Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest sits on about 16.7 million acres of land in the southeast of Alaska. The forest is comprised of eight-tenths of all the land between the southern corner of Alaska (near Ketchikan) to the north of Yakutat. There are no roads available to access the forest and visitors, therefore, have to use a boat, ferry or plane to reach the forest and its amenities. 

Some of the cities or towns close to the forest include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Yakutat, and Skagway. The park was established on September 10, 1907, and is managed by the United States Forest Service. There are plenty of unique features that make Tongass National Forest one of the most unique areas on the planet to visit. Some of these features are as follows. 

First, the Tongass National Forest is the largest forest in the United States and is, in fact, larger than the next three largest national forests. Secondly, the forest is the planets largest remaining temperate rainforest. Third, the forest features several interesting geological features including mountains, glaciers, waterways, and islands that are separated by channels and straits. 

Some of the predominant plant species in the Tongass National Forest include Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, and Western Red Cedar. Wildlife species that can be found in the forest include brown and black bears, bald eagles and salmon. Other popular features of the forest include the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area, and Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. 

Besides these features, the Tongass National Forest is also popular for several recreational activities including hunting, canoeing, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, berry picking, mushroom collecting, kayaking, whale watching, flight-seeing tours, ice skating, snowmobiling, bird watching, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and interpretive programs. 

Dog’s are definitely allowed into the forest although there are rules laid down to avoid any inconvenience and to protect everyone including wildlife, habitat and visitors and their pets. Some of the rules regarding dogs are as follows. You are expected to know areas of the forest that you can and cannot visit. And you should ensure that your dog is on a six-foot leash at all times. Third, dog-owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.