Tongass National Forest

Overview

Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, renowned for its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and extensive outdoor recreational opportunities. It offers a unique blend of temperate rainforests, glaciers, and marine environments.

It is the largest national forest in the U.S. and a vital habitat for numerous species, including bald eagles, bears, and whales.

Nature Reserve Hiking Wildlife Watching

Location

Address

Juneau, Alaska

Neighborhood: Downtown Juneau

Coordinates

58.301900, -134.419700

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

tuesday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

wednesday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-September

Best Time of Day

Early morning

calm wildlife and scenic views

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4 hours

Full Experience

multiple days

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to cool

• wildflowers
• waterfalls

summer

warm to cool

• long daylight hours
• glacier viewing

autumn

cool to cold

• fall colors
• migrating wildlife

winter

cold to very cold

• snowshoeing
• cross-country skiing

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check trail conditions
Bring bear spray
Dress in layers

What to Bring

essential

water map bear spray

seasonal

warm clothes rain gear

not allowed

drones without permit feeding wildlife

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate to high

• bear encounters
• uneven terrain

Medical facilities: limited, nearest hospital in Juneau

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0

parking $5

guided tours $50

equipment rental $20

Dress Code

casual, weather-appropriate, hiking boots, layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, inappropriate clothing for weather

Booking Tips

• 1 month
• official website
• 48 hours
• not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Tongass Explorer

Size: 100 MB

Features: Map, Trail conditions, Wildlife sightings

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Juneau International Airport

Distance: 12 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi

$30 20 min

public_transport

$2.50 30 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

bus

$2 15 min

taxi

$15 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Pristine nature, rich wildlife

Historical Significance: Home to indigenous Tlingit people

Insider Tips

Best fishing spots with rangers
Hidden waterfalls

Local Recommendations

• Visit local cafes
• Ask rangers for tips

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Gunalchéesh

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Tlingit

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Mendenhall Glacier

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide shots

Result: Stunning glacier views

#TongassNationalForest #Alaska

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas

prohibited areas protected wildlife zones

flash photography not allowed in wildlife areas

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy permit required

tripod policy allowed

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Visitor Center

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Distance: 5km

Walking: 60 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.8

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Bring bear spray"
"Visit Mendenhall Glacier"
"Hike the Perseverance Trail"

Contact Information

+1 907-586-8800

info@tongassnf.com

www.fs.usda.gov/tongass

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (1)

Alpine Segway Wilderness Trail Adventure

View All Tours for "Tongass National Forest ,juneau"