Alaska
Alaska is a vast and rugged state located in the far northwest corner of North America. It is the largest state in the United States by land area and features some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world, including towering mountains, vast glaciers, and pristine wilderness areas. Despite its size, Alaska has a relatively small population, with most of its inhabitants concentrated in a few major cities such as Anchorage and Juneau. The state is known for its extreme weather conditions, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers, and its abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and whales. The Alaska Native people have a rich cultural history in the state, with many communities still practicing traditional subsistence lifestyles. Overall, Alaska is a unique and beautiful place that offers visitors and residents alike a true sense of adventure and wonder.
Alaska is home to over 20 million acres of National Forests, managed by the United States Forest Service. These forests include the Tongass National Forest, the largest National Forest in the United States, and the Chugach National Forest, located near the city of Anchorage. These forests offer a diverse array of landscapes, from towering coastal rainforests to alpine tundra, and provide important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose, and bald eagles. Visitors to Alaska’s National Forests can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching.
The Chugach National Forest is a 6,908 square mile (17,896 km²) forest located in south-central Alaska, near the city of Anchorage. It is the second-largest National Forest in the United States, and it encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including mountain peaks, glaciers, fjords, and coastal rainforests. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, and bald eagles, as well as several species of salmon and other fish. Visitors to the Chugach National Forest can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing, and can take advantage of a network of trails and campgrounds located throughout the forest. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach
Chugach Supervisors Office
161 East 1st Ave., Door 8 Anchorage, Alaska 99501
(907) 743-9500
No Vehicle Use Map
Cordova Ranger District
P.O.Box 280, 612 Second Street, Cordova, AK 99574
(907) 424-7661
Vehicle Use Map (Copper River Delta)
Glacier Ranger District
P.O. Box 129 Forest Station Road, Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-3242
Vehicle Use Map (Eastern Kenai Peninsula)
The Seward Ranger District
33599 Ranger Station Spur (mile marker 23.5), Seward, AK 99664
(907) 288-3178
Vehicle Use Map (Prince William Sound and Northern Kenai Peninsula)
The Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the United States, covering over 16.7 million acres in southeast Alaska. The forest is characterized by its stunning coastal rainforest environment, with towering spruce and hemlock trees, glacier-fed rivers, and a complex network of fjords and islands. The Tongass is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, Sitka black-tailed deer, and numerous species of birds and fish. Visitors to the Tongass can experience a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking, and can also explore cultural and historic sites of significance to the region’s indigenous Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. The Tongass National Forest is an unparalleled wilderness area, known for its natural beauty, ecological importance, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/
Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District
3031 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901-5743
(907) 225-2148
Craig Ranger District
504 9th Street, PO Box 500, Craig, AK 99921-9998
(907) 826-3271
Vehicle Use Map (Craig and Thorne Bay North)
Thorne Bay Ranger District
1312 Federal Way, PO Box 19001, Thorne Bay, AK 99919-0001
(907) 828-3304
Vehicle Use Map (Craig and Thorne Bay South)
Wrangell Ranger District
525 Bennett Street, PO Box 51, Wrangell, AK 99929-0051
(907) 874-2323
Petersburg Ranger District
12 North Nordic Drive, PO Box 1328, Petersburg, AK 99833-1328
(907) 772-3871
Sitka Ranger District
2108 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-6671
Hoonah Ranger District
430 Airport Way, PO Box 135, Hoonah, AK 99829-0135
(907) 945-3631
Yakutat Ranger District
421 Ocean Cape Road, PO Box 327, Yakutat, AK 99689
(907) 784-3359
Juneau Ranger District- Admiralty National Monument
8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-8800
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages approximately 72 million acres of public land in Alaska, which is nearly one-fifth of the state’s total land area. This land includes wilderness areas, national monuments, national conservation areas, wild and scenic rivers, and other special designations. The BLM’s management of these lands includes activities such as leasing for oil and gas development, mining, grazing, and recreation, as well as conservation efforts to protect important ecological and cultural resources.
The Anchorage District is a region of Alaska that encompasses the city of Anchorage and the surrounding area. Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, with a population of over 290,000 people, and is the economic and cultural hub of the state. The district is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, with the Chugach Mountains towering over the city and the Cook Inlet providing opportunities for fishing and other water-based activities. Anchorage is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing the work of local artists and performers. The district also offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching, and is home to several popular tourist attractions, such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/anchorage-district-office
Anchorage Field Office
4700 BLM Road Anchorage, AK 99507
(907)267-1246
Campbell Creek Science Center
5600 Science Center Drive Anchorage, AK 99507
(907)267-1247
Glennnallen Field Office
P.O. Box 147 Glennallen, AK 99588
(907)822-3217
Nome Field Station
P.O. Box 925 Nome, AK 99762
(907)443-2177
The Arctic District is a region of Alaska that encompasses the northernmost part of the state, including the Arctic Ocean and the Arctic Coastal Plain. It is one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions of Alaska, with a population of approximately 7,500 people living in small communities scattered throughout the area. The district is characterized by its harsh and rugged terrain, with vast expanses of tundra and permafrost covering much of the landscape. The Arctic District is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, arctic foxes, and various species of marine mammals, such as whales and seals. The district’s native Iñupiat people have a rich cultural history and continue to practice traditional subsistence lifestyles based on hunting, fishing, and gathering. Visitors to the Arctic District can experience a unique and remote wilderness environment, with opportunities for activities such as wildlife watching, dog sledding, and northern lights viewing. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/arctic-district-office
Barrow Field Station
P.O. Box 250 Barrow, AK 99723
(907)852-2757
The Fairbanks District is a region of Alaska located in the interior of the state, centered around the city of Fairbanks. The district is characterized by its extreme seasonal changes, with frigid winters and long, warm summer days. Fairbanks is known as the “Golden Heart City” and is the second-largest city in Alaska, with a population of around 32,000 people. The district is home to several important cultural and historic sites, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Museum of the North, which showcases the natural and cultural history of the region. The Fairbanks District is also known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Denali National Park and Preserve, which is home to the highest peak in North America, Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley), and a diverse array of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. Visitors to the Fairbanks District can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and cross-country skiing. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/fairbanks-district-office
Central Yukon- Eastern Interior Field Office
222 University Ave Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907)474-2200
There’s no grasslands in Alaska!
tips and tricks
Be prepared for the weather – Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for a range of conditions. Bring warm clothing, rain gear, and insect repellent, and be prepared for the possibility of snow even in the summer months.
Stock up on supplies – Some parts of Alaska are very remote, so it’s important to stock up on supplies before you hit the road. Bring plenty of food, water, and other essentials, and consider investing in a good quality cooler or refrigerator to keep your food fresh.
Be aware of wildlife – Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and wolves. Be sure to familiarize yourself with best practices for traveling in bear country, and always store your food and garbage in bear-proof containers.
Get off the beaten path – While Alaska’s major tourist attractions are certainly worth visiting, some of the state’s most stunning scenery and hidden gems can only be found off the beaten path. Be willing to explore and take the road less traveled to discover the true beauty of this amazing state.
do’s and dont’s
Practice responsible camping. Follow Leave No Trace principles, and always pack out your trash and properly dispose of human waste.
Support local businesses! Alaskan businesses rely on tourism, so support local businesses and buy locally made products.
Don’t ignore road closures or signs. Alaska’s roads and wilderness areas may have seasonal closures or dangerous conditions, so pay attention to signs and closures.
