Spanning 16.7 million acres across Southeast Alaska, Tongass National Forest stands as the largest national forest in the United States—bigger than ten U.S. states combined. Established in 1907, this vast temperate rainforest encompasses the islands of the Alexander Archipelago, dramatic fjords, ancient glaciers, and the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains.
The forest’s remote wilderness supports endangered and rare species found nowhere else, thriving beneath a canopy of Sitka spruce and western hemlock draped in moss. Hiking trails wind through old-growth forest to alpine meadows, while the abundant waterways offer exceptional fishing for salmon, halibut, and trout.
With 94 campgrounds and cabins scattered throughout the forest, overnight options range from rustic to remote. Notable stays include Steamer Bay Cabin, Kah Sheets Lake Cabin, and Honker Lake Cabin—each accessible by floatplane or boat, offering true backcountry solitude.
Most of the nearly one million annual visitors arrive via cruise ship, but independent travelers can access the Tongass through Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system connects many coastal communities within the forest boundaries.
The best time to visit runs from May through September, when longer daylight hours and milder temperatures make exploration comfortable. Summer brings peak wildlife activity, salmon runs, and the best weather for kayaking the protected waterways. Expect rain year-round—this is a rainforest, after all—and pack layers regardless of season.
Explore Nearby
- Beecher Pass State Marine Park — State Park in Alaska
- Bay View State Park — State Park in Washington
- Five Finger Islands Light — Lighthouse in Alaska
- Cape Decision Light — Lighthouse in Alaska
