Tongass National Forest: Exploring the Rainforest from Petersburg, Alaska
The Tongass National Forest surrounds Petersburg with temperate rainforest, mountains, waterways, muskeg, lakes and islands. For travelers interested in visiting the Tongass National Forest from Petersburg, Alaska, there is no single entrance gate or visitor route. Instead, the forest becomes part of the trip through hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife viewing areas, fishing spots and boat trips into the surrounding wilderness.
At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States and covers much of Southeast Alaska. Petersburg sits near its center, making the community a practical base for exploring the Petersburg Ranger District and the forests of Mitkof Island.
What Makes the Tongass National Forest Different?
The Tongass is part of the coastal temperate rainforest that defines Southeast Alaska. Rather than a continuous landscape reached by highways, it stretches across the Alexander Archipelago and includes islands, fjords, glaciers, mountains, streams and coastal forests.
That geography changes the way visitors experience it. Some places can be reached by road or trail from Petersburg, while others require a boat or floatplane. The U.S. Forest Service manages hundreds of miles of trails as well as campgrounds, public-use cabins, wildlife viewing areas and wilderness areas throughout the Tongass.
How to Explore the Tongass from Petersburg
Petersburg is located on Mitkof Island within the Petersburg Ranger District. The district also encompasses Kupreanof, Kuiu and numerous smaller islands, along with remote areas accessible primarily by water or air.
Visitors do not need to organize a major backcountry expedition to experience the forest. Mitkof Highway and local roads provide access to recreation areas, hiking trails, fishing locations and wildlife viewing sites. Travelers with additional time can venture farther by charter boat, kayak or floatplane.
Three Lakes Loop Trail
Three Lakes Loop is one of the most approachable ways to spend several hours in the forest. The roughly five-mile trail system connects Sand, Hill and Crane lakes and passes through classic Southeast Alaska forest and muskeg landscapes.
The trail system also provides access to the historic Three Lakes Shelter, originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938 and later reconstructed. The site is about 14 miles southeast of Petersburg.
Allow several hours if you want to walk much of the trail system rather than treating it as a quick stop. Waterproof hiking footwear is useful even when it has not rained recently.
Blind Slough and the Swan Observatory
Blind Slough is a good choice for travelers more interested in wildlife and scenery than a long hike. The Swan Observatory Wildlife Viewing Site has a short accessible boardwalk leading from the parking area to a viewing shelter overlooking Blind Slough.
Trumpeter swans and other waterfowl use the area, and the surrounding forest and wetlands provide opportunities to watch for other wildlife. The Forest Service identifies Blind Slough Swan Viewing Area as one of its designated NatureWatch locations in the Petersburg area.
Mitkof Highway Scenic Stops
A drive along Mitkof Highway is one of the easiest ways to see more of the island without committing to a demanding hike. The road provides access to several recreation areas and views of the Wrangell Narrows, with opportunities to stop for hiking, fishing, wildlife watching and photography along the way.
Having a vehicle is useful for travelers who want to explore beyond downtown Petersburg. Scandia House is located at 110 N Nordic Drive and offers car rentals, making it possible to combine a stay in town with independent day trips around Mitkof Island.
Hiking in the Petersburg Ranger District
Hiking ranges from relatively easy forest walks to strenuous routes into alpine terrain. Forest Service recreation resources identify trails on Mitkof Island including Three Lakes Loop, Ideal Cove, Bear Creek, Raven Trail, Blind River Rapids and Ohmer Creek. Across the district, additional trails reach remote lakes, waterfalls and mountain terrain on Kupreanof Island and elsewhere.
Trail conditions in Southeast Alaska can be wet, muddy and slippery. Boardwalks are common in muskeg areas, and roots and rocks can become slick after rain. Check current trail conditions locally before heading out, particularly for longer or less frequently traveled routes.
Wildlife in the Tongass
Wildlife is one of the main reasons to spend time outdoors around Petersburg. The Tongass provides habitat for Sitka black-tailed deer, bears, bald eagles and numerous resident and migratory birds. Salmon connect the forest and marine ecosystems, returning to freshwater streams where they become an important food source for wildlife.
The surrounding marine environment adds another dimension. Humpback whales, killer whales, sea otters, seals and seabirds may be seen on boat trips through nearby waterways. Even without taking a boat excursion, visitors can watch for marine wildlife from shore. Outlook Park, about two miles from downtown Petersburg, is a particularly useful shore-based location for scanning Frederick Sound for humpback whales. June through September is generally the best period for whale watching there, with July and August offering particularly good opportunities.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Late spring through early fall is the easiest period for most travelers to explore the Tongass around Petersburg. Longer daylight hours make it easier to combine hiking, sightseeing and wildlife viewing in a single day, while seasonal tour and transportation options are generally more plentiful.
Summer does not mean consistently dry weather. Rain is part of Southeast Alaska’s coastal climate, and conditions can change quickly. A gray or drizzly morning does not necessarily mean the day is lost. Much of the forest is especially atmospheric in light rain, and lower-elevation trails can still be enjoyable with proper clothing.
September brings shorter days and cooler conditions but also has a local connection to the forest. The Tongass Rainforest Festival is traditionally held in Petersburg during the second week of September.
What to Bring
Good preparation matters more here than dressing for a particular temperature. Even on a short outing, expect wet vegetation and changing conditions.
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Water-resistant hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Warm layers
- Water and snacks
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Insect repellent during warmer months
- Offline map or downloaded directions for trips away from town
For longer hikes or remote excursions, carry additional emergency supplies and tell someone where you are going. Cell coverage should not be assumed once you travel away from Petersburg.
Bear Safety in the Tongass
The Tongass is bear country. Travelers should know basic bear safety before hiking and should never approach or intentionally attract wildlife. Stay alert, make your presence known where visibility is limited and give bears plenty of room if one is encountered.
Food and scented items require particular care when camping or spending extended periods in the backcountry. Check current U.S. Forest Service guidance before visiting remote recreation areas, especially during salmon runs when bears may concentrate near streams.
Do You Need a Car to Explore from Petersburg?
A vehicle is not necessary for exploring downtown Petersburg, but it greatly expands access to the surrounding forest. Many of Mitkof Island’s trailheads, fishing areas and recreation sites are outside comfortable walking distance of town.
Scandia House’s downtown location works well for travelers who want to explore Petersburg on foot while keeping the option of a rental car for a day on Mitkof Island. More remote portions of the Tongass require boat or floatplane transportation rather than a car.
How Much Time Should You Allow?
Travelers with only half a day can drive part of Mitkof Highway, stop at a wildlife viewing area and take a short forest walk. A full day gives you enough time for a longer hike such as Three Lakes Loop while still leaving room for scenic stops.
Two or three days opens considerably more possibilities. One day can be devoted to hiking and exploring Mitkof Island, with another reserved for fishing, kayaking or a boat excursion into the waterways and islands surrounding Petersburg.
The scale of the Tongass is important to understand. You will not “see the Tongass” in one visit. Petersburg instead gives you access to one particularly interesting part of a vast Southeast Alaska landscape, with rainforest, wildlife, fishing waters and mountain scenery beginning just beyond town.
Check Local Conditions Before Heading Out
Trail access, weather and recreation conditions can change throughout the year. Before a longer outing, check current information from the U.S. Forest Service or stop at the Petersburg Visitor Information Center for maps and local recommendations. The visitor center can also provide information about Forest Service recreation sites and public-use cabins.
A little flexibility goes a long way in Southeast Alaska. Keep a shorter trail, scenic drive or wildlife viewing area in mind as a backup for days when weather makes a longer hike less appealing. That approach often leads to a better Petersburg trip than building every day around a rigid itinerary.