Tongass National Forest

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Boating

Be aware and prepared

Weather can change rapidly. Tides fluctuate widely. Bears abound. You can be far from supplies or help. All these make boating rewarding and potentially dangerous.

Boating "Rules of the Road" are important anywhere. Conditions in some high-traffic areas, such as the Stikine and Situk Rivers, have prompted frequent users to develop etiquette guidelines for the safety and boating pleasure of all.

Kayaking and Canoeing

The inland waterways offer protection from the sea swell and unsurpassed beauty of the surrounding land forms. Tides, currents, and weather can offer challenges to meet anyone's desire and skill level. A number of opportunities have been mapped for those who want to see the Tongass from sea level.

Most types of kayaks will work well in this area. However, if you intend to fly into a remote location, you will need a folding craft.

Weather

Rain
The Tongass is wet. It rains year round, some months more than others. Annual precipitation ranges from 30 to 150 inches. About half falls from September through December. June through August are usually the dryest months. Rain gear is always a wise pack-along.

Wind
Storms usually blow out of the southeast. Winds of 30 knots are common with storm winds frequently up to and exceeding 50 knots. Fair weather usually pairs with northerly winds which can still blow at 20 knots. Often during fair weather days, north winds pick up in the afternoons and open bodies of water, such as Frederick Sound, can get three- foot choppy seas. There are periods when clear, bright days may persist for several weeks in both winter and summer.

Temperatures
Average monthly temperatures range from lows in the teens in January to highs in the 60s Fahrenheit in July. Many winters bring brief periods in the single digits at sea level. Many summers see temperatures hover briefly near 80.

Tides

Keep your tide book handy and use it when planning your trip. The tides in Southeast Alaska range from -4 to +20 feet. This can make some areas inaccessible at low tide and also create whirlpools and rapids where narrow passages exist between two larger bodies of water. Tide books are available through most local businesses.

Bears and other animals

Black bears live on the southern islands; brown bears on the mainland and Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof Islands in the north. Always practice bear safety.

Some people carry firearms when in bear country. Best are:

• twelve gauge shotguns loaded with either 00 buckshot or rifled slugs, or
• rifles larger than .30-06

Better than nothing:

• .357 or .44 magnum pistol

Also effective:

• bear spray repellent.

Whales and sea lions have occasionally presented a hazard to kayakers. The best policy is simply to admire them from a distance. If you find yourself unexpectedly among them, be careful not to excite or agitate them.

Supplies

Think "remote and self-reliant" as you prepare for you trip. Pay careful attention to your supplies

Carry a radio. A hand-held VHF model is preferable. Use it to contact the marine operator, the Coast Guard or commercial fishing vessels. They monitor channel 16. The weather channel carries a marine weather forecast. Cell phone coverage is very spotty here.

Plan for rain. Bring along good rain gear. Pack in plastic or waterproof bags. Bring plenty of warm clothing to protect against hypothermic conditions. Wool or synthetics such as pile are best as they continue to keep you warm even wet. Synthetically filled sleeping bags are also a wise choice. Down bags become virtually useless when wet.

Treat any water you drink. The purity of many water sources is dubious. Effective methods include bringing water to a rolling boil for at least 3 full minutes, using commercially available iodine treatments such as "Potable Aqua" or investing in a hand held filter.

Maps

USGS Quadrangle maps at a 1:250,000 scale are a good resource. Many of the U.S.G.S. maps can be purchased at sporting goods and outdoor equipment stores; check at your local stores. Marine charts may also be helpful; they show navigational aids, water depths, and rocks and other hazards in the water. Marine charts are available at many hardware stores. Since your maps will undoubtedly be exposed to the elements, it would be prudent to waterproof them in some way, such as with clear contact paper.

Cabins

Dry out and warm up in a Forest Service recreation cabin along your route. These are small, rustic cabins that must be reserved in advance at a cost ranging from $25 to $45 per night. There are also countless coves and inlets you can spend a night in, although you may have to search a little to find some dry ground.

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
Last Modified: November 21, 2007