Alaska's National Forests

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Alaska has just two national forests, the Tongass National Forest and Chugach National Forest, but they are the largest in the nation.  Combined, the Tongass and Chugach total almost 22 million acres with 6 million acres in the Tongass designated as federally protected wilderness.  These vast and wild forested areas contain some of America’s richest wildlife populations and offer stunning landscapes of temperate rainforest, jagged mountain peaks, charming islands, calving glaciers, and beautiful fjords, estuaries and caves just waiting to be discovered.

 

 

The Tongass National Forest is located in southeast Alaska and is a spectacular public treasure.  The largest U.S. national forest, it is a nearly 17 million acre wonderland of glaciers and dense rainforest.  Framing much of Alaska’s Inside Passage, the Tongass National Forest contains thousands of islands and salmon streams and is home to more than 400 species of terrestrial and marine wildlife, fish, and shellfish.  Between 5,000 and 7,000 grizzly bears are found in the Tongass--some of the highest densities of these magnificent creatures on earth--more than four times the number of grizzly bears in the entire lower 48 states.  The Tongass is also an Alaska salmon stronghold with an estimated 4,000 pristine streams and rivers which provide critical habitat supporting five species of wild pacific salmon:  chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum.

 

The Chugach National Forest is geographically situated as America’s most northerly national forest.  At 5.4 million acres, it is our country’s second largest national forest and the only U.S. national forest to remain 99 percent roadless.  The stunning landscape of the Chugach stretches across Southcentral Alaska from the rich marine waters and snow-capped peaks of Prince William Sound to the world renowned salmon and trout streams of the Kenai Peninsula.  The ecologically dynamic Chugach is a place where glaciers and rivers continue to shape the landscape carving deep valleys through mountain passes.  Wildlife in Chugach National Forest is abundant and includes moose, Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou, wolves, and brown and black bears.  There are more than 40 public use cabins located throughout the region offering endless summer and winter activities for backcountry enthusiasts.

 

Plan an Alaska vacation to one of Alaska’s National Forests this year:

 

 

ABEC's Alaska Adventures
P.O. Box 10791, Fairbanks, AK 99710

We have all levels of Alaska Brooks Range trips into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or Gates of the Arctic National Park. With over 25 years of experience our Alaskan Guides provide a safe and a fun, "once in a lifetime trip."  We have custom, base camp, backpack, and river trips into the vast wild Alaskan Wilderness. You can see pictures of these trips in our Gallery on line at www.abecalaska.com or call 907-457-8907.


 

 
AdventureSmith Explorations
PO Box 1696, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Your big ship cruise alternative! Cruise Alaska up close aboard a selection of over 25 small ships and yachts carrying 6-138 travelers. We are award winning Alaska travel experts specializing in travel by small ships, yachts and wilderness lodges away from tourist crowds. Speak with our professional crew who has lived, worked and traveled at length throughout Alaska. With over 50 years combined experience in Alaska travel we will answer your questions quickly and accurately. AdventureSmith Explorations is a company founded by guides and we believe that a professional, knowledgeable and personable guide is the key to a successful adventure travel and small ship cruise experience. We are committed to sustainable tourism and contributing positively to the individuals, communities and environments encountered by every AdventureSmith traveler. Call our experts today to plan your Alaska small ship cruise today. 

 
 


 

 


 

 
Alaska Alpine Adventures
2133 Dahl Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading guided Alaska backpacking, alaska hiking trips and adventure vacations throughout Alaska's spectacular national parks and wildlife refuges.  Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth in both 2008 & 2009, Alaska Alpine Adventures takes adventure seekers on multi-day and multi-sport Alaska hiking tours, rafting tripsAlaska backpacking trips, kayaking trips, and skiing vacations throughout the Last Frontier.  Guided Alaska tours include adventure trips to Lake Clark National Park, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond.  Our brand of sustainable travel has been recognized by Adventure Green Alaska - Alaska's highly regarded sustainable tourism certification program.  Take a trip with Alaska Alpine Adventures and experience the Alaska vacation of a lifetime!

Alaska Outdoors
P.O. Box 875649 , Wasilla, AK 99687

Since 2001, Alaska Outdoors has showcased Alaska's National Parks and protected areas featuring small group camping and hiking tours throughout the state. Hike, raft, sea kayak, canoe, whale watching, glacier cruises, flightseeing and more. Tours range from 7 to 21 days and start at $995.

Alaska River Adventures
PO Box 725, Mile 48 Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing AK 99572

For over 30 years, Alaska River Adventures has hired 'well seasoned' professionals to guide small groups to wild rivers across Alaska.

 

 

Rare permits in Wildlife Refuges and Parks let us show you places few others can -

  • Fishing and photo expeditions on Wilderness Rivers
  • Drift boat fishing on the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers.
  • Rafting - from half day to multi day - mild to wild.
  • First class all-inclusive fishing lodge.

 

Alaska Ultra Sport
PO Box 1125, Chickaloon AK 99674

Alaska Ultra Sport offers guided wilderness trips throughout Alaska. We are based out of Chickaloon, Alaska and have guided trips all over the state.This business has been owner-operated since 2001. If you book a trip with us you will be on a trip with Bill and Kathi Merchant.We offer guided multi day rafting, sea-kayaking, mountain biking and backpacking trips. We operate in many National Parks, State Parks,the  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Katmai National Park and more.  We speak english, german and some french and italian. 2-6 people.

www.alaskaultrasport.com

 
Alaska Wildland Adventures
P.O. Box 389, Girdwood, AK 99587

Since 1977. Nationally recognized eco-tourism operator features an array of options including All-Inclusive Vacations, wilderness lodges, Sportfishing packages & rafting & fishing day trips; high-quality, small group guided trips allow guests to experience Alaska in the spirit of appreciation. Raft the turquoise Kenai River into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, seeking out moose, salmon and eagles. Paddle a sea kayak amid glittering glacial ice at  Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and watch for calving glaciers and breaching whales along the dramatic seacoast. Explore Denali National Park and seek out Alaska’s big four: bears, caribou, moose and Dall sheep. In the evening, relax with the authentic Alaskan hospitality of  wilderness lodges and delicious meals. From a two-hour scenic float trip to a two-week all-inclusive vacation, Alaska Wildland Adventures’ range of wilderness adventures and charming accommodations promise a memorable experience in wild Alaska.

 

800.334.8730

www.alaskawildland.com/vwa

Alaskan Alpine Treks
Anchorage, Alaska

10 years guiding small, customized backpacking trips into remote Alaska, where our knowledge and experience allow us to provide clients with an unparalleled adventure. We offer guided backpacking, hiking, camping and nature photography trips in Alaska, specifically Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Katmai National Park, the Kenai Peninsula and more. Browse our website and find the trip that's right for you. 

 

We offer a diversity of adventures, from the perfect family basecamping vacation, to more adventurous and customized rugged backpacking trips for you and your group. Drop us an email or call Carl at 770 952 4549.

Alaskan Tour Guides
6830 Toller Court, Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Experience a sense of wonder and awe.  See Alaska's scenery and wildlife from unique perspectives and discover Alaska with Alaskans.  Alaskan Tour Guides, Inc. leads you on a journey that is fun, educational, safe and eco-minded. We take great care to include sights or adventures we feel are distinctive for visitors seeking a more personal connection with nature and wilderness.  Choose from a wide range of tours, varying in level of difficulty and inetrests.  We are able to provide custom tours for most group sizes.

Arctic Wild
P.O. Box 80562, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Arctic Wild: Alaska Adventures with Latitude!

Explore the mountains, tundra, rivers, and coast of arctic Alaska with our professional wilderness guides. Enjoy wildlife and scenery in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Visit sub-arctic destinations like Katmai National Park and Yukon Charley. We specialize in multi-day, wilderness fly-in adventures. Whether hiking, rafting, canoeing or enjoying a wildlife base camp, the scenery, ecology, and quality service will impress even the most seasoned Alaska travelers. Find out why our clients return year after year and enthusiastically reccommend us for our small groups, local guides, minimum impact ethics, and great food! Custom trips and references available. Call 888/577-8203, or visit www.arcticwild.com.

Cascadia Adventure Education School
P.O. Box 240, 10 Abbey Road, Trout Lake, WA 98650

Cascadia Adventure Education School offers adventure education courses to youth in Alaska\'s most magnificent wilderness regions.

Chinook Tours
P.O. Box 111853. Anchorage, AK 99511

Booking agency, backpacking, guiding, hiking, kayaking and canoeing,lodging, organization, rafting and river trips, wildlife viewing, winter activities.

 
Discovery Voyages
P.O. Box 688, Whittier, AK 99693

Alaska's finest wilderness cruise- multi-day voyages, naturalist guided, small groups, onboard cabins, shore hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing, custom voyages. Charter boats, bird watching, cruiseships and tourboats, fishing, hiking, natural and cultural history interpretation, photography. Prince William Sound, Copper River Delta.

Earth Bed and Breakfast & Tours
1001 W 12th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

Earth B&B is THE home away from home for mountain climbers, fishermen, photographers and other adventurers from across the globe. Our comfortable and roomy Anchorage Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located close to downtown walking distance to the city's finest shopping, dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation. Our private accommodations are a perfect alternative to busy hotel lodging. You'll know you are in the right place from the minute you walk through our door.

Exposure Alaska
200 W. 34th Ave. #82, Achorage, AK 99503

Get out of the van and experience Alaska with our adventures.  Kayak, climb, hike, look for wildlife in Denali and more.  

 

Our Alaska Tours offer you the opportunity to get away from the crowds to the real Alaska. 

 

And you'll enjoy the smallest group size in the business with no more than 6 guests on our scheduled trips.  Get ready to Expose Yourself to Alaska.  

 

Since 1999.  Alaskan owned and operated.  

Good River Bed and Breakfast at Glacier Bay
Box 37, Gustavus, AK 99826

Spectacular GLACIER BAY, ALASKA. Sixteen tidewater glaciers, whales, kayaking, nature walks, wilderness. Elegant log house, comfy beds, handmade quilts, fresh bread ... quality accommodations - reasonable rates.. Custom packages - best value for the lowest cost

 
Great Alaska Adventure Lodge
33881 Sterling Highway, Sterling, AK 99672

Great Alaska Adventure Lodge.   Since 1981 travelers have enjoyed our ground breaking  blend of exciting Alaska sport fishing and adventure travel from  our riverfront lodge on the Kenai River.  Our guests choose from a wide range of itineraries that include world class sport fishing, private fly-in bear viewing, remote sea kayaking, hiking, day cruising, Denali Touring and much, much more. Customized family, group and corporate adventures are our specialty.  Our all- inclusive trips include pickups in Anchorage and range from 2-10 days.

 

Whether your Alaska dream entails double digit Rainbows on your fly rod,  viewing wild bears in their native habitat, rafting the Kenai Canyon, hiking the Chugach Forest or catching your first King Salmon (or better yet, all of the above!) Great Alaska Adventure Lodge is just the place to see those dreams come true.  Come relish the Great Alaska experience with your family or group this summer.

Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge
P.O. Box 956. Homer, AK 99603

Achingly beautiful ocean and mountain setting. Charming private cabins and accommodations with full bath, decks with view, and lovely furnishings. Expert, experienced naturalist staff for hiking, kayaking, birding, fishing, and marine mammal viewing.


 

Lazy Otter Charters, Inc.
P.O. Box 747, Whittier, AK 99693

Lazy Otter Charters, Inc.

Offering safe, reliable trasport services into Prince William Sound from Whittier, Alaska. 

  • Custom Sightseeing
  • Water Taxi for Kayak and camper drop-off
  • Photography and filming support
  • Kayak rentals
  •  

Our vessels are designed for speed and beach landings for ease of loading.  Qauaq Chief is a 40 foot, 22 passenger landing craft

Explorer is a 30 foot, 6 passenger vessel.

 

 

 

 

Major Marine Tours
P.O. Box 101400, Anchorage, AK 99510

Major Marine Tours offers an Alaskan wildlife and glacier cruise experience. We have reserved table seating; a National Park Ranger on every day cruise departure; and a freshly prepared, all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib buffet.

Naturalist Journeys
PO Box 16545, Portal AZ 85632

Arctic Alaska: A Naturalist Along the Dalton! July 31-Aug. 7, 2010

Join us for an incredible week ! Explore two crown jewels of the Arctic: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Tundra biologist Dan Wetzel of Fairbanks shares 30+ years of expertise. Search for Muskoxen, Caribou, ptarmigan, jaegers, Red Fox, songbirds from Asia, wildflowers & some of Earth's finest scenery.: Brooks Range, Antigun Pass & more.  www.naturalistjourneys.com  866 900 1146  

NOVA River Runners
PO Box 1129, Chickaloon AK 99674

Since 1975. Scenic and whitewater river rafting trips from class I to V, glacier hikes and ice climbing instruction on the Matanuska Glacier. Day trips near Anchorage and multi-dat trips statewide. www.nova-alaska.com

 
Orca Island Cabins
P.O. Box 1815, Seward, Alaska 99664

Orca Island Cabins, owned and operated by long-time Alaskans Dennis and Susan Swiderski, offers comfortable and stylish overnight accommations (yurts) on a private island in scenic Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay, 9 miles SE of Seward, Alaska. View wildlife from your private deck; kayak; explore tide-pools and a nearby salmon stream and waterfall; fish from the island or its dock; or just sit back and relax.

Prince William Sound Eco-Charters
P.O. Box 735,Whittier, AK 99693

Prince William Sound Eco-Charters was first established in 2000 by a seasoned captain, familiar with the Sound and the winds and seas that affect it. Whether your interests lie in fishing, sightseeing, transportation to cabins or other destinations around the Sound, or even photography, please give us a chance to meet your needs.

Rust's Flying Service
PO Box 190867, Anchorage, AK 99519

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Sailwood Adventures
P.O. Box 15342, Fritz Creek, AK 99603

Oceanside, private wilderness lodge for intimate vacation with family or friends. Sea Kayaks make this trip one to remember while viewing bears, whales, sea birds, eagles and sea otters. Hiking, cooking, strolling, relaxing, sailing, enjoying all that Alaska has to offer in beautiful Sadie Cove.

Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures
112 Toivo Circle, Sitka AK 99835

Join us for a guided sea kayak adventure to explore "the coast less paddled". Sitka Sound, and the countless passages extending north & south, comprises one of the most spectacular marine wilderness environments in the world. We offer a range of guided trips & outfitting services to match any schedule, budget, ability and preference. Our specialty is designing custom trips for families and private groups of 6-persons or less. Let's go paddling!

Sitka's Secrets
500 Lincoln St. Unit B-9, Sitka, AK 99835

Whether you're visiting southeast Alaska to fish for salmon or halibut, or to see tufted puffins, bald eagles, sea otters or humpback whales, join us, and we'll share our secrets!

My husband and I are wildlife biologists, and moved to Alaska in the 1970s, working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  We share a perspective acquired through years of education, experience, and a love for Alaska's wildlife.

We invite you to check out our website for more information!

Sound Eco Adventures
P.O. Box 707, Whittier, AK 99693

Biologist-guided whale-watching, wildlife, glacier and nature photography tours for up to 6 aboard heated, beachable, 30' cruiser in Prince William Sound, departing Whittier.  Individual attention and uncrowded photo ops assured. 2010 is our 22nd yr. Visit us online at <A HREF="http://www.soundecoadventure.com/">Sound Eco Adventures</A>, call Toll-Free at 888-471-2312, or email us at sea@alaska.net.

Southeast Charters Inc.
P.O. Box 33018, Juneau, AK 99803

Cruise the protected waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Enjoy whale watching, bear viewing, iceberg and glacier adventures, catching fish, setting crab pots, and exploring fiords with sheer rock walls and misty waterfalls.

 
Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
P.O. Box 3332, Seward, AK 99664

Since 1996 our professional guides/naturalists have been introducing paddlers to the wonders of coastal Alaska. We offer kayaking from three locations in the Seward area – Lowell Point, Fox Island and Kenai Fjords. We have the right trip for you whether an introductory paddle or a multi-day kayak/camping adventure. We feature small groups, great food and excellent guides. Come explore our home with us and take away an experience of a lifetime..  www.sunnycove.com

Taquan Air
4085 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, Alaska

Taquan Air provides quality flightseeing and air service in southeast Alaska. 

The Boat Company, LLC
P.O. Box 1839, Poulsbo, WA 98370

The Boat Company has been operating small ship ecotours in Southeast Alaska every summer for thirty years.  Our cruises are typically one week long and feature visits to remote wilderness areas throughout the region's scenic protected waterways.

 

On any given day, guests of The Boat Company have the opportunity to participate in an abundance of activities. We offer fishing, shoreline walks with trained naturalists, early morning and late evening kayaking, wildlife and glacier viewing, and everything from leisurely beach combing or gentle strolls to vigorous hikes through virgin rainforests.

 

Too-loo-uk River Guides
P.O. Box 106, Denali Park, AK 99755

Extended wilderness raft trips to Alaska's Arctic; Brooks Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic NP, NPR-A 

 as well as trips in Wrangell-st Elias and the Chugach Mountains.  We've been guiding in Alaska's backcountry and on Alaska's remote rivers for over 20 years.  We are Alaska owned and operated and specialize in small groups and personal service. 

Wild Alaska Travel
1115 D. Street Juneau, Ak. 99801

Wild Alaska Travel itineraries revolve around exclusive, authentic and off-the-beaten path adventure tours and extraordinary travel moments in parts of Alaska that most people will never experience. The tours have a strong experiential and learning component.  Our goal is to create a "trip-of-a-lifetime" by taking you to unique locations and provide first-hand opportunities to experience the Alaska you always dreamed about! www.wildalaskatravel.com
 

 

 

Wilderness Birding Adventures
5515 Wild Mountain Road. Eagle River, AK 99577

Wilderness Birding Adventures is dedicated to exploring, conserving and sharing Alaska’s rich natural world with those who like to add a splash of adventure and spontaneity (balanced with careful planning and safety) to their vacation in the Great Land. Since 1986, we have been offering our guests the best in Alaska birding, rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing trips from birding tours in the Pribilofs, Gambell and Nome, to wilderness expeditions like paddling the Kongakut and Canning rivers in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, photographing Spectacled Eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta – to name just a few of the possibilities!

Wise Guide Outfitters
P.O. Box 852, Cooper Landing, AK 99572

Alaska sport fishing at it's finest. Professionally guided fishing trips on Alaska's premier rivers and streams. Fly fishing, spin fishing and bait fishing on Alaska's world class Kenai River. Drift boat fishing and wade fishing for 4 species of trophy salmon, trophy rainbow trout and trophy char.

 

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