Alaska’s Tongass National Forest: An Unforgettable Journey with The Boat Company

There are few places left in the world where nature still feels completely untouched. Alaska is one of them. Towering glaciers, misty fjords, breaching whales, bald eagles soaring overhead, and dense rainforest stretching for miles create an experience that feels more like a dream than reality. Deep in Southeast Alaska lies one of the most breathtaking destinations in North America — the Tongass National Forest. This unforgettable journey with The Boat Company allowed me to learn why saving this National Forest is so important.

As the nation’s largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass covers nearly 17 million acres of pristine wilderness. While many travelers experience Alaska from crowded cruise ships, there is a far more intimate and unforgettable way to explore this magical region: aboard a small expedition vessel with The Boat Company. The owner of The Boat Company, Hunter Mcintosh, and his family have donated over 30 million dollars back to the Tongass National Forest and other very important causes.

For travelers searching for authentic Alaska adventures, sustainable travel experiences, wildlife encounters, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, this journey through the Tongass National Forest delivers memories that last a lifetime.

Getting To The Tongass National Forest

I flew from San Antonio to Seattle and stayed the night. There aren’t a lot of flights to Alaska, so it may take a couple of days to get there from the lower 48, depending on where you are coming from. The next day, I flew into Juneau, my first glimpse of my 49th state. I have visited all of the lower 48 states, and only had Alaska and Hawaii left to go. I had a short layover in Juneau before making my final flight into Sitka. I love Sitka Alaska. This town is what you expect from an Alaskan town. historic bars like Ernie’s, where we tried the famous Duck Fart. Cute boutiques where we helped the local economy by buying gifts, chocolates, and a few pieces of jewelry made by local artists.

The food in Sitka was amazing. We had fresh fish at 3 different restaurants, along with a sightseeing trip around the boat docks where we met the famous sea lion dog.

We had some time the next day to stop by a local coffee shop in the morning to get some work done and grab a latte, which you know I had to do.

Before we boarded for our unforgettable journey with The Boat Company, we were treated to a tour at the local Bear Sanctuary. They take in injured brown bears and black bears and hope to some day return them to the wild. Through food encouragement, and natural habitat, the bears learn how to hunt for their food, and live amongst other bears.

The last stop on our visit to Sitka was a hike through the Sitka National Historic Park where you will see historic Totem Poles as you walk past the ocean front.

What Makes the Tongass National Forest So Special?

The Tongass National Forest is unlike anywhere else in America. Located in Southeast Alaska, this temperate rainforest is filled with ancient cedar and spruce trees, hidden coves, rugged coastlines, waterfalls, and glacier-fed rivers. It is one of the last remaining intact temperate rainforests on Earth and serves as a critical habitat for countless species of wildlife. one of the excursions we did was a hike through West Brother’s Island. This squishy, muddy, uphill hike is through an old-growth forest and is one of the best places to explore a place that very few people get to see.

The forest also includes stunning destinations like Tracy Arm Fjord, Misty Fjords National Monument, and remote fishing villages rich with Alaska Native culture and history.

For nature lovers and photographers, the Tongass National Forest is truly an outdoor paradise.

Why Explore Alaska by Small Ship?

Large cruise ships may offer convenience, but small-ship expedition travel offers something much more meaningful: connection.

Traveling with The Boat Company allows guests to experience Alaska in a deeply personal way. Smaller vessels can navigate narrow fjords, secluded inlets, and remote wilderness areas inaccessible to larger ships.

Instead of spending time in crowded tourist ports, guests spend their days kayaking beside glaciers, hiking through rainforest trails, watching whales surface just feet away, and learning about the ecosystem from experienced naturalists and guides.

One of the greatest advantages of small-ship Alaska cruises is flexibility. Wildlife sightings often shape the itinerary. If humpback whales are bubble-net feeding nearby or bears are spotted along the shoreline, the captain can pause for unforgettable viewing opportunities.

This immersive style of travel creates a much richer Alaska experience than traditional cruising. There are on-board chefs for meal experiences that were beyond my expectation. At the end of the day, and before dinner you will enjoy a happy hour and an engaging presentation about the area, or wildlife in the area that you will see during your adventure. In the dining room, you are greeted with a beautifully set dinner table, and a board with what you will be eating, and what your next excursions will be.

Wildlife Encounters You’ll Never Forget

One of the highlights of cruising through the Tongass National Forest is the incredible wildlife viewing.

Southeast Alaska is home to one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in the world. Watching these massive creatures breach against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains is an experience impossible to describe fully until you see it yourself.

During the journey, guests may witness:

• Whales feeding in icy waters
• Sea lions lounging on rocky islands
• Bald eagles perched high in spruce trees
• Bears searching for salmon along riverbanks
• Otters floating peacefully in kelp beds

Because small ships travel quietly and carry fewer passengers, wildlife encounters often feel intimate and unobstructed.

For photographers, this means incredible opportunities for capturing Alaska’s raw beauty without battling crowds.

Exploring Alaska’s Remote Wilderness

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling with The Boat Company is access to remote wilderness areas that most travelers never see.

Many itineraries include opportunities to:

• Kayak through glacier-carved fjords
• Hike rainforest trails
• Visit secluded coves
• Explore remote islands
• Learn about Alaska Native cultures
• Fish in pristine waters
• Observe glaciers up close

The quiet moments often become the most memorable — listening to glaciers crack in the distance, hearing only the sound of rain on the water, or standing alone in a rainforest surrounded by thousand-year-old trees.

These are the moments that define Alaska travel.

Sustainable Travel in Alaska

More travelers today are looking for sustainable and responsible tourism experiences and exploring the Tongass National Forest by small ship aligns beautifully with eco-conscious travel values. We learned about the Roadless Rule during one of our daily Naturalist talks. These educational talks during happy hour really open your eyes to what is going on in this National Forest.

​Conservations Through The Love of Exploring

The Boat Company has long emphasized conservation, education, and low-impact travel. Small expedition vessels create significantly less environmental impact than massive cruise liners while also supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

The Tongass National Forest plays an essential role in protecting biodiversity, supporting salmon populations, and storing carbon that helps combat climate change. Responsible tourism helps preserve this incredible landscape for future generations.

For travelers who value meaningful travel experiences and environmental stewardship, this type of Alaska adventure offers the best of both worlds.

Best Time to Visit the Tongass National Forest

The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May through September, with each month offering something unique.

May and June

• Longer daylight hours
• Snowcapped mountain scenery
• Excellent whale watching
• Fewer crowds

July and August

• Peak wildlife activity
• Warmer temperatures
• Lush green rainforest landscapes
• Prime kayaking and hiking conditions

September

• Fall colors begin appearing
• Active bear viewing during salmon runs
• Crisp air and dramatic scenery
• Fewer visitors

No matter when you visit, Southeast Alaska’s beauty remains unforgettable.

What to Pack for an Alaska Small-Ship Cruise

Weather in the Tongass National Forest can change quickly, so layering is essential.

Recommended packing items include:

• Waterproof rain jacket
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Warm layers and fleece
• Gloves and hat
• Binoculars
• Camera with zoom lens
• Daypack
• Reusable water bottle

Even during summer, temperatures can feel cool on the water, especially near glaciers.

Why This Alaska Experience Stays With You Forever

There’s something transformational about Alaska. Perhaps it’s the immense scale of the wilderness, the silence of untouched landscapes, or the reminder that nature still rules here.

Traveling through the Tongass National Forest with The Boat Company is more than a vacation — it’s an experience that reconnects travelers with nature in its purest form.

From kayaking beside glaciers to watching whales surface at sunset, every day brings moments of awe and discovery. The combination of adventure, wildlife, sustainability, and remote beauty makes this one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in Alaska.

For travelers seeking authentic Alaska wilderness cruises, sustainable travel experiences, and meaningful adventures far beyond the ordinary, the Tongass National Forest should be at the very top of the bucket list.