that you are responsible for your own well-being. Help can be very far away. It pays to be aware of possible hazards so you can enjoy your time in the forest in safety.

Slips, trips, and falls are the most common accidents in the woods. If you're off a maintained trail, you may have to contend with wet, uneven, often steep ground, hidden roots and holes, and logs and branches in your path. Even boardwalk trails are slippery in our abundant rain. Walk with care.

Always check the weather before you start out. That abundant rain poses other hazards, too. Hypothermia can occur even in summer when you're wet. Being wet and cold can make you less observant of other dangers around you.

You don't have to worry about industrial pollution in the water, but don't forget the animals living along that stream or lake. Don't drink untreated water, no matter how clean and clear it looks.

Speaking of animals, any wildlife you encounter is probably more afraid of you that you are of it. To give both of you a measure of comfort, make noise as you move through the woods.

Care and common sense and awareness of good safety measures will let you get the most out of your time in the Tongass.

For more specific information, check out the topics at the right and talk with the people at the local Forest Service office.