Latest news with #TongassNationalForest
Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Want a Steinway? The Forest Service Stands in the Way
Klawock, Alaska Steinway pianos have a particular sound. 'When one plays a Steinway, there is a warmth and nobility in the sound that is unequalled by any other instrument,' says Ukrainian-born classical pianist Emanuel Ax. The secret to the sound isn't merely Steinway's skilled craftsmen—who've been using the same methods since 1853—but the specialized wood they use for the soundboards. It comes from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, and it gives Steinway pianos the highest quality of tone, pitch, clarity and consistency. Unfortunately, a broken promise from the federal government will soon stop the music.
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Travel + Leisure
15-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The Largest Temperate Rain Forest in the World Is in the U.S.—and It Has Stunning Glaciers and Fjords
Get a bird's-eye view of the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield from a seaplane. Hop on a boat for a whale watching and wildlife viewing tour where you may spot humpback or killer whales. Ride the Goldbelt Tram for the best views of Juneau and the surrounding area. Hike the half-mile Mount Roberts Alpine Loop Trail to see Indigenous totem poles, Sitka spruce trees, and sweeping vistas of the Gastineau Channel. Pitch a tent at Mendenhall Campground—one of the 13 campgrounds in Tongass National Forest. With more than 700 miles of hiking trails, 17,000 miles of creeks and rivers, and 128 glaciers, Tongass National Forest is a haven for those who want to experience "wild' Alaska. It stretches across approximately 17 million acres and includes Alaska's coveted Inside Passage—it's the largest national forest in the U.S. 'The Tongass National Forest makes up over 90 percent of Southeast Alaska,' says Peter Nave, owner and lead guide of Wild Coast Excursions. 'It is a region of mountains and fjords, where towns are thinly stretched between steep forested slopes and deep, rich waters." Tongass is not only the largest temperate rain forest in the country, but the largest in the world. It's a thriving biodiversity hotspot and the perfect environment for brown bears, moose, wolves, bald eagles, deer, and even flying squirrels. Located in Southeast Alaska, Tongass National Forest includes the Alexander Archipelago, made up of 1,100 islands. While cruising the waterways, you may see five species of Pacific salmon, humpback and killer whales, sea lions, seals, and sea otters, as well as several types of seabirds. In addition, the region is the native home of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indigenous peoples, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. A popular access point is the capital city of Juneau, but most people come to the forest via cruise, usually entering the area through either Ketchikan or Sitka, Alaska. Depending on your cruise and how much time you have, you could explore the forest by hiking, fishing, dog sledding, or even zip lining. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Tongass National Forest. Tongass National Forest near Ketchikan, Alaska. You'll want to be prepared for chilly weather by dressing in layers, and a raincoat never hurts—Tongass is a rain forest after all. Also, be sure to bring water with you and a fully charged cellphone. Since cell reception can be spotty in the area, make sure someone knows where you're going. While there is no official entrance (or entry fees), like you would find at a national park, the Southeast Alaskan Discovery Center in Ketchikan or the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau are great places to start. Admission is $5 for adults, while children are free. You can learn about the flora and fauna, history, culture, and geography of Tongass National Forest by walking through exhibits, watching films, or participating in activities. Park rangers are on hand to answer questions, give suggestions, and hand out maps. You will not need a rental car, as there are few roads in the area. Most people get from town to town by seaplane or boat. Drones are allowed in some areas. Just be sure to follow Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Steve Blackledge, Environment America's senior director of conservation campaigns recommends bringing binoculars. 'If you're from the lower 48 and aren't used to being around bald eagles, these birds—America's symbol—will take your breath away,' says Blackledge. You can see views of the Tongass Narrows from Rainbird Trail. Most people would agree that the best time to visit Alaska is during summer, when the weather is warmest—usually in the 40s to 70s Fahrenheit. The darkest months are in winter, when there could be less than seven hours of daylight. You can see the Northern Lights from August through April, but you'll have better luck further north in towns like Fairbanks. If you're trying to avoid large crowds and high prices, don't visit in June through August, which is the peak season for cruise ships. As many as 16,000 passengers could descend on these small towns during the weekends. Visit in November to attend the Sitka WhaleFest where you'll learn about local marine life and go whale watching in Sitka Sound. September is the wettest month of the year. A cruise ship approaches Juneau, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The vast majority of travelers arrive via cruise ship, which typically stop in small towns such as Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Cruise ships typically visit Alaska from May through September. Though it's less common, you could fly into Juneau International Airport (JNU) or Ketchikan International Airport (KTN). However, you would still need to travel by seaplane or boat to reach most points of interest within the park. A family of grizzly bears in bears in their natural environment is one of the best things you can do in Tongass National Forest. There are four observation sites that are managed by the U.S. Forest Service to keep travelers and bears safe. Most sites require permits and fees. Getting out on the water is a must. Marine life is abundant here and thrives in the numerous channels, fjords, and bays within the forest. From humpback and killer whales to sea otters and sea lions, seeing these majestic creatures frolicking in their natural habitats is thrilling. Several companies offer boat tours. Alaska is known for its breathtaking glaciers and ice fields, and there are several ways to experience them in Tongass National Forest. You could see them from the water on a boat or by kayaking or from the sky via a float plane or helicopter. Alternatively, you could simply hike around them or view them on a dog sled. There are 19 designated wilderness areas in 'The Last Frontier.' You can fish, camp, hike, kayak, watch wildlife, or just appreciate the wild and scenic landscape. Two of the areas, Misty Fjords and Admiralty Island, are national monuments. The Auk Nu Trail in the Tongass National Forest. wanderluster/Getty Images This hike in Juneau starts with a scenic ride on the Goldbelt Tram, which whisks you to the trailhead at 1,800 feet. The half-mile trail provides expansive views of Juneau and the picturesque waterways and forests that surround it. Be sure to grab a trail map at the Goldbelt Tram gift store. To access this roughly three-mile loop trail, begin at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau where you can first watch a short video about the glacier. The moderate trail will reward you with epic views of the approximately 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier that flows from the Juneau Icefield. Head to the end of Basin Road in Juneau to get to the three to five-mile out-and-back Perseverance Trail. It runs along an old railroad and passes by out-of-commission mine shafts. This trail is dog-friendly and also open to mountain biking. Follow the beautiful Indian River about four miles (one way) to arrive at a dramatic waterfall on the Indian River Trail, also known as the Kaasda Héen Trail. It winds through a lush forest landscape just outside of Sitka. The trailhead is accessible via the public Ride bus from downtown. Guest room in Four Points by Sheraton Juneau. Staying in a backcountry lodge in Alaska is on many people's bucket list. Raven's Roost Cabin, owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is a tranquil escape since it can only be reached by helicopter or by hiking four miles on Raven Trail from Petersburg. Peer out of your tent or RV for spectacular views of Mendenhall Glacier from this fully equipped campground near downtown Juneau. 'Roughing it' is easy here, since there's drinking water on tap, flush toilets, showers, and grills. Spend your days hiking and your nights around the campfire. If your goal is to hook the 'big one,' book a stay at Salmon Falls Fishing Resort. This all-inclusive resort in Ketchikan, aka the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' has upscale rustic lodging, a waterfront restaurant with locally sourced cuisine, and guided fishing excursions. For more contemporary accommodations, stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Juneau. You will find all the comfort and modern amenities you would expect from a Sheraton. The hotel is conveniently situated in the historic downtown district, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska. Meg Roussos/Bloomberg via Getty Images Sink your teeth into a true Alaskan delicacy, Alaskan king crab, at Tracy's Crab Shack. With two locations in Juneau, you can order a bucket of crab legs and claws, crab cakes, or crab bisque. Choose from red king crab, golden king crab, Dungeness crab, or snow crab. Watch float planes take off and land from this kitschy waterfront eatery in Ketchikan, serving locally sourced seafood. At Bush Pilot's Lounge, you can learn about the history of Alaskan bush aviation while dining on a three-course, made-from-scratch meal. Don't miss the 3D-printed map of Alaska's Inside Passage. Located in Sitka's Harbor Mountain Brewing Co., you can wash down your craft beer with a piping hot artisan pizza from Campfire Kitchen. These hand-tossed, wood-fired pies come in six varieties, including 'Break Up at Burning Man' with eight toppings. They also serve reindeer hot dogs.
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Travel + Leisure
27-05-2025
- General
- Travel + Leisure
This Alaska Region Has Some of the State's Most Beautiful Coastal Towns—Plus Majestic Glaciers and Unforgettable Wildlife
Located about 16 miles north of downtown Ketchikan—the Salmon Capital of the World—the waterfront Salmon Falls Fishing Resort is a haven for anglers wanting an all-inclusive fishing adventure. Watch huge chunks of ice calve off massive glaciers and splash spectacularly into the water at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Take a scenic seaplane tour of the enormous Juneau Icefield. Situated on the waterfront in Juneau, crack open an Alaskan king crab leg at Tracy's King Crab Shack. Alaska's Inside Passage is home to charming small towns that highlight the destination's Indigenous heritage and offer local experiences. As I gazed out the tiny window of the 10-passenger floatplane, wearing bulky headphones to drown out the turbine engine, the staggering 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield came into view. I peered down at the massive glaciers with electric blue crevasses. This was one of Alaska's Inside Passage adventures that would stick with me. The Inside Passage draws travelers interested in outdoor adventure, wildlife, charming coastal towns, and Indigenous culture. Located in southeastern Alaska, about 80 percent of the area is in the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States. The expansive terrain not only features glaciers, but also scenic waterfalls, temperate rain forest, picturesque fjords, and an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bears, whales, moose, mountain goats, seals, and bald eagles (their heads look like white golf balls in the trees). There's no shortage of outdoor activities, including kayaking, boating, hiking, and fishing. The region is also rich in Indigenous culture and history, home to the Tlingit, Haida, Eyak, and Tsimshian Alaskan Native people. Their skilled artistry can be seen in colorful totem poles and intricately woven baskets found throughout the alluring coastal towns. Many arrive by cruise ship, which allows you to cover large distances in a short amount of time. If you're visiting the Inside Passage, use this curated guide to help plan your trip. The lobby of Four Points by Sheraton Juneau. Conveniently located in historic downtown Juneau, Alaska's capital, the Four Points by Sheraton Juneau offers comfortable guest rooms with ocean views and useful amenities, like complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an on-site convenience store. Just steps from Sitka Harbor and Crescent Bay, The Sitka Hotel offers water and mountain views, plus it's walkable to downtown shops and restaurants. Dine at one of the nearby eateries or make a meal in your room thanks to the kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and stove. Guests arrive by boat to this Alaskan lodge that offers unmatched fishing and outdoor adventures. After a day on the water or hiking in nature, relax on the sandy beach or indulge in a spa treatment. The beautiful setting in the Tongass National Forest is ideal for experiencing the Inside Passage. Set off on a guided fishing adventure at this all-inclusive resort not far from Ketchikan. After making a catch, relax on the patio or by the firepit, listen to live music, or play yard games. End the day with a fresh Alaskan dinner at the Timbers Restaurant & Lounge. The host innkeepers of this bed-and-breakfast warmly welcome their guests with cozy rooms named after women who were part of the Klondike gold rush, farm- and sea-to-table meals at Olivia's Bistro, and top-notch service. Ask for their input on hiking the Chilkoot Trail. They'll even let you borrow bear spray. A dog sled run in Skagway, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure After a ferry trip, a bus ride, a short hike, and a paddle across a river and lake, the view of Davidson Glacier is worth the effort. This is remote Alaska at its finest. The six-hour excursion from Skagway allows travelers to experience the wilderness and wildlife firsthand—by water and land. Board a vintage train in Skagway and take in the views on the journey to the 2,865-foot summit of White Pass. The nearly three-hour round-trip route passes scenic waterfalls, glaciers, and historic sites of the 1898 Klondike Trail. There are also multiday train tours throughout Alaska. Learn about the culture and traditions of the Indigenous Tlingit people at this native village near Ketchikan. I found the traditional song and dance in the Clan House to be powerful and enlightening. Leave time to meet Indigenous artists in the Carving House and discover the meaning of totem poles at Totem Park. Observe the great outdoors from a wheeled dogsled pulled by trained huskies. The one-mile trail through the forest provides ample opportunity to photograph the picturesque backcountry. Cuddle with adorable husky puppies at the musher's camp. This 40-minute seaplane excursion offers a bird's-eye view of five epic glaciers: the Norris, Hole-in-the-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, and Taku Glacier. I particularly enjoyed the pilot's descriptive narration. The immenseness of the Juneau Icefield can only be appreciated from the air. A salmon dish from Beak Restaurant. This iconic restaurant, known for its Alaskan king crab, has two locations in Juneau. I loved the open-air waterfront dining at Shack 2, which large crab legs by the bucket. You'll also find Alaskan golden king crab, red king crab, Dungeness crab, and snow crab on the menu. At this gratuity-free restaurant in Sitka, chef Renée—a 2023 James Beard best chef semifinalist—cooks locally sourced dishes with a focus on high-quality seafood and sustainability practices. You will feel as though you are dining at a friend's home, with attentive service in a warm and welcoming environment. Pull up a seat at the bar to taste oysters freshly harvested from some of the most pristine ocean water on the planet. Just north of Ketchikan, guests can tour Hump Island Oyster Company to learn about its commitment to using ethical and sustainable farming practices. While visiting Juneau, I love hopping on the Goldbelt Tram to grab lunch at the rustic Timberline Bar & Grill. Dine on salads, burgers, or burritos with panoramic views of downtown Juneau and the surrounding area. Then, work off your meal by hiking the 4.5-mile Mount Roberts Trail back down. Dining at this historic saloon is like stepping back in time to the gold rush era, when bustling dance halls, saloons, and brothels were popular in Skagway. Fill your belly with pizza and beer, followed by a "quickie" tour of the brothel museum. Snow capped mountains in Alaska's Inside Passage. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The best time to visit Alaska's Inside Passage depends on what type of trip you're planning and what you want to do while visiting. Like many travelers, I prefer to go during the warmer months (mid-June through mid-August ). If you're visiting in August, pack a raincoat because it's one of the wettest months. Summer is also when you'll have the most daylight (typically around 18 hours), and it's prime time for bear spotting due to salmon spawning. If seeing the northern lights is on your wish list, head there mid-August through mid-April, especially during the equinoxes. The winter months are less expensive and less crowded, but also colder and darker. Approximately 1.68 million travelers arrived in Alaska via cruise ship in 2024, making it the most popular way to reach the 49th state. To access the Inside Passage by plane, fly into Juneau or Ketchikan International Airport. Alaska Airlines, which recently merged with Hawaiian Airlines, has two flights a day from Seattle to Juneau that take about 2.5 hours. If you're not in a hurry, you can catch an Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry from Bellingham, Washington, to Ketchikan, but it takes 38 hours. You can also drive the 1,700 miles along the Alaska-Canada Highway (ALCAN) in about the same time. Colorful buildings on the water in Ketchikan, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The capital city of Juneau is rich in history and Indigenous culture, plus it offers plenty of outdoor adventure, shopping, and dining. I love starting with the scenic Goldbelt Tram ride to Mount Roberts, followed by a visit to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum or Alaska State Museum. Time permitting, include a short hike at Mendenhall Glacier. Strolling along colorful and historic Creek Street is one of my favorite things to do in Ketchikan. Browse souvenir shops selling Indigenous wood carvings, caribou fur, and gold nugget jewelry; check out the lively Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show; or learn about Indigenous art and traditions at the Totem Heritage Center. The Tlingit people are the town's original inhabitants, but the area is also known for its Russian heritage, displayed through the Russian Bishop's House and St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The annual Sitka Music Festival, held in June, brings world-class chamber music. I also take advantage of the outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and fishing. Skagway is steeped in gold rush history with plenty of related activities and exhibits. Hop on the train for a scenic journey to White Pass, visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, pan for gold, browse the gold rush cemeteries, or grab a meal at the bustling Red Onion Saloon. A sea plane outside of Ketchikan, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure With few roads connecting the small towns and islands in Alaska's Inside Passage, most visitors explore the area via small or large cruise ships. If you're going on your own, you can get from town to town on ferries or seaplanes. Once in town, most places are within walking distance. By Water: The AMHS has 15 ferry ports in the Inside Passage, making it an easy, affordable, and scenic way to get around, though not quickly. For long trips, travelers can book cabins with bunk beds and full bathrooms. Another way to access the area is by water taxi in and around places such as Gustavus, Ketchikan, and Wrangell. By Air: Traveling by seaplane is not the most economical option, but it's a relatively quick way to get from place to place where there are no roads. Plus, the views from above are breathtaking.
