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Tongass National Forest, Explore Wild Alaska
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Tongass National Forest covers the majority of southeast Alaska. It is the largest unit in the US Forest Service, as well as the largest coastal temperate rain forest. Almost 17 million acres to explore amidst an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, with miles of pristine wilderness few people ever see. Many opportunities abound for catching a glimpse of the wonders of wild Alaska.
 The forest service has a series of boardwalk trails scattered throughout the rainforest. Some are near rustic forest service cabins, available for $25 to $50 per night, transportation for people and supplies not included. These isolated cabins offer a chance to bask in the solitude of nature, enjoying the wild beauty few tourists to Alaska ever see. Many campgrounds and wilderness lodges welcome visitors to their own little slice of heaven.
For those who would prefer to see more than one place, small ship cruises offer a wonderful option. Unpack once and see lots of places in comfort and style. Best of all, you have all the fun while somebody else does all the work.
American Safari Cruises, offers luxury yachts with visits to places where the larger ships can't go. Or for those who prefer less luxury and more adventure, InnerSea Discoveries Cruises debuts in 2011 with an agenda that includes a variety of wild Alaskan experiences.
 Kayaking opportunities on InnerSea Discoveries cruises include long guided ventures to paddling around deserted coves on your own. Some stops also provide good areas to fish from the kayak. Wildlife often spotted includes whales, eagles, bear, moose, seals, and sea lions along with ducks, seagulls and other more commonly seen fauna.
Take long or short hikes on the forest service boardwalk trails through rain forest and muskeg peat bogs. Catch stunning vistas of untamed waterfalls and sparkling tree lined lakes. Take a boat ride through a fjord teeming with towering icebergs. You might even get close enough to touch one, maybe even taste it. Walk on a glacier. While most stops are in isolated wilderness coves, a couple include other options like flight seeing over the Misty Fjords National Monument, jet boat rides, or fishing charters.
 When traveling to southeast Alaska, plan to bring boots and rain gear as it is a rain forest. The cruise lines mentioned have rain gear on board, but bringing your own insures a proper fit. What else to bring depends on where you plan to stay. If camping or staying in the forest service cabins, you need to bring everything you will use, or buy it when you arrive in Alaska. With a lodge or cruise ship you normally need only bring your own clothes and personal items and they provide the rest.
by Lois Beath mycruisestories.wordpress.com
Tags: Alaska CruiseTongass National Forest Kayak Hike Boardwalk Trails
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