The largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass protects much of Southeast Alaska and its temperate rainforest, glaciers, fjords, and peaks, along with hundreds of islands and rock outcroppings.
Fees and rules change — always confirm with the managing agency. Public land ≠ unlimited harvest: state licenses apply for hunting/fishing, and foraging rules vary by unit.
📋 Standard rules — National Forests
The publicly posted baseline for this land type. Individual units add their own rules — the official page always controls.
Generally free to enter; some trailheads/day-use sites charge $5–10 (America the Beautiful covers them)
Hunting, fishing, and foraging for personal use are generally ALLOWED with state licenses — check ranger-district rules
Dispersed camping allowed up to 14 days, 100–200 ft from water and trails
Campfires per posted fire danger; motor vehicles on designated routes only (see the MVUM map)
Dogs allowed, leash rules vary; drones generally allowed outside wilderness areas