Wilderness

 

The sheer extent of Wilderness is one of the most defining features of the Tongass National Forest: at nearly 5,756,000 acres, 19 Wilderness Areas account for approximately one third of the forest. We have some of the highest qualities of wilderness character in the nation, such as outstanding opportunities for solitude and absence of development.

Due to the unique relationship of Tongass communities to the land and the area’s long history of subsistence—the harvest and use of natural resources for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, handicrafts, and trade—the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) allows for some continuing uses in Wilderness Areas. These uses include special access by motorboat and airplane, public use cabins, subsistence activities, and temporary facilities for hunting and fishing.

The magnificence and scenic beauty of wilderness landscapes, along with their values as intact ecosystems, make these areas important for local residents, visitors, recreationists, scientists, and researchers. The Tongass National Forest is committed to managing these areas for the use and enjoyment of future generations. 

• Chuck River Wilderness
• Coronation Island and Warren Wilderness
• Endicott River Wilderness
• Karta River Wilderness
• Kootznoowoo Wilderness
• Maurell Islands Wilderness
• Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness
• Petersburg Creek - Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness
• Pleasant - Lemesurier - Inian Islands Wilderness
• Russell Fjord Wilderness
• South Baranof Wilderness
• South Etolin Wilderness
• South Prince of Wales Wilderness
• Stikine - LeConte Wilderness
• Tebenkof Bay Wilderness and Kuiu Wilderness
• Tracy Arm - Fords Terror Wilderness    
  • 2019 Wilderness Best Management Practices for Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness - Agreement Regarding Vessel Operators
• West Chichagof - Yakobi Wilderness
• Wilderness Briefing Paper
• What Can I Do in Wilderness?

The 19 Wilderness Areas on the Tongass National Forest