The Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the United States at 17 million acres. Roughly the size of West Virginia, the Tongass is Earth’s largest remaining temperate rainforest. There are 5.7 million acres of old-growth in the forest and this area houses some of the oldest trees in the nation. This ancient forest is a powerful and gorgeous part of Alaska. Whenever you have the opportunity, explore the storybook beauty of the Tongass National Forest. You will be enchanted by Alaska and the ancient forest where people have lived since time immemorial.
Tongass National Forest, Alaska Panhandle
The forest covers most of the Southeast Alaska, known as the Panhandle. This area has a temperate, coastal climate and is kept nourished by constant precipitation, creating an absolutely enchanting ancient rainforest.
US Forest Service | Wikimedia Commons
The Tongass National Forest is nearly 500 miles long, including most of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and as a result it contains over 11,000 miles of coastline for amazing views.
USDA Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
The vast and verdant forest spans many communities from Ketchikan to Yakutat, including Alaska’s capital, Juneau. Over 75,000 people live in the communities housed in the forest and depend on the habitat for their livelihoods.
USDA Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Thousands of islands, snow-covered mountains, glaciers and fjords, salmon-rich streams, and lush valleys are all part of this magnificent forest.
Alan Wu | Flickr
The Tongass creates habitat for a diverse collection of species including all five species of Pacific salmon, grizzly bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, Northern Goshawks, and Marbled Murrelets.
Mark Brennan | Flickr
The forest provides essential habitat for the largest population of Bald Eagles in the world with an estimated 7000 residing throughout.
Joseph | Flickr
The forest is primarily made up of western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock. Sitka spruce are one of the few types of trees documented to reach heights of over 200 feet, and are the world’s third tallest species.
zug zwang | Flickr
The old growth forest is only 4% of what it once was, but the remainder of this ancient forest is still accessible for visitors to marvel at the old-growth giants.
Kevin Harber | Flickr
Some of the oldest Sitka Spruce are found to be 800 years old, over 12 feet in diameter, and 200 feet tall! These towering giants are a treasure of this ancient forest.
Laura Guertin | Flickr
The Tongass is the largest remaining coastal temperate rainforest in the world. Visit this wonder of nature, only found in Alaska.
Joseph | Flickr
Here’s a video about the importance of the Tongass National Forest:
US Forest Service | Wikimedia Commons
USDA Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Alan Wu | Flickr
Mark Brennan | Flickr
Joseph | Flickr
zug zwang | Flickr
Kevin Harber | Flickr
Laura Guertin | Flickr
If you like trains, try Tour This Old Growth Rainforest In Alaska For An Unforgettable Adventure. Or be mesmerized by The Awe-Inspiring Drone Footage That Shows You Alaska’s Wilderness Like Never Before.
Have you been to the Tongass National Forest? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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