Recreation

The Tongass National Forest consists of glimmering rain forests, glaciers and icefields, spectacular scenery, mountains, waterways, and thousands of islands separated by straits and channels offering outstanding recreation opportunities, some very different from anything you'll experience in National Forests in the lower 48 states. Over 400 species of terrestrial and marine wildlife, fish, and shellfish abound. Some species, such as the bald eagle and the brown bear, are endangered in other parts of the United States, but thrive here. Experience one of our 6 bear viewing areas, or our 5 Glaciers.

Camp in a campground or in a cabin. Hike through dense forest, alpine meadow, or on a wooden boardwalk trail through peat bogs called muskegs. Explore world-class caves, one or all of our 17 Wilderness Areas, or enjoy salt water fjords and unending waterways by canoe or kayak, via your own motor or sail boat, charter boat, ferry, or cruise ship. Watch bears, eagles, whales, and countless other wild animals in their natural settings. Visit glaciers by land or sea. And of course, fish, in fresh or salt water environments, everything from herring to trout, salmon to halibut. For a truly Alaskan experience, visit the Tongass National Forest. Where will your Alaska adventure take you?

Bear Safety on the Tongass

7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Spotlights

Raven's Roost Cabin

Sitting on the Alexander Archipelago in southeast Alaska the Raven's Roost Cabin is a custom built alpine cabin which was designed to allow access through the door in the loft during periods of deep winter snow. It sits at the top of a mountain in a very scenic area, providing views of surrounding terrain and access to a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as wildlife viewing and berry picking. The cabin is located on Mitkof Island, on the mountain above Petersburg Airport, at an elevation of 1,745 feet. It is the only cabin accessible by trail from Petersburg. The cabin is 16'x20' with a covered deck and a loft. The cabin has wooden bunks on the main floor and a sleeping loft.. It is equipped with a covered deck, a table and benches, a propane heater and an outhouse with a pit toilet. Terrain surrounding the cabin is flat muskeg and beyond that is steep mountain slopes. The cabin offers nice views of the Wrangell Narrows and Kupreanof Island to the west. A variety of wildlife can be seen in the area, including eagles, moose, deer, porcupines and black bears. The only fresh water available is from nearby adjacent pond or muskeg pools or melted snow. Water taken from any outdoor source should be treated or boiled before consumption. Guests are encouraged to bring drinking water if possible.

The area is popular among snowmobile enthusiasts, cross-country skiers, telemark skiers and snowshoers. During summer months the surrounding muskegs bloom with several species of wildflowers and wild berries. A trail to the north of the cabin connects to Petersburg, while a winter ski trail is marked to the south linking to the Twin Creeks road.