Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest
5
About
The nation's largest national forest.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
53 within 5 kms
Attractions
45 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
149 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
26
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
VijGuy
Chicago, IL41 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Ok place. Not to great and not boring. The flat mud are risky unless you stay on trail with guide. You need to take a boat and catch some wild life like bald eagle and sea lions.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rockiroads
Oshawa, Canada1,254 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This is a very large area. I feel like that our cruise ship was touching many ports along it. The falls and glaciers, amazing snow capped mountains and peaks. The area is breathtaking!!
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YolieG
San Antonio, TX6 contributions
Jun 2023
We were driven through it on our way to our Tour. The forest is lush and beautiful. We were not lucky to see any large wild animals but we saw magnificent eagles.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Linken
Windsor, Canada129 contributions
Aug 2022
Took a guided tour through the Tongass National Forest and had a great experience! First off, it is a beautiful, moist rainforest with so many colours between the green trees, blue berries, and red mushrooms scattered across the scene. There are beautiful streams everywhere, which had spawning Sockeye Salmon at the time of year I went, which was amazing to see! While hiking we saw lots of cool wildlife including a family of American Black Bears, countless Bald and Golden Eagles, Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons, and so much more! If you get the chance, definitely hike through this place as it is not only beautiful, but full of wildlife that you may encounter, giving you everlasting stories and memories!
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msk1Ca
ca190 contributions
Jul 2022
Separate from the everyday world--a wonderful reminder of all that is the best! Close to nature and all of its sights and sounds!
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean D
Logan, UT6 contributions
Jul 2022
This temperate rainforest makes this one of the most peaceful and picturesque places that make the Inside Passage magical.
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip T
San Diego, CA3 contributions
Apr 2022
Coming from the desert you forget that some places can be so green and colorful even in winter! So pretty and full of fresh air everywhere. The moss is so extensive and aromatic.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marthan570
Clermont10 contributions
Aug 2021
Very relaxing visit. View of the water was amazing. Coming from FL quite a different beach. Beautiful views.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alaska_Gator_Girl
Wasilla, AK46 contributions
May 2021
Loved all the sights and scents of the old-growth forests. Huge, towering trees. Moss-covered trees and plants, and many trees/plants growing out of old tree trunks. Waterfalls and streams in the dense forests.
Written 20 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeeLittle
Downers Grove, IL1,623 contributions
Sep 2019
Looking for a easy hike/walking trail then this one is for you. It's gets humid therefore make sure you bring enough water with you.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele D
Oconomowoc, WI
We will be arriving in Ketchikan around 2:30pm and leave at 9:00 pm. We would like to see a lumberjack show as well as walk around Tongass National Forest. The show is either at 3 or 5 and I really want to get to walk in the forest. I am thinking of the early show at 3 and ends at 4. That would give us about 4 hours to see the forest. What do you recommend we see in the forest? I just want to make sure we get to see some awesome sights. Thank you!
Lisa S
7 contributions
Looking to hike while in Ketchikan and looking for trails that are fairly easy to get to from the cruise ship port. Don't want to book an excursion but just hike on our own. Are there ubers in the area if needed for a ride to trailheads?
TIA
Edefelice
Spring, TX12 contributions
Can you tell me an approximate time it took to walk the Rainbird trail if you do so on your own? I know everyone is different, but just a very general estimate of time would be appreciated.
windingdown2015
North Ridgeville, OH30 contributions
I think we spent about 3
We were dropped off at the North end and walked back down to town from the South end when we finished the trail. All in the 3 hrs.
Eva L
West Linn, OR2 contributions
Hello! If I wanted to spend a week in The Tongass (solo) and wanted to do day hikes through the rain forest and maybe see some local sights, would Ketchikan be the best centrally located place to stay? I know the National Park is massive so I just hoping for a little local advice. Thanks!
NJRoamer75
Voorhees, NJ58 contributions
Ketchikan is an island, so you'd have to take that into account.
I would find a hiking partner for your time there, even if they only went with you for the day hikes, not necessarily for 24/7 if you want some alone time.
parky17
parky1722 contributions
Hi, would you recommend having a guide, or just go on your own?
NJRoamer75
Voorhees, NJ58 contributions
First time there? Go with a guide.
bsoeff
Indianapolis, IN13 contributions
We also have a day in Ketchikan from our cruise and want to take a hike. How do we get from the boat port to the forest for a day of just relaxed hiking?
NJRoamer75
Voorhees, NJ58 contributions
Ketchikan is an island, so you'll need to get to the mainland first, then find hiking trail info from there. If you do that, be sure to allow extra time to get back to the ship. My suggestion would be the National Park Service for starters.
michellewO8744ET
Ventura, CA8 contributions
Can I explore the Tongass National forest on my own without a guide or tour? Thank you.
David W
Jenks, OK453 contributions
Yes, but I would recommend that you use a guide to see the interesting points within the preserve. The area is massive so you could spend a lot of time wandering around in nature.
Debbie P
Denver, Colorado, United States23 contributions
Husband & I will be in Ketchikan in September for 1.5 days after an inland passage cruise. Suggestions on what not to miss!
jaybeeFL
Palm Harbor, FL3,280 contributions
You have a lot of time, more than most! Obviously touring the town itself with stops at the Salmon Market and Creek Street being highlights. A tour out to George's Inlet and a fantastic "all you can eat" crab feast are truly memorable. If pressed for time the latter is best part. We didn't get to any of native culture exhibits/shows but would have liked to. Enjoy Alaska!
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Claim your listingTONGASS NATIONAL FOREST: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tongass National Forest
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tongass National Forest:
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour (From €77.70)
- Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour (From €145.34)
- Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition (From €181.90)
- Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour (From €355.57)
- Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking (From €105.12)
- Hotels near Tongass National Forest:
- (1.21 km) Inn at Creek Street
- (1.38 km) Waterfall Resort Alaska
- (0.62 km) Town / Park District � Suite Dreams Inn Ketchikan
- (1.11 km) Thomas Street Vacation Rental
- (1.55 km) Steamboat Bay Fishing Club
- Restaurants near Tongass National Forest:
- (1.32 km) Alaska Crêpe Co
- (1.37 km) Alaska Fish House
- (1.77 km) The Asylum Bar
- (1.17 km) Cape Fox Lodge
- (1.18 km) New York Cafe