Covering fjords, glaciers, the peaks of coastal mountains, and the ecology of the Pacific temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest will awe you with its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. The Tongass is not only considered the crowning jewel of Alaska's public lands, at nearly 17 million acres in size, it is also the largest of all the National Forests in the United States. With 19 designated wilderness areas and vast roadless areas, this immense wilderness offers a true deep woods experience that is unique in not only the United States but to most of the world.
Stretching along the coast of North America, the narrow strip of land that holds the Tongass National Forest is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and Canada. Dotted with islands and steep mountains, few roads traverse this location, and most traffic is by boat. The storms sweeping inland from the ocean bring abundant rainfall, leading to an ecosystem of towering, moss-draped trees, dense ferns, and flowing streams. This amazing area is home to plentiful fish, brown bear, and moose, among dozens of other species. From the water, you’ll spot whales, orca, seals, and more.
The best way to explore this Tongass National Forest is by the ferries and cruise ships that traverse the infamous inside passage along the western coast of North America. The campgrounds suitable for vehicle traffic are few and far between. Out of the 19 campgrounds within the Tongass, only three are suitable to hold RVs. Don’t let the low number dissuade you. These campgrounds are unlike any others and will leave you with a wealth of memories to cherish.
There are very few roads within the Tongass National Forest. Access is mainly from the few communities along the coast, which are accessible by ferry from Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage, and Prince Rupert. Each ferry service has different requirements and costs for vehicle, camper, and trailer shipment to destinations along the inner passage.
Ports of call with vehicle terminals have paved roadways, as well as secondary, gravel roads. Most roads are in variable states of repair and can contain potholes, mud, and broken pavement. Caution should be utilized while navigating through towns, especially if driving a larger rig. Campgrounds are located usually a short drive from town, as the road networks are fairly small and not interconnected between communities.
Within the forest there are forest access and logging roads. Some of these may be closed to motor vehicle travel. Others may be actively used by logging equipment and might be rutted and contain deep mud, especially in this forest which experiences frequent rain. There are no detailed driving routes through the forest roads, which can be narrow with steep grades. It is best to drive these in a smaller rig, preferably with four-wheel drive, due to hairpin turns, rough conditions, and lack of turn around points.
For larger vehicles and those without four-wheel drive, it is best to stick to the maintained roads near towns, the ferry terminal, and campground.
Located within view of the enormous Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Campground is one of the premier campgrounds in Tongass National Forest. Situated just outside of Juneau on Mendenhall Lake, this 69-site campground is open from mid-May until mid-September.
The campground features nine full-service sites, which have water, electricity, and sewer hookups for your RV. An additional nine sites have water and electricity. There is a central dump station in the campground to empty your holding tank or fill up on water. Two bathhouses with hot showers are located in the campground. Additional flush and latrine-style toilets are available, as well as water spigots.
The road surface is paved and all camping spots come with a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Most sites are back-in spurs that can fit a rig up to 45 feet. Usage of this campground is fairly high, and it is best to make a reservation before arrival via the ferry to Juneau. Pets are welcome.
Located just north of Sitka, Starrigavan Campsite offers 34 campsites nestled in the temperate rainforest. Open year-round, this campground will have you sleeping under old-growth hemlocks next to Starrigavan stream and estuary. This campground is considered primitive and does not have any water, electric, or sewer hookups. There are bear-proof lockers, water spigots, and latrine-style toilets throughout the campground. Trash collection service is provided during the peak season.
The access road and campsites are gravel. Most vehicle accessible sites are back-in and can hold a 38 foot maximum rig. All sites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads. There are rentable cabins located in the campground if you’d like to take a break from your campervan for a night or two.
Located on Prince of Wales Island, Eagle’s Nest Campground offers a breathtaking Alaskan experience. The campground is situated on the shores of Balls Lake amid a temperate rainforest. Wildlife and vegetation abound just outside the door of your camper.
Open mid-May to September, this campground contains ten-vehicle accessible sites and two walk-in. Located on gravel roads with short parking spurs, rigs or trailers up to 40 feet long can be accommodated. All campsites contain picnic tables and fire rings. A latrine-style toilet is centrally located.
The campground does not offer any drinking water on site and hookups. Make sure to top up your water and empty your holding tanks in Hollis when departing the ferry or the nearby town of Klawock before arriving. There is a 2.5-mile hike around Balls Lake and a boat launch at the campground that will have you outside your RV and enjoying the beauty of Prince of Wales Island as soon as you park.
For a truly unique way to experience the Tongass National Forest, head into the woods on two wheels to traverse landscapes where four wheels can’t go. Routes range from mountain top vistas to coastal routes and even across boardwalks that span wetlands. There are over 40 mountain bike-accessible trails through the forest. some of which follow historic routes of gold miners or interpretive walks on ecology. Others will take you to vistas of glaciers, such as the Herbert Glacier Trail.
From vistas to wildlife, the Tongass National Forest will astound you with what it has to offer. Even amateur photographers will capture the pictures of a lifetime with views of rugged coastal mountains, glaciers, temperate rain forests, and sublime meadows of wildflowers. Bears, moose, whales, orcas, and seals will leave you inspired. Check out the over 80 spots listed for their scenic beauty for the best chance to find wildlife. Some areas offer ranger-led tours that will help make sure you don’t miss something spectacular.
In a national forest with so few roads, one of the best ways to witness its spectacular scenery and wildlife is from a boat, especially a quiet paddle in a sea kayak. The Petersburg Ranger District boasts some of the best places to drop your kayak in the water. Head out to see iceberg-filled fjords in LeConte Bay. For something more remote, head over to the Keku Islands, which has hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore. Be sure you are prepared for the adventure that awaits you as these are truly rugged and isolated spots to access.
Though there aren’t many roads through the Tongass National Forest open to RVs and campervans, but there are over 60 trails and forest road routes open to OHVs. Be sure to know your routes as there are areas that not open to motor vehicle traffic. All OHVs must be 50 inches or less and registered. Stay on marked trails and do not travel cross country. Be prepared for mud and wet weather as well as potential wildlife encounters.
The winter is a lovely time to visit Tongass National Forest in your camping trailer, since the snows only enhances its beauty. Heading out into the snow-filled forest offers a chance to see the woodlands as few do. With almost 50 cross-country ski routes, you have your pick of difficulty and destinations. You can visit many natural wonders from the massive trees of the temperate rainforest to isolated hot springs. Know your route, stay alert for wildlife, and pay attention to changes in the weather.
Travel through the snow-filled forest with a lot less effort than cross-country skiing on a snowmobile. There are 16 routes open to snowmobiles in the winter that will wind you through the thick forests, across snowy meadows, or along the rugged coast line. Be sure to know your route as no motorized vehicles are allowed in designated wilderness areas. Many routes are multi-use, even in winter, so be alert for other users. All snowmobiles must be registered, and a trail pass may be required.
