Sitka: Tongass National Forest Hike, Wildlife & Local Stories

4.88

(117 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—something sharp and green that hit me as we stepped off Lincoln Street and into the edge of Tongass National Forest. Our guide, Jamie, waved us over by the Russian Bishop’s House and started telling us how this town used to be the capital of Russian America. I’ll be honest—I had no idea Alaska had such a tangled history. Jamie pointed at the church domes peeking through the mist and then led us down toward Crescent Harbor. The boats rocked quietly in their slips, and you could hear someone laughing across the docks—probably a fisherman fixing nets before heading out.

We paused by a Tlingit totem pole on Sitka’s Seawalk. Jamie explained some of the symbols (I’m pretty sure I got half of them mixed up), but what stuck with me was how people here still talk about foraging and hunting like it’s just part of life. The trail into Tongass itself was soft underfoot—gravel mostly, with moss creeping up everywhere—and it felt like stepping into another world. Eagles really do perch above you (one stared at us for ages), and if you come during salmon season, apparently you can watch them fighting upstream. We didn’t catch that part, but there were wild berries along the path—Jamie checked each one before letting us try them. I might’ve eaten too many huckleberries.

About halfway in, Jamie offered us snacks from her pack (there was this local smoked fish that tasted way better than I expected). She told stories about growing up here—how her dad taught her which mushrooms to trust and which trails to avoid after heavy rain. The forest felt quiet but not empty; sometimes you’d hear water trickling somewhere or a branch snap behind you and everyone would stop for a second—just listening. It rained a little but nobody minded; we’d been given rain pants if we wanted them anyway. Honestly, I still think about that calm green light filtering through the trees.

We ended near some food trucks where locals were already lining up for lunch—I almost stayed just for the halibut tacos. If you’re coming from a cruise ship or just passing through Sitka, this Tongass National Forest hike gives you more than pretty views—it’s all these small moments with people who actually live here that stick with you longer than any photo.