Back to top

About the Region

Alaska’s Rainforest Islands are centrally located in Southeast Alaska, also known as the Inside Passage. It is the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest forest and one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world.

While the Rainforest Islands area is composed of hundreds of islands, Prince of Wales Island, the nation’s fourth largest island, along with Wrangell Island, Mitkof Island, and Kupreanof Island are the islands with population centers. From here, you can plan excursions, find comfortable accommodations, and shop for your Alaska souvenir.

The communities of Alaska’s Rainforest Islands are smaller than the cruise ports of Ketchikan and Juneau but the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly people, and the full range of services these communities offer make an Alaska’s Rainforest Islands off-the-beaten path adventure more rewarding. 

Petersburg and Wrangell are easily accessible by Alaska Airlines; and both communities and Kake on Kupreanof Island are ports of call on the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries. Prince of Wales is easily accessed from both Petersburg and Wrangell as well as Ketchikan. Adventure opportunities, cultural sites, glaciers, trails and so much more await you!