Outdoor Science and Learning
The Tongass offers many unique opportunities to be in nature and learn about the many diverse ecosystems and activities the forest has to offer. This includes viewing the incredible wildlife, plants, and scenic vistas.
Be sure to use the recreation opportunities search bar at the bottom of the page to discover activities by area!
Cultural Sites/Exhibits
The Tongass National Forest -- Where the Past Meets the Future
For thousands of years people have called Southeast Alaska home. The forest chronicles the history of the Tlingít, Haida and Tsimshian peoples as well as later immigrants who opened canneries, fox farms, mines and new communities. The cultures of Southeast Alaska are alive and provide meaningful links to our past.
What are heritage resources?
Heritage resources can include:
- an ancient stone tool
- Indian rock art
- an old Tlingít village
- an historic salmon cannery
- a geographic place name
- a family oral history
- an historic photograph
Heritage resources are the physical and mental remnants of a people's way of life that archeologists and historians study to interpret the human past. Heritage resources are important because they allow us to learn from our past.
Congress has passed numerous laws which are aimed to protect heritage resources, but we need your help to ensure that these resources are protected!
Features:
Alaska National Forests Archaeology & Culture
Prince of Wales & Vicinity Prehistory: As Seen Through the Archaeological Record.
Everyone's Cabin in the Woods: historic cabins website
Ranger Boats on the Tongass: learn more about the usage of ranger boats on the Tongass over time in this informative paper, “Historic Context and Evaluation of Ranger Boats in Alaska Chugach and Tongass National Forests” by Jayne Aaron and Steven Chris Baker.
Tongass Archaeology notes: read up on our most recent archeology work and findings.
Tongass Archaeology notes - Pictographs: read up on our most recent archeology work and findings of pictographs
Annex Creek Hydroelectric Project - Then & Now
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits
Interpretive Areas Areas
- Craig RD
- Beaver Falls Karst Trailhead Site Trailhead
- Dog Salmon Fish Pass Wildlife Viewing Site
- Eagles Nest Campground
- Harris River Campground
- Harris River Trailhead Site Trailhead
- Juneau RD
- Mendenhall Glacier Interpretive Visitor Center
- Thorne Bay RD
- Salt Chuck Trail
Viewing Wildlife
Nature Viewing
Tongass National Forest manages vast areas of diverse ecosystems, offering opportunities for viewing scenery, wildlife, and plants, with resources like nature viewing areas, trails, and information about specific plants and wildlife.
Choose from the following to find a site:
Bears feeding in a salmon choked stream; an alpine meadow dotted with wildflowers; a copper sunset from a scenic outlook-nature viewing is part of the Tongass experience. Don’t forget your camera!
Wildlife Viewing Etiquette:
When you visit the Tongass National Forest, remember that you are entering the home of all sorts of animals, from tiny shrews and flying squirrels to enormous moose and brown bear. When you act as a good guest, you might be rewarded with the chance to view animals in their natural environment without disturbing them.
Proper etiquette requires that you give wildlife space. If they stop what they are doing, appear nervous, leave or approach – you are too close. Coming too close can harm the animals and can put you in danger. Moose and bears can do significant damage if they feel threatened. Be particularly wary around mothers and their young. Disturbing animals also stresses them and can make it harder for them to put on the fat reserves they will need to make it through the winter.
Related Links
- NatureWatch Sites in Southeast Alaska
- ADF&G Wildlife Viewing
- Bear Viewing Areas
- Celebrating Wildflowers Alaska
- Southeast Alaska Birding Trail
Viewing Wildlife Areas
- Admiralty Island National Monument
- Admiralty Cove Cabin
- Admiralty Cove To N. Young Lk Trail
- Big Shaheen Cabin
- Church Bight Cabin
- Davidson Lake Shelter
- Davidson To Salt Lake Trail
- Distin Lake Cabin
- Distin To Thayer Trail
- Florence Lake (East) Cabin
- Hasselborg Creek Cabin
- Hasselborg Creek Trail
- Hasselborg Lake Shelter
- Hasselborg To Guerin Trail
- Hasselborg To Mckinney Trail
- Jims Lake Cabin
- Kanalku Trail
- Kathleen Lake Cabin
- Lake Alexander Cabin
- Lake Alexander Shelter
- Lake Florence Trail
- Lake Guerin Shelter
- Mitchell Bay Shelter
- Mole Harbor Shelter
- Mole Harbor To Alexander Trail
- North Young To South Young Trail
- Pack Creek Wildlife Viewing Site
- Pybus Bay Cabin
- Salt Lake To Mitchell Bay Trail
- Thayer Lake Shelter North
- Thayer Lake Shelter South
- Thayer To Salt Lake Trail
- Young Lake North Cabin
- Young Lake South Cabin
- Craig RD
- Cable Creek Fish Pass Wildlife Viewing Site
- Harris River - Day Use Area Picnic Site
- Harris River Campground
- Harris River Trailhead Site Trailhead
- Honker Lake Cabin
- Neck Lake Access Boating Site
- Point Amargura Cabin
- Salmon Lake Cabin
- Sarkar Lake Access Boating Site
- Sarkar Lake Cabin
- Shipley Bay Cabin
- Staney Bridge Campground
- Staney Creek Cabin
- Sweetwater Lake Cabin
- Juneau RD
- Auk Nu Trail
- Auk Village Campground
- Berners Bay Cabin
- Bessie Creek Trail
- Blackerby Ridge Route Trail
- Cowee Creek Trail
- Eagle Glacier Cabin
- Mendenhall Lake Campground
- Mgra Dredge Lake Loop Trail
- Mgra Moose Lake Trail
- Montana Creek Trail
- Mt. McGinnis Trail
- Nugget Falls Trail
- Pt. Bishop Trail
- Steep Creek Wildlife Viewing Site
- Windfall Lake Cabin
- Ketchikan - Misty RD
- Anchor Pass Cabin
- Deer Mountain Shelter Site
- Dude Mountain Trailhead
- Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site
- Manzanita Lake Cabin
- Margaret Creek Wildlife Viewing Area
- Petersburg RD
- Baird Glacier
- Blind River Rapids Shelter
- Castle Flats Cabin
- Patterson Glacier
- Swan Lake Cabin
- Swan Observatory Wildlife Viewing Site
- West Point Cabin
- Sitka RD
- Starrigavan Creek Cabin
- Starrigavan Rec Area - Campsites
- Starrigavan Rec Area Wildlife Viewing Site
- Thorne Bay RD
- Big Lake Fish Wildlife Viewing Site
- Honker Divide Canoe Route Trail
- Josephine Lake Cabin
- Karta River Trail
- Red Bay Lake Cabin
- Salmon Bay Lake Cabin
- Salt Chuck Trail
- Sarkar Canoe Route Trail
- Wrangell RD
- Aaron Creek Trail
- Anan Bay Cabin
- Anan Wildlife Observatory Site
- Berg Bay Cabin
- Garnet Ledge Cabin
- Gut Island #1 Cabin
- Gut Island #2 Cabin
- Koknuk Cabin
- Little Dry Island Cabin
- Mallard Slough Cabin
- Mallard Slough Trail
- Sergief Island Cabin
- Shakes Glacier
Viewing Plants
Viewing Plants Areas
- Admiralty Island National Monument
- Admiralty Cove Cabin
- Admiralty Cove To N. Young Lk Trail
- Big Shaheen Cabin
- Church Bight Cabin
- Davidson Lake Shelter
- Davidson To Salt Lake Trail
- Distin Lake Cabin
- Distin To Thayer Trail
- Florence Lake (East) Cabin
- Hasselborg Creek Cabin
- Hasselborg Creek Trail
- Hasselborg Lake Shelter
- Hasselborg To Guerin Trail
- Hasselborg To Mckinney Trail
- Jims Lake Cabin
- Kanalku Trail
- Kathleen Lake Cabin
- Lake Alexander Cabin
- Lake Alexander Shelter
- Lake Florence Trail
- Lake Guerin Shelter
- Mitchell Bay Shelter
- Mole Harbor Shelter
- Mole Harbor To Alexander Trail
- North Young To South Young Trail
- Pack Creek Wildlife Viewing Site
- Pybus Bay Cabin
- Salt Lake To Mitchell Bay Trail
- Thayer Lake Shelter North
- Thayer Lake Shelter South
- Thayer To Salt Lake Trail
- Young Lake North Cabin
- Young Lake South Cabin
- Craig RD
- Beaver Falls Karst Trailhead Site Trailhead
- Harris River Campground
- Hoonah RD
- 15 Mile Spur 1 Trail
- Bear Paw Lake Picnic Site
- Bohemia Basin Shelter
- Eight Fathom Cabin
- Greentop Cabin
- Greentop Cabin Trail
- Kennel Creek C Trail
- Kennel Creek Cabin
- Kennel Creek D Trail
- Kennel Creek Trail
- Lake 132 Trail
- Lake View Trail
- Lemesurier Island Lake Trail
- Lisianski River Trail
- Lower Suntaheen River Trail
- Mud River Trail
- Neka Hot Springs Swimming Site
- No 2 Creek Trail
- North Fork N Trail
- Pavlof Marsh Trail Day Use Area
- Pinta Cove Shelter
- Road 85784
- Road 85785
- Road 85786
- Salt Lake Bay Trail
- Sore Shoulder Spur Trail
- Stag Bay Trail
- Stag River Trail
- Suntaheen Int. Trail
- Takanis Lake Trail
- Wukuklook Beach Trail
- Juneau RD
- Auk Nu Trail
- Bessie Creek Trail
- Blackerby Ridge Route Trail
- Cowee Creek Trail
- Dan Moller Trail
- Mendenhall Lake Campground
- Moraine Ecology Trail
- Mt. McGinnis Trail
- Spaulding Trail
- Windfall Lake Cabin
- Baird Glacier
- Patterson Glacier
- Sitka RD
- Starrigavan Creek Cabin
- Starrigavan Rec Area - Campsites
- Thorne Bay RD
- Red Bay Lake Trail
- Wrangell RD
- Gut Island #1 Cabin
- Gut Island #2 Cabin
- Koknuk Cabin
- Little Dry Island Cabin
- Mallard Slough Cabin
- Mallard Slough Trail
- Mill Creek Trail
- Sergief Island Cabin
- Shakes Glacier
Viewing Scenery
Viewing Scenery Areas
- Admiralty Island National Monument
- Admiralty Cove Cabin
- Big Shaheen Cabin
- Church Bight Cabin
- Davidson Lake Shelter
- Distin Lake Cabin
- Distin To Thayer Trail
- Florence Lake (East) Cabin
- Hasselborg Creek Cabin
- Hasselborg Creek Trail
- Jims Lake Cabin
- Lake Florence Trail
- Mitchell Bay Shelter
- Mole Harbor Shelter
- North Young To South Young Trail
- Pack Creek Wildlife Viewing Site
- Pybus Bay Cabin
- Thayer To Salt Lake Trail
- Young Lake North Cabin
- Young Lake South Cabin
- Craig RD
- Harris River Campground
- Harris River Trailhead Site Trailhead
- Memorial Beach Picnic Site
- One Duck Shelter Site
- One Duck Trail
- Sandy Beach Picnic Site
- Shipley Bay Cabin
- Trocadero Trail
- Hoonah RD
- Bear Paw Lake Picnic Site
- Bohemia Basin Shelter
- Eight Fathom Cabin
- Greentop Cabin
- Greentop Cabin Trail
- Kennel Creek Cabin
- Lemesurier Island Lake Trail
- Lisianski River Trail
- Lower Suntaheen River Trail
- Neka Hot Springs Swimming Site
- Pavlof Marsh Trail Day Use Area
- Pinta Cove Shelter
- Stag Bay Trail
- Stag River Trail
- Takanis Lake Trail
- Wukuklook Beach Trail
- Juneau RD
- Amalga Trail
- Auk Nu Trail
- Auk Village Campground
- Berners Bay Cabin
- Bessie Creek Trail
- Blackerby Ridge Route Trail
- Crystal Lake Trail
- Dan Moller Cabin
- Dan Moller Trail
- Eagle Glacier Cabin
- East Glacier Trail
- Heintzleman Ridge Trail
- John Muir Cabin
- Lemon Creek Trail
- Lena Beach Picnic Site
- Mendenhall Lake Campground
- Moraine Ecology Trail
- Mt. McGinnis Trail
- Nugget Falls Trail
- Raven Shelter - Auke Village Recreation Area
- Skater's Cabin Picnic Site
- Spaulding Trail
- Turner Lake East Cabin
- Turner Lake West Cabin
- West Turner Lake Trail
- Ketchikan - Misty RD
- Deer Mountain Shelter Site
- Humpback Lake Cabin
- Manzanita Lake Cabin
- Nooya Lake Shelter Site
- Punchbowl Lake Shelter Site
- Wilson Narrows Cabin
- Wilson View Cabin
- Winstanley Island Cabin
- Petersburg RD
- Cascade Creek Cabin
- Crane Lake Trail
- Falls Lake Shelter
- Hill Lake Trail
- Spurt Cove Cabin
- Swan Lake Cabin
- Swan Observatory Wildlife Viewing Site
- Sitka RD
- Avoss Lake Cabin
- Baranof Lake Cabin
- Beaver Lake Trail
- Davidof Lake Cabin
- Goulding Lake Cabin
- Harbor Mt./gavan Hill Trail
- Harbor Mtn Rec Area Picnic Site
- Harbor-Gavan Hill Shelter
- Plotnikof Lake Cabin
- Sandy Beach Day Use Area
- Shelikof Cabin
- Starrigavan Creek Cabin
- White Sulphur Springs Cabin
- Thorne Bay RD
- Josephine Lake Cabin
- Red Bay Lake Cabin
- Anita Bay Overlook Campsite
- Harding River Cabin
- Little Dry Island Cabin
- Middle Ridge Cabin
- Shakes Slough 1 Cabin
- Shakes Slough 2 Cabin
- Steamer Bay Cabin
- Three Sisters Overlook Campsite
- Yunshookuh Loop Campground
Visitor Centers
Visitor Centers Areas
- Mendenhall Glacier Interpretive Visitor Center
- Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
- Petersburg RD
- Petersburg Visitor Center Day Use Area
Visitor Programs
Visitor Programs Areas
- Craig RD
- El Cap Cave Interpretive Site
- Nemo Campsites Entry & Info Site
Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities
15 Mile Spur 1 Trail
Aaron Creek Trail
Admiralty Cove Cabin
Admiralty Cove To N. Young Lk Trail
Admiralty Island National Monument
Amalga Trail
Anan Bay Cabin
Anan Wildlife Observatory Site
Anchor Pass Cabin
Anita Bay Overlook Campsite
