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
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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 Name | Tongass National Forest |
| Location | Southeast Alaska, USA – Extends from the southern Alaska Panhandle to northern parts of the region |
| Latitude & Longitude | 56.0000° N, 134.0000° W (approximate central point) |
| Total Area | 16.7 million acres (≈67,560 km²) – largest national forest in the United States |
| Established / Opened | 1907 |
| Managed By | U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Department of Agriculture |
| Region | Southeast Alaska Panhandle, along the Inside Passage |
| Address | Federal Building, 648 Mission Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA (Headquarters) |
| Zip Code | 99901 |
| Area Code | 907 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Temperate rainforest, wilderness conservation, wildlife habitat, salmon streams, old-growth forests, recreation |
| Main Sections / Features | Prince of Wales Island, Admiralty Island, Chichagof Island, Revillagigedo Island, Glacier Bay, Coastal Rainforest areas, Hiking and Canoe trails |
| Famous Attractions | Admiralty 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 Type | Free access to public lands; Certain recreational areas or guided tours may have fees |
| Ticket Price Range | Varies for guided tours / visitor services ($10–$100) |
| Ticket Options | Self-guided hiking, kayaking, wildlife tours, fishing permits, camping reservations, guided tours |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer (June–August) for mild weather, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation |
| Nearby Airport | Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) – 1 mile (1.6 km); Juneau International Airport (JNU) – 100 miles (160 km) |
| Transportation | Car / Ferry access, Boat / Kayak, Hiking Trails, Floatplane access, Guided tours and fishing charters |
| Official Website | https://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)
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