Where is Tongass National Forest,Southeast Alaska, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Tongass National Forest is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between Juneau and Ketchikan and is situated in the Southeast Alaska Panhandle. It is famous for being the largest national forest in the U.S., with old-growth temperate rainforests, wildlife, and glaciers.

Tongass National Forest Location Map,Southeast Alaska, Alaska

Where is Tongass National Forest Located inSoutheast Alaska, Alaska
About Map: The map showing location of Tongass National Forest in theSoutheast Alaska, Alaska in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Tongass National Forest

  • Mist Falls & Waterways – Stunning waterfalls and rivers flowing through dense temperate rainforest.
  • Tracy Arm Fjord – Dramatic glacial fjord with icebergs, wildlife, and kayaking opportunities.
  • Wildlife Viewing – Spot bears, eagles, salmon, and other native Alaskan species.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails through old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and coastal areas.
  • Glacier Bay Access – Entry points for boat tours and exploration of nearby glaciers.
  • Fishing & Boating – Opportunities for sport fishing, kayaking, and exploring remote waterways.

Tongass National Forest Facts

Official NameTongass National Forest
LocationSoutheast Alaska, USA – Extends from the southern Alaska Panhandle to northern parts of the region
Latitude & Longitude56.0000° N, 134.0000° W (approximate central point)
Total Area~16.7 million acres (≈67,560 km²) – largest national forest in the United States
Established / Opened1907
Managed ByU.S. Forest Service (USFS), Department of Agriculture
RegionSoutheast Alaska Panhandle, along the Inside Passage
AddressFederal Building, 648 Mission Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA (Headquarters)
Zip Code99901
Area Code907
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneAlaska Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptTemperate rainforest, wilderness conservation, wildlife habitat, salmon streams, old-growth forests, recreation
Main Sections / FeaturesPrince of Wales Island, Admiralty Island, Chichagof Island, Revillagigedo Island, Glacier Bay, Coastal Rainforest areas, Hiking and Canoe trails
Famous AttractionsAdmiralty Island National Monument (brown bear habitat), Mendenhall Glacier, Tracy Arm Fjord, Tongass National Recreation Areas, Wildlife viewing and fishing
Annual Visitors~1–1.5 million visitors
Entry Fee TypeFree access to public lands; Certain recreational areas or guided tours may have fees
Ticket Price RangeVaries for guided tours / visitor services ($10–$100)
Ticket OptionsSelf-guided hiking, kayaking, wildlife tours, fishing permits, camping reservations, guided tours
Best Time to VisitSummer (June–August) for mild weather, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation
Nearby AirportKetchikan International Airport (KTN) – 1 mile (1.6 km); Juneau International Airport (JNU) – 100 miles (160 km)
TransportationCar / Ferry access, Boat / Kayak, Hiking Trails, Floatplane access, Guided tours and fishing charters
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/

Distances from Tongass National Forest to Nearby Landmarks

  • Juneau, AK Downtown – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Tracy Arm Fjord – 65 km (40.4 mi)
  • Glacier Bay National Park – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Ketchikan, AK – 230 km (143 mi)
  • Haines, AK – 140 km (87 mi)
  • Skagway, AK – 160 km (99.4 mi)
  • Admiralty Island National Monument – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Prince of Wales Island – 180 km (111.8 mi)
  • Perseverance Trail – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Mendenhall Glacier – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Douglas Island – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Angel Glacier – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Gastineau Channel – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Ferry Terminal – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Mount Roberts Tramway – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Berners Bay – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Point Louisa – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Juneau International Airport – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness – 65 km (40.4 mi)
  • Five Fingers Rapids – 90 km (55.9 mi)