Tongass National Forest

When you’re looking for a uniquely Alaskan experience, the Tongass National Forest should be your first stop. Whether you dream of backcountry hiking, exploring glaciers, or visiting some of Alaska’s most unique and vibrant cities, the nearly 17 million acres of the Tongass National Forest offers it all.

About the Tongass National Forest

Located in Southeast Alaska and totaling 16.7 million acres of temperate rainforest, the remote Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in both Alaska and the entire United States. The isolated and protected wilderness is a habitat for some of Alaska’s rarest, engendered flora and fauna, and nearly a million visitors every year come for sightseeing opportunities and incredible adventure.

Visiting the Tongass National Forest

Nearly one-million visitors every year visit the Tongass National Forest, and most of them come by cruise ships arriving at ports in Southeast Alaska. As “one of the last remaining intact temperate rainforests in the world”, according to the Alaska Wilderness League, the Tongass delivers a full Alaskan experience.

History & Geography

The Tongass National Forest was created in September 1907 by Theodore Roosevelt. A year later, the Tongass was joined with the existing Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve, and it was later expanded again in 1909 and 1925—resulting in a protected area that now encompasses nearly all of Southeast Alaska. The rights to the land were brought to court in 1935 by Native Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes, and the case was settled in 1968 with a payment of $7.5 million to the Native people—a land value of only 43 cents per acre.

The region within the Tongass National Forest now consists of about 10 million acres of forests, with the rest being composed of ice and snow, rock, and wetlands. Encompassing the Alexander Archipelago, Coast Mountains, and many glaciers and fjords, the diverse geography of the Tongass National Forest makes it one of the most treasured natural areas of the United States.

Interesting Facts

With 19 designated wilderness areas—more than any other national forest—the Tongass National Forest is 17 million acres of stunning, rugged terrain and unique communities to explore. Whether you come for the exclusive outdoor activities or to visit one of the southeast Alaska’s popular city destinations, you’ll find no shortage of adventure in the Tongass National Forest.

• The Tongass National Forest is known for its unique, protected wildlife, including brown and black bears, raptors, wolves, whales, salmon, and a variety of migrating birds.
• In addition to danger from bears and other wildlife, issues with windfall, landslides, and “Takus” (winter windstorms), can cause trees to blow down and structures to tumble in the forest.
• The Alaska Airlines Flight 1866 crashed on September 4, 1971 within the Tongass National Forest and killed all 111 that were on the flight.
• Logging has always been a point of contention between the government, major corporations, and the locals looking to protect the forest—including a fight over logging in the roadless areas.
• There are 31 communities within the Tongass National Forest, including the capital city of Juneau, and about 70,000 people live within the region.

Points of Interest

The millions of acres of the Tongass National Forest are a crown jewel of Alaska, and it's one of the top destinations for anyone seeking out the natural beauty of the area. Containing some of the state’s most impressive cities, historic landmarks, and rugged backcountry, no visit to Alaska would be complete without exploring the United States’ largest National Forest.

View all of our Ketchikan tours and ideas for things to do in Ketchikan. You can find all of our Tongass National Forest tours here.