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Tongass National Forest
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The Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska is an absolutely colossal, incredibly pristine coastal wilderness, proudly holding the title of the absolute largest national forest in the entire United States. Covering a staggering 16.7 million acres, the forest encompasses an incredibly intricate labyrinth of heavily glaciated fjords, massive rugged islands of the Alexander Archipelago, and the peaks of the Coast Mountains. Most importantly, the Tongass protects the absolute largest remaining intact tract of temperate rainforest on the planet. This deeply lush, incredibly wet environment is dominated by gigantic old-growth western hemlock and Sitka spruce trees, providing crucial, massive sanctuary for vital species like bald eagles, massive coastal brown bears, and all five species of wild Pacific salmon.
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -9 | -10 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 | -2 | -7 | -9 |
| Rain mm | 320 | 196 | 209 | 172 | 141 | 138 | 188 | 254 | 354 | 366 | 327 | 314 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Tongass National Forest covers vast areas of Southeast Alaska and is mostly accessible by plane or boat (e.g., Alaska Marine Highway) from gateway cities like Juneau or Ketchikan.
Best season
The best time to visit is from June to August, when days are longest and temperatures are mildest. However, be prepared for damp and rainy weather regardless of the month you choose.
Terrain & paths
The terrain features temperate rainforest, mountains, and glaciers. Due to the high annual precipitation, hiking trails can often be root-filled, muddy, and slippery for hikers.
What to bring
Waterproof clothing in layers and robust, waterproof hiking boots are a must. Bear spray and waterproof dry bags for your gear should also be part of your standard equipment when exploring.
Parking
Parking lots are primarily located at trailheads near major towns. In remote wilderness areas, there are no roads; visitors typically arrive by floatplane directly at their destination.
Safety
This is bear country (both black and brown bears), so proper behavior and food storage are vital. Weather can change very rapidly in the coastal rainforest, posing risks of hypothermia.
Time needed
Visit duration ranges from short walks to multi-week wilderness expeditions. For standard day trips to popular areas, plan at least 4 to 8 hours to fully experience the natural beauty.
Geography
Facts
- The Tongass is the absolute largest national forest in the US at 16.7 million acres.
- It protects the largest remaining contiguous temperate rainforest on Earth.
- The vast majority of the forest area is completely inaccessible by roads.
- President Theodore Roosevelt officially created the national forest in 1907.
- The incredibly pristine rivers support all five distinct species of Pacific salmon.
- It provides massive, crucial habitat for thousands of bald eagles and brown bears.
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tongass?
In Southeast Alaska, it is a vast rainforest.
What is the weather like?
Very rainy, waterproof gear is mandatory.
Can you see wildlife?
Yes, bears and eagles are very common.
How to reach the forest?
Mostly only by plane or ferry.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, especially for bear viewing and kayaking.
Tongass National Forest: where is it located?
Tongass National Forest is located in United States.
Tongass National Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Tongass National Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska is an absolutely colossal, incredibly pristine coastal wilderness, proudly holding the title of the absolute largest national forest in the entire United States.
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