Juneau, the charming capital of Alaska, is not only a gateway to a magnificent ice world but also an ideal starting point for exploring Tongass National Forest, the largest and most pristine temperate rainforest in North America. If you’re seeking a true adventure, where wilderness reigns supreme and unique experiences await, then Tongass and Juneau are destinations you can’t miss. Join “Travel the World” as we immerse ourselves in the boundless beauty of Tongass, uncover the secrets hidden deep within the ancient forest, and plan your unforgettable trip.
Low-cost flight tickets to Juneau, Alaska
Tongass National Forest: Alaska’s Emerald Jewel
Tongass National Forest spans over 17 million acres (nearly 70,000 km²), covering much of the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska. It’s not only the largest national forest in the United States but also one of the largest remaining coastal temperate rainforests in the world. Tongass is a complex and diverse ecosystem, where snow-capped mountains blend with turquoise fjords, majestic glaciers, and dense old-growth forests.
Unique Geography and Natural Features
Tongass is located in Southeast Alaska, bordering Canada to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This unique geographical location gives Tongass a mild, year-round humid climate, abundant rainfall, and winters that are not as harsh compared to other parts of Alaska. These climatic conditions have created an ideal environment for the development of a temperate rainforest, with towering Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, and Western red cedar trees, blanketing the mountainsides and valleys in green.
The terrain of Tongass is incredibly diverse, ranging from towering mountain ranges and massive glaciers to rugged coastlines, fjords, and thousands of islands large and small. This diverse topography creates countless stunning natural landscapes and is home to a myriad of wildlife species.
Diverse and Rich Ecosystem
Tongass Forest is a biological treasure trove with incredible biodiversity. The forest is home to many rare and endangered animal species, including Alaskan brown bears, North American black bears, gray wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, sea otters, seals, humpback whales, orcas, and bald eagles. Tongass is also a crucial stopover point on the migratory route of millions of seabirds and migratory birds each year.
The flora of Tongass is equally rich, with hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, ferns, mosses, and lichens. The old-growth forests of Tongass are home to Sitka spruce and Western hemlock trees that are hundreds, even thousands of years old, creating a magnificent and mystical space.
Juneau – Gateway to Exploring Tongass
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is located right on the western edge of Tongass National Forest. This city is not only the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the state but also an attractive tourist destination, where visitors can easily access and explore the unspoiled beauty of Tongass.
Getting to Juneau and Tongass
Juneau is one of the few state capitals in the United States not accessible by road. The main means of transportation to Juneau are airplanes and cruise ships. Juneau International Airport (JNU) is a major air gateway, connecting the city with other major centers in Alaska and the West Coast of the United States.
From Juneau, visitors can easily explore Tongass Forest in many different ways. Boat tours are a popular option, allowing visitors to admire the stunning coastal scenery, explore fjords, observe wildlife, and access remote areas of Tongass. In addition, visitors can also participate in hiking tours, kayaking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities in Tongass Forest.
Top Attractions in Juneau and the Tongass Region
1. Mendenhall Glacier: Located just about a 20-minute drive from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular attractions in the area. This 13-mile-long glacier is a part of the larger Juneau Icefield and is easily accessible by road. Visitors can hike to Nugget Falls cascading into Mendenhall Lake from above, visit the visitor center to learn about the glacier and surrounding ecosystem, or kayak on the lake to view the glacier from a different perspective.
Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska
2. Tongass National Forest near Juneau: There are many areas of Tongass National Forest easily accessible around Juneau. Visitors can explore hiking trails through the forest, admire giant old-growth trees, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Some popular trails near Juneau include Perseverance Trail, Mount Roberts Trail, and East Glacier Loop Trail.
3. Mount Roberts Tramway: The Mount Roberts Tramway system takes visitors to the top of Mount Roberts, offering panoramic views of Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the vast Tongass Forest. At the summit, visitors can hike on trails, visit the nature center, enjoy local cuisine at the restaurant, and watch romantic sunsets.
Mount Roberts Tramway ascending Mount Roberts in Juneau
4. Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier: Tracy Arm Fjord is a stunning fjord located about 45 miles south of Juneau, within Tongass National Forest. This fjord is famous for its sheer cliffs, waterfalls cascading from above, and two large glaciers, Sawyer Glacier and South Sawyer Glacier. Boat tours often take visitors close to these glaciers, where they can admire giant icebergs and have the opportunity to observe seals and other wildlife.
5. Admiralty Island National Monument Wilderness: Admiralty Island, also known as “Fortress of the Bears,” is a large island within Tongass National Forest, located not far from Juneau. This island has the highest density of brown bears in North America, along with a pristine and diverse temperate rainforest ecosystem. Visitors can join guided tours to Admiralty Island to observe brown bears in their natural environment, hike, kayak, and camp.
Unique Culinary Experiences in Juneau
After a long day exploring the wilderness of Tongass, enjoy the distinctive cuisine of Juneau. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, especially Alaskan king crab, salmon, and shrimp. You can find delicious seafood dishes at waterfront restaurants, local eateries, and seafood markets.
Alaskan King Crab, a seafood delicacy in Juneau
In addition to seafood, Juneau also offers many other Alaskan specialties such as reindeer meat, seafood soup, sourdough bread, and local berries. Don’t forget to try Alaskan craft beer, a must-try specialty when visiting Juneau.
Planning Your Tongass and Juneau Exploration
To have a complete trip exploring Tongass National Forest and Juneau, you should plan ahead and book flights, hotels, and tours early, especially during peak tourist season (June – August). The best time to visit Juneau and Tongass is in the summer, when the weather is warm, pleasant, and there are many outdoor activities. However, autumn (September – October) is also a great option, when the forests turn vibrant gold and there are fewer tourists.
Some helpful tips for traveling to Juneau and Tongass:
- Prepare appropriate clothing: The weather in Juneau and Tongass can be unpredictable, so you should pack warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable hiking shoes.
- Bring insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be bothersome, especially in the summer.
- Book guided tours: To explore Tongass safely and effectively, you should join guided tours with local experts.
- Respect nature and wildlife: Keep the environment clean, do not litter, and do not disturb wildlife.
- Learn about native culture: Juneau and Tongass have a rich history and culture of the Tlingit native people. Learn about and respect their culture during your trip.
Conclusion
Tongass National Forest and Juneau are a unique and attractive travel destination, where you can explore unspoiled natural beauty, experience exciting outdoor activities, and learn about the distinctive culture of Alaska. Plan your trip today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in America’s largest rainforest.