expanse of temperate rain forest in the
world at 17 million acres, stretching 500
miles along the southeastern coast of
Alaska, the Tongass embraces hundreds of
islands, majestic mountains, glaciers and
deep fiords.
Large parts of the Tongass are accessible
only by air or boat. The famous "Inside
Passage" is the Tongass' primary
transportation route
The Tongass National Forest is home to the
world's largest concentrations of bald
eagles, grizzly and brown bears, Sitka
black-tailed deer. On the land, otters,
marten, mink, red squirrels, birds of every
description abound while salmon spawn in
numerous wild streams. 80% of the fish
caught in Southeast Alaska are spawned and
reared in streams in the Tongass National
Forest.
Kupreanof Island, the home island of Kake
is one of the larger islands, is located
centrally in the heart of the Tongass
National Forest.
