Tongass National Forest

Enjoying the Tongass

• Where can I go fishing and what kind of fish can I catch?
• Do people need a permit to hike and camp in the Tongass?
• Where are the Forest Service recreation cabins and how can I rent one?
• Is it safe to watch bears at Pack and Anan Creeks?
• Where else can I see bears in the Tongass?

Where can I go fishing and what kind of fish can I catch? 

Opportunities abound in both salt water and fresh water throughout the Tongass National Forest. There are five species of salmon as well as Dolly Varden, trout, and grayling. In salt water try fishing for halibut and snapper or drop a pot for crab or shrimp. Check with local district offices for the best locations. Don't forget you'll need a valid Alaska sportfishing license to fish anywhere in Alaska. It is also a good idea to check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for regulations and bag limits.

Do people need a permit to hike and camp in the Tongass?

No. There are a few places where camping is restricted, such as developed recreation sites or managed wildlife viewing sites.

Where are the Forest Service recreation cabins and how can I rent one?

There are about 150 cabins spread all over the Tongass in several different settings. Some are on beaches, lakes, rivers or in alpine meadows. None are accessible by road, but can be reached by trail, boat or small airplane. They are rustic and offer solitude, beautiful scenery, sometimesgreat fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. Learn about them at any Forest Service office orvisitor center (or check them out under Recreation in these pages). Once you know which cabin you want, you can rent it by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (from outside the US, 518-885-3639).

Is it safe to watch bears at Pack and Anan Creeks?

Pack Creek on Admiralty Island and Anan Creek near Wrangell are well established bear viewing areas. The rules we require visitors to follow at the sites work well to minimize any conflict with the bears' salmon fishing. There is an armed host on duty during the peak viewing season, although the host cannot be at all areas of the sitse at all times. Thousands of people have visited, yet there has never been a bear-related injury at either site. Guide services are available that can stay with visitors throughout their visit or people can also obtain a permit and go on their own. All visitors are given an orientation to help them have a safe visit, but are reminded that there are no fences and the bears are wild.

Where else can I see bears in the Tongass?

There is a bear viewing site on the road at Fish Creek near Hyder just across the border from Stewart, B.C. Another at Margaret Creek north of Ketchikan is available by boat and a 1+-mile hike from Margaret Bay/Traitor's Cove. These are placse where bears congregate to fish and viewing areas are established. Other opportunities for seeing bears abound. During the spring, seeing bears along the beaches is common. Later, any salmon stream is a good bet. Safe viewing from a boat is recommended. Extreme caution must be used if viewing from land on foot.

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: November 25, 2007