Alaska's Tongass National Forest
Did you know it's the largest temperate rainforest in the world? Visit one of Alaska's treasures in this edition of Alaska Stories.
The Tongass National Forest is located in southeast Alaska.
Covering 17 million acres, it’s the largest national forest in the United States. To give you an idea of how big it is, the Tongass is 7 times larger than the state of Rhode Island, and twice the size of the state of Maryland.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The Tongass people, or Taant’ A Kwa’an, are a Tlingit tribe in Southeastern, Alaska. They lived in the area that is now home to Ketchikan, Alaska.
The name “Tongass” comes from the Tlingit word, “Taant’ A Kwa’an, which means, “sea lion tribe”.
The Tongass National Forest was named after the Tongass people.
The Russian Influence
In August 1902, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt designated the forest as the Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve. That name came from, Tsar Alexander II of Russia.
President Theodore Roosevelt designated it the Tongass National Forest in 1907.
Did You Know?
The Tongass is the largest National Forest in the United States.
Some of the oldest trees in the United States, live in the Tongass. Some are over 800 years old.
There is also a volcano in the Tongass. It’s called Mount Edgecumbe, and it’s currently dormant.
Yes, You can Share This Edition of Alaska Stories
Everyone (well almost everyone) is fascinated by Alaska. So make your friends and family happy, by sharing this edition with them.
And when you do, they will be so excited that they will buy you, your dream car… well, it could happen.
That’s a Lot of Coastline
Passengers on cruise ships enjoy some 11,000 miles of Tongass National Forest covered coastline.
The Tongass National Forest is the largest temperate Rainforest in the world.
The canopy of the forest consists of yellow cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees. While the ground is covered by ferns and moss.
The Tongass National Forest is populated by the biggest trees in Alaska.
They Call it Home
Did you know that more bald eagles live in the Tongass National Forest than any other place on earth?
19 areas of the Tongass are designated as wilderness.
Nearly one million people visit the Tongass National Forest each year. Most are passengers on cruise ships.
BONUS
Learn more about the Tongass National Forest and enjoy.
Quick Facts
No brag, just fact.
Alaska is home to 17 of North America’s tallest mountains
Alaska has 100,000 glaciers
Alaska has more coastline (around 34,000 miles) than the rest of the United States combined.
Connect with Mike and Mary
We write Alaska Stories and the Anchorage Memories Club
Have you ever visited the Tongass National Forest?
If you have, we’d love to hear from you.
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Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories