Tongass National Forest is a beautiful and vast wilderness located in Southeast Alaska. Covering over 16.7 million acres, it is the largest national forest in the United States.
The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, brown bears, wolves, and bald eagles. It is also home to numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes.
➡️One of the best ways to explore Tongass National Forest is by hiking. There are over 1500 miles of trails in the forest, ranging from easy to difficult, so there is something for hikers of all skill levels.
➡️The trails are well-marked and maintained, and many of them offer opportunities to view wildlife and take in the natural beauty of the forest.
➡️One of the most popular hiking trails in the forest is the West Glacier Trail.
This trail is a challenging 4.5-mile round-trip hike that offers incredible views of Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding mountains. Hikers can also spot black bears, brown bears, and eagles along the trail.
Another popular trail in the forest is the Perseverance Trail. This trail is a 3.5-mile round trip hike that takes hikers through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along the shoreline of Silver Creek.
The trail is relatively easy, and hikers of all skill levels can enjoy it. For those who want to experience the beauty of Tongass National Forest but don't want to hike, there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.
One of the best places to see wildlife is at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. From the visitor center, visitors can view Mendenhall Glacier, as well as black bears and bald eagles that frequent the area
Another great place to view wildlife is the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area. This area is located on Admiralty Island, which is only accessible by boat or seaplane.
Visitors can view brown bears from a safe distance, and the area is home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world.
Whether you choose to hike or view wildlife, Tongass National Forest is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
With its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, it is sure to be a trip you will never forget.