TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST
You can camp in a campground - or in a cabin. You can hike through dense forest, alpine meadow, or on a wooden trail through marshland called muskeg. You can explore world-class caves. You can enjoy salt water fjords and unending waterways by canoe or kayak, your own motor or sail boat, charter boat, ferry, or cruise ship. You can watch bears, eagles, whales, and countless other critters in their natural settings. You can visit glaciers by land or sea. And of course, you can fish - fresh or salt water, everything from herring to trout to salmon to halibut. For a real Alaskan experience, visit the Tongass.
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The Tongass has over 150 rustic cabins scattered at remote lakes and seaside locations from Humpback Lake south of Ketchikan to Situk Lake north of Yakutat. Containing warming stoves and plywood bunks, tables and benches, they can be reserved.
1. Anan Wildlife Observatory Campsite: This campsite is located near the observatory and offers a unique opportunity to view wildlife such as bears, eagles, seals in their natural habitat.
2. Admiralty Island National Monument: The monument has several campsites that are accessible by boat or floatplane only. It's an excellent place for fishing and bear viewing.
3. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Campground: Located close to Juneau, this campground provides easy access to hiking trails leading up towards the glacier itself.
4. Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District Cabins: These cabins can be rented out year-round but require advance booking due to high demand during peak season (May-September).
5 Petersburg Ranger District Cabin Rentals - There are numerous rustic cabin rentals available within Tongass National Forest around Petersburg area which offer great opportunities for hunting, fishing & exploring wilderness areas of Alaska
6 Wrangell Outfitters - They provide guided camping trips into remote parts of Tongass forest where you could experience Alaskan wild at its best!
7 Starrigavan Recreation Area - Near Sitka offering both tent sites & RV parking with basic amenities like picnic tables etc., it's also popular spot among bird watchers
8 Signal Mountain Lodge - A full-service lodge inside national park providing comfortable accommodation options along with various outdoor activities including boating on nearby lakes/rivers
9 Yakutat Ranger Station Camping Grounds- Close proximity from beach makes it ideal location if you're interested in surfing/fishing while enjoying your stay amidst dense rainforest.
10 Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock And Camper Drop-off Point : If planning trip via waterway then these docks would come handy plus they have designated camper drop off points too!
Tongass National Forest in Alaska offers a variety of swimming options for visitors. Some people enjoy taking a dip in the forest's numerous lakes, such as Redoubt Lake and Swan Lake which are known for their clear waters and beautiful surroundings.
For those who prefer river swimming, Tongass has several rivers like Situk River or Chilkoot River where one can swim against gentle currents amidst lush greenery. However, it is important to be cautious due to potential wildlife encounters including bears that frequent these areas.
The forest also features hot springs perfect for soaking after long hikes; Baranof Warm Springs being among the most popular ones with its therapeutic warm water pools surrounded by stunning wilderness views.
In addition to natural bodies of water within the park boundaries, there are coastal beaches along Inside Passage offering opportunities not only for ocean swims but also beachcombing activities during low tides.
However regardless of your choice - lake ,river or sea- always remember safety precautions when engaging outdoor aquatic activities especially considering Alaskan weather conditions could change rapidly .
Boating is a popular activity in this Alaskan location, with options ranging from guided tours to independent exploration. Kayaking and canoeing are common ways to navigate the area's many lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. There are also opportunities for rafting adventures on some of its wilder waterways. For those who prefer motorized boating or sailing, there are numerous marinas that provide access points throughout the forest region as well as boat rentals available at various locations within it.
In Southeast Alaska, a vast expanse of wilderness offers diverse fishing opportunities. Anglers can enjoy both freshwater and saltwater experiences in this area that spans 500 miles from the Canadian border to the northern Pacific Ocean. Freshwater options include numerous rivers, streams, lakes and ponds where one could catch species such as Dolly Varden char, cutthroat trout or rainbow trout.
For those interested in salmon fishing; pink salmon (also known as humpback), sockeye (red) salmon , coho (silver) salmon are abundant during their respective seasons along with king(chinook)salmon which is largest among them all . Steelhead - an ocean-going variety of rainbow trout- also inhabit these waters but they require special permits for catching due to conservation efforts.
Saltwater enthusiasts have access to marine fisheries teeming with halibut - some reaching up to several hundred pounds! Rockfish varieties like yellow eye rock fish & black bass are common too while shellfish including crabs and shrimps add diversity.
Remember though: regulations vary by location within this region so it's important you check local rules before casting your line!
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