Things to Do in the Rainforest Islands

With millions of acres to explore, the challenge isn’t what to do but what to do first! Alaska’s Rainforest Islands has something for every age, interest and fitness level.

Is your passion wilderness? Then go no further. There are hundreds if not thousands of ways to explore the millions of acres of pristine wilderness and miles of coastline. Hiking trails, cave exploration, scheduled small boat cruises and canoe or kayak trips are available to discover the islands and the wildlife within. Be sure and experience one of the hundreds of public-use cabins within the Tongass National Forest while you’re at it.

If soaring overhead to see icefields, glaciers and fjords tops your to-do list, there are private flightseeing excursions available. If catching a barn-door halibut is on your bucket list, well, there’s not a better area to go.

How about history and culture? Alaska’s Rainforest Islands are home to three ancient Alaska Native tribes – the Haida, Tsimshian, and Tlingit. Each tribe thrives today and has ancient artifacts and dwellings to tour, as well as modern facilities and museums. A visit to Alaska’s Rainforest Islands is not complete without a taste of Alaska Native culture.

Speaking of Alaska Native culture, all throughout the Rainforest Islands you can purchase authentic native arts and crafts. In addition, the Inside Passage is well known for its thriving community of artists. So, some local shopping is a MUST!

Finally, if hunting is your thing … well, Alaska’s Rainforest Islands offers that too. The vastness of the Tongass provides many opportunities for several types of hunting, ranging from big game hunting for coastal brown bear to fall mountain goats. Forest Service public-use recreation cabins and shelters are popular base camps for hunting trips, especially during the rainy and cool fall season.