At nearly 17-million acres, the Tongass is the largest intact temperate rainforest, and is as important as the Amazon Rainforest for filtering carbon emissions. Ketchikan, AK 99901-6559 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Learn more about weather in this area. connected to the .gov website. Bears - 3 of them. on official, secure websites. PO Box 19001 The Ketchikan Misy Fjords Ranger District encompasses about 3.25 million acres on the southeastern end of Tongass National Forest and includes the glacier-sculpted Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness. Situated on the outer coast of the Gulf of Alaska, the Sitka Ranger District encompasses Baranof Island and part of Chichagof Island. United States. . The Juneau Ranger District surrounds the largest city in Southeast Alaska and the capitol of the state. . 146 reviews #3 of 55 things to do in Ketchikan Forests Visit website Write a review About The nation's largest national forest. Did you know: The Tongass National Forest is the Earth's largest temperate rainforest, covering 17 million acres of Southeast Alaska. THINGS TO DO The most popular ways to visit Misty Fjords National Monument in the Tongass National Forest are by air and by sea. Suggested duration More than 3 hours Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. 19 Fram Street And a baby in a tree. Visitors enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as wildlife viewing and berry picking. THINGS TO DO The Tongass contains 19 wilderness areas, including the 545-sq-mile Russell Fjord Wilderness, as well as Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fjords National Monument. United States government. Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591, Phone:907-225-3101 United States. . Some of the best areas of the park to explore include: Admiralty Island National Monument, home to one of North America's densest populations of brown bears; the glacial lakes and waterfalls of Misty Fjords National Monument near Ketchikan; and the Russell Fjord Wilderness, home to . More bald eagles live in this region than in any other place in the world. Its setting on the Gulf of Alaska provides the area with sandy beaches, waves suitable for surfing, and world-class fishing on the Situk River. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. And of course, fish, in fresh or salt water environments, everything from herring to trout, salmon to halibut. #rainforest #tongassnationalforest #nationalforest #forest #woods #green #treehugger #pacificnorthwest #pnw #intothewild #bythesea #beach #beachvibes #sunset #thisview #alaska #lastfrontier #alaskalife #wildalaska #ilovealaska #sharingalaska #alaskaliving #southeastalaska #sitka #sitkaalaska #wanderlust #puravida #tica, OFFICIAL STATE OF ALASKA VACATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION, Copyright 2023 Alaska Travel Industry Association. Not to worry, she assured me, most of them do not go more than a few blocks from the ship. Stay . website belongs to an official government organization in the We went to a secluded lake out of Ketchikan and canoed over to an area to explore. Stumps less than 12 inches are preferred. Share sensitive information only Official websites use .gov A .gov 421 Ocean Cape Road At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest holds the distinction as the largest national forest in the system, dwarfing the second largest, the Chugach, by more than 11.5 million acres. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. The road system provides access to numerous miles of hiking trails, while access to the outer coast provides great opportunities for whale watching and fishing. The heart of the area is the Stikine River, the fastest navigable river in North America and an important stop for birds on the Pacific Flyway. connected to the .gov website. Juneau, AK 99801 The proposed changes include new and increased fees at recreation sites. The vastness of the Tongass provides many opportunities for several types of hunting and trapping, ranging from big game hunting for coastal brown bear to trapping mink and martin. 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road website belongs to an official government organization in the Share sensitive information only Please refer to theADF&G websiteand theFederal Subsistence Management websitefor hunting regulations. Recreate on the Tongass National Forest where you'll find cabins, trails, fish, wildlife, glaciers and beaches. At almost 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the United States. More than 80 percent ofSoutheastAlaska is in Tongass, spanning 11,000 miles of coastline, and home to approximately 70,000 people living in 32 communities, including Alaskas state capital,Juneau. Federal Building United States. A boat ride fromPetersburgorWrangellbrings you near the face of LeConte Glacier, the southernmost tidewater glacier on the continent. In 1908 the forest was renamed and expanded, and today the 16.9 million-acre Tongass National Forest stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the vast inland ice fields that border British Columbia, and from the southern tip ofPrince of Wales Islandto Malaspina Glacier 500 miles to the north. An official website of the more. Tongass Nat'l Forest Transportation | ALASKA.ORG A variety of wildlife can be seen in the area, including eagles, moose, deer, porcupines and black bears. Craig, AK 99921-9998 For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. The current population is roughly 5,560 people. Map Information Spotlights Raven's Roost Cabin Sitting on the Alexander Archipelago in southeast Alaska the Raven's Roost Cabin is a custom built alpine cabin which was designed to allow access through the door in the loft during periods of deep winter snow. 36 CFR 223.10 allows bona fide settlers, miners, residents, and prospectors for materials in Alaska to take green or dried timber form the National Forests in Alaska for personal use, but not for sale, free of charge. Black bears are common as well as mountain goats and moose. Hoonah Ranger District Charter boat operators inJuneau,Sitka, andPetersburgoffer such tours while Forest Service staff on theAlaska Marine Highwayhelp passengers spot wildlife, including whales. An official website of the Wrangell, AK 99929-0051 Most are located in remoteareas, where access is limited to floatplane, boat or trail. . An official website of the United States government. Slash and unused vegetative material resulting from this activity should be removed fromroads and ditches and scattered in the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a small group of up to 7 guests! The Forest Service manages wildlife habitat along with wildlife populations, for subsistence purposes, on Forest Service managed lands in Alaska. Its performing rotational forestry, thinning and habitat restoration. Phone: 907-828-3304 | Fax: 907-828-3309, Wrangell Ranger District-District Ranger: Clint Kolarich The caves offer a unique recreation opportunity for visitors and a valuable research area for scientists. The decline of the industry since the late 20th century has resulted in only a few small-scale sawmills operating. During summer months the surrounding muskegs bloom with several species of wildflowers and wild berries. Ketchikan, AK 99901-5743 Share sensitive information only Phone: 907-747-6671 | Fax: 907-747-4253 (SRD) | Fax: 907-747-4366 (SO), Thorne Bay Ranger District-District Ranger: Mark Pentecost . Maps: Share sensitive information only ( The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is also located in Ketchikan, and is a great place to visit and learn about the natural and cultural history of the Tongass. ) or https:// means you've safely Mendenhall Glacier Return to top. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Here you will learn all about the area and its inhabitantsboth human and otherwise! Free use timber may not be bartered or used as compensation for any goods or services, including by not limited to harvesting, hauling, or milling costs. Prince of Wales Island has the most extensive road system in Southeast Alaska, ranging from paved scenic byways to logging roads that require four-wheel drive. It's so good to see a friend from down south and a Peace Corps bud to boot It was nice to be the hostess for once and sharing our little corner of the world, rainy as it is. TTY:907-228-6222 Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Juneau, AK 99801 Huge, beautiful trees, plants, flowers, bear caves, to just mention a few. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? #ExperienceRegent https://t.co/Ld0bSE4yqH, If the Rockies and Sierra form wildlife corridors, then the Tongass is the 16.7 million acre ballroom these corridors lead to. Federal Building Come join us on a lovely 3.6-mile roundtrip hike through an Alaska State Park into the Tongass National Forest. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Alaska residents requesting to remove Free Use timber/sawlogs from the National Forest are required to provide an application for this use at the local Ranger District office. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. A wonderful example of God's creation. Katherine Prussian. Visitors can learn about the Tongass, view a glacier, camp, and access many miles of trails at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Recreation Area. 1312 Federal Way Tongass National Forest - Home - US Forest Service Along this section we got to see several Bald Eagles in flight and perched in the trees just off the trail. Prince of Wales Island is the homeland of the indigenous Kaigani Haida people. The sockeye salmon made the long journey, fraught with danger, from the ocean to its natal spawning grounds. Top ways to experience Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking, 3-Hour Alaska Rainforest Hiking Tour in Tongass National Forest from Ketchikan, Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour, 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour, Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk, Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour, Ketchikan Private Family Tour! Located just steps from the cruise ship docks at the corner of Mill and Main Streets, you'll find the warm and welcoming Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. By 1825 the name "Prince of Wales Island" was being used for the largest of the islands in Vancouver's archipelago. Covering the northern half of Prince of Wales Island, the Thorne Bay District is known for its cave systems and karst topography. Stay Connected . At almost 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the United States. She says that we dont hate loggers. Wine tasting alongside fresh roe is a must in the salmon capital of the world. #yourwishtravelco The campground is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Took a taxi to the trail head as we had very limited time in port but could easily have walked to trail head from downtown and walked back afterwards. . Federal Building For more information, visit theTongass National Forest website. on official, secure websites. The Wrangell Ranger District encompasses Wrangell Island and the surrounding mainland and islands. Watch bears, eagles, whales, and countless other wild animals in their natural settings. Tongass National Forest - Home - US Forest Service You will need comfortable shoes and water for the hike because the trail to Mosquito Cove has several rising and falling trails and all of the trail is through some incredibly dense rain forest. PO Box 1328 Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/forests.htm Stumps are to be no higher than 12 inches above the ground level. A videohighlighting how nature, people, and tradition come together on the Tongass National Forest. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Logging was the mainstay of the Prince of Wales economy through most of the 20th century. The rip tides and currents that flow in front of the 8-mile-wide glacier are so strong they cause Hubbard to calve almost continuously. Phone: 907-225-3101 TTY: 907-228-6222 Fax: 907-228-6215 . #environmentalprotection #environmentalengineering #tongassnationalforest #stopdeforestation #deforestation #nativerights #environmentaljustice #cuboulder #cuengineering #environmentalracism #savetheforest #roadlessrule #roadlessareaconservationact #environmentalscience #environmentalism #environmentalconservation #alaskalife #alaskawildlife, Breath deeply with the forest, it will heal you. PO Box 327 In theJuneauarea, the U.S. Forest Service maintains more than 20 trails including five that end at a glacier. TTY:907-228-6222 Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. website belongs to an official government organization in the Explore, renew, and refresh among the islands and along the coastline and take home exciting memories of adventures in Alaska. In 1975, the Point Baker Association and others sued the United States Forest Service to prevent logging 400,000 acres on the northern portion of the island. When in Ketchikan you can get a quick, free, view of the Tongass Forest by hiking the Rainbird trail. Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591 The idea was to replace the ferry connecting Ketchikan with Gravina Island, where the Ketchikan Airportis. Berths 1 & 2 - 1 block Map Ketchikan is a busy fishing and tourism port, especially during the height of the summer season. KETCHIKAN, Alaska - Forest users do not need a permit to cut a Christmas tree on Tongass National Forest for personal use. Last Sept., I finally saw the northern lights on a clear, moonless night. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its all about responsible use of the resources, Shawaan said. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. ( It was advertised as medium level difficulty and we found it to be just about right. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Other activities include ranger-led tours of El Capitan Cave onPrince of Wales Island, kayaking inTracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness, and canoeing and portaging a chain of lakes acrossAdmiralty Island. From the waterfront walk 1 block along Mill St. to Main St. Berths 3 & 4 - .25 to .5 miles nytimes TIA. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Very beautiful views of port from peak. United States. to learn more about Tongass National Forest Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. Hemlock, spruce, pine, and cedar are just a few of our local tree species. Settlers began mining of gold, copper, and other metals on the island in the late 19th century, as European Americans entered the area to exploit the natural resources. Tongass National Forest - Forest Products Permits - US Forest Service Federal Building ( The cycle of life sustains the forest and the forest, in return, provides a home and food for the creatures. website belongs to an official government organization in the Due to this size, the Tongass is divided into ten ranger districts. Wildlife, trees, 12 kinds of ferns, berries galore and mushrooms. Juneau is also the headquarters for nearby Admiralty Island National Monument, known for the Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area and Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area. 3-Hour Alaska Rainforest Hiking Tour in Tongass National Forest from Ketchikan 12 By Tongass Rainforest Expedition Hiking Tours 3 hours Rather than hiking alone, take this small-group walk through the Tongass National Forest from Ketchikan. The Tongass is the nations largest national forest and covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage and offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breath-taking vistas of wild Alaska. Tongass National Forest. LockA locked padlock 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 9 min to complete. The Mount Edgecumbe Volcanic Field is another unique feature found on this district. The area was designated in 1902 as the Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve by President Theodore Roosevelt. Tongass National Forest. Juneau Ranger District-Admiralty National Monument From the Center, trails lead to view points and to near the glacier face. LockA locked padlock Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Venture into the Tongass National Forest to see millions of fish race upstream to spawn. . The Web site is full of pictures and detailed descriptions to help you plan your next trip. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 504 9th Street Visit glaciers by land or sea. Don't want to book an excursion but just hike on our own. What can you say about a forest that is a thousand miles long. Stay Connected . Camp in a campground or in a cabin. Try a multi-day, supported bike ride along some of Alaskas most scenic settings or rent a bike for an, Alaskans have been chuckling over this new slogan that has popped up: "Alaska: Social distancing since 1959." We were dropped off at the North end and walked back down to town from the South end when we finished the trail. #visitsitka #tongassnationalforest #nationalforest #southeastalaska #temperaterainforest #35mmfilmphoto, The sun is out, snow is melting, waterfalls are gushing and the start of our season is just around the corner (April 15th)! It is beautiful with so many different activities to choose from to see it. ( Tongass National Forest Sustainable Cabin Strategy. . Can you tell me an approximate time it took to walk the Rainbird trail if you do so on your own? LockA locked padlock Tongass National Forest - Home - US Forest Service See all 24 Tongass National Forest tours on Tripadvisor, See all Tongass National Forest experiences on Tripadvisor, Town / Park District Suite Dreams Inn Ketchikan, View all hotels near Tongass National Forest on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Tongass National Forest on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Totem Bight State Historical Park, Hotels near Misty Fjords National Monument, Hotels near Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Hotels near Metlakatla Seaplane Base (MTM), Motels near Metlakatla Seaplane Base (MTM), Points of Interest & Landmarks in Ketchikan, Public Transportation Systems in Ketchikan, Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: Tickets & Tours, Misty Fjords National Monument: Tickets & Tours, Totem Bight State Historical Park: Tickets & Tours, Tongass National Forest: Tickets & Tours, Ketchikan Rainbird Trail: Tickets & Tours, Tongass Historical Museum: Tickets & Tours, Chief Johnson Totem Pole: Tickets & Tours, Tongass National Forest Tours and Tickets, Moss Private Transportation Nassau Roundtrip Airport Shared Shuttle, AIRE The Ancient Thermal Bath & 45' Relaxing Massage, Experience the Magic of Andean Textiles: Weaving workshop - Cusco, 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am, Half Day Snorkeling Tour In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta, Hot Tub Boat Rental on the Willamette River. I know the National Park is massive so I just hoping for a little local advice. Due to this size, the Tongass is divided into ten ranger districts. Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska | Travel Alaska The island is traditional Tlingit territory. Owner/operators Cameo and Brooks take groups of up to 6 guests on 5 Equinox offers private adventure cruises based out of historic Sitka, Alaska. LockA locked padlock Sitka blacktail deer and its two main predators, wolf and brown bear, are found here. #adventure #explore #getouside #travel #alaska #wanderlust #waterfall #instagram #instadaily #instagood #nature #instavideo #naturephotography #GoPro #nationalpark #rainforest #landscapephotography #coastalliving #pnw #pnwonderland #escape #forest #foraging #wildfood, In the summers of 2018 and 2019, I worked in Alaska as a guide leading small groups of photo enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. View past newsletters here. Tongass Rainforest Expedition (Ketchikan) - What to Know - Tripadvisor An official website of the 525 Bennett Street Did you know that Glacier Bay borders the country's largest National Forest at its southeast corner (Tongass National Forest)? Situated on the outer coast of the Gulf of Alaska, the Sitka Ranger District encompasses Baranof Island and part of Chichagof Island. website belongs to an official government organization in the connected to the .gov website. website belongs to an official government organization in the For additional information about firewood cutting or permits, contact the local Ranger District office. Official websites use .gov A .gov The Mitkof Highway provides access to many picturesque recreation areas, including the Swan Observatory, popular fishing and hiking spots, and views of the scenic Wrangell Narrows. Though home to the world's largest temperate rainforest, almost half of Tongass is covered by ice, water, wetlands, and rock. . United States government. From the waterfront walk 1 block along Mill St. to Main St. Berths 3 & 4 - .25 to .5 miles Follow the waterfront promenade to Front St. past the tunnel. Federal Building 90% of travelers recommend this experience. Where are your favorite places on Earth? No visit to the Tongass is complete without a stop at one of our visitor centers. Everything You Need to Know About Alaska's Ward Cove - Cruise Critic Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District All three bus lines (Green, Silver North, and Silver South) stop at the Ferry terminal. Tongass Rain Forest hike - Review of Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan Thorne Bay, AK 99919-0001 Located on the southern half of Prince of Wales Island, the largest island in Southeast Alaska.