Tongass National Forest

Mendenhall Glacier, Misty Fjords Flightseeing, Glaciers, Bears & Bald Eagles

The 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the United States and the Earth’s largest remaining temperate rainforest. Approximately 40 percent of the Tongass comprises wetlands, snow, ice, rock, and non-forest vegetation, while the remaining 10 million acres are forest, with 4.5 million preserved as “old growth” wilderness areas. There are 19 designated wilderness areas within the Tongass National Forest, more than in any other national forest.

  • Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness
  • Kootznoowoo Wilderness
  • Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
  • Stikine-LeConte Wilderness
  • Russell Fjord Wilderness
  • South Baranof Wilderness
  • West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness
  • Endicott River Wilderness
  • South Prince of Wales Wilderness
  • South Etolin Wilderness
  • Chuck River Wilderness
  • Tebenkof Bay Wilderness
  • Kuiu Wilderness
  • Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness
  • Karta River Wilderness
  • Pleasant/Lemesurier/Inian Islands Wilderness
  • Coronation Island Wilderness
  • Warren Island Wilderness
  • Maurille Islands Wilderness

Home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna, the Tongass Forest includes the islands of the Alexander Archipelago, many fjords and glaciers, the state capital of Juneau, and the Coast Mountains. Alaska’s five species of salmon, brown and black bears, and bald eagles make their habitats in the Tongass. An abundance of migratory birds spend their summers nesting in the Alexander Archipelago. Named for the Tongass group of the Tlingit people, the Tongass is also home to the Haida and Tsimshian peoples.

The Tongass National Forest is a popular stop on many Inside Passage cruises in Alaska, such as visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan. Misty Fjords flightseeing, sport fishing and bear viewing, camping, and hiking are popular activities within the Tongass.

 

Choose from 11 vacations in Alaska related to Tongass National Forest

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Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike

This Juneau day trip begins paddling across Mendenhall Lake in 8 or 12-person canoes.  Take in the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier ahead and the blue icebergs of all shapes and sizes.  Upon reaching the beach near the glacier’s edge,... Browse itinerary

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Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

This active outdoor Juneau day trip begins with a 3-mile moderate to challenging hike through the Tongass National Forest along Mendenhall Lake.  The trail includes 800 feet of elevation gain, rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain.  Once you leave... Browse itinerary

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Cruise Specials Available
the small cruise ship "Wilderness Explorer" in calm water by a rocky shore

Alaska Fjords and Glaciers Cruise

Beginning in Juneau or Ketchikan on Alaska's Inside Passage, this adventure cruise sails through Dawes Glacier, the Wrangell Narrows, Behm Canal, and Misty Fjords National Monument. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of... Browse itinerary

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two people in a sea kayak; a small cruise ship and snow-capped mountains in background

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Discover Alaska on this seven-night adventure cruise round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of this impressive... Browse itinerary

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The small cruise ship 'Safari Endeavour' near a rocky coast; snow-capped mountains in the distance

Northern Passage and Glacier Bay Cruise

Seven nights of adventure cruising aboard your "floating lodge." Destinations include Chichagof Island, Icy Strait, and Glacier Bay National Park, where a national park ranger comes on board for a day. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience... Browse itinerary

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a group of people in a raft in front of a tidewater glacier

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

This Juneau day trip is a perfect and gentle introduction to Alaska rafting.  This Juneau float trip begins with a scenic drive to Mendenhall Lake, where you will suit up in appropriate rafting gear and board your 8... Browse itinerary

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Whale Watching Cruise from Juneau

Your Juneau whale-watching adventure begins with a narrated transfer from the Juneau cruise ship pier (downtown Juneau) to Auke Bay. Here you will board the state-of-the-art jet boat, custom designed for Juneau whale watching, with large windows and... Browse itinerary

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Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari

On this exciting tour out of Ketchikan, fill your senses with adventure and excitement as you take control of a 4-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler and wind your way up old rugged logging trails to scenic overlooks. Then grab... Browse itinerary

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