13 Beautiful Forests in Alaska That Are Deadlier Than You Think
Alaska is considered an untouched wilderness, with snow-capped peaks and untold beauty. Outdoor lovers and thrill seekers will love it. Yet under the sunny surface of greenery and abundant flora lie unexpected natural dangers that even seasoned hikers may find challenging.
These environments are not for the weak-hearted. It could be unpredictable weather or encounters with animals on free roaming. A wrong turn can turn a dreamy hike into a nightmarish ordeal. Here’s a closer look at Alaska’s breathtaking but unforgiving woodlands.
Tongass National Forest
Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States and an awe-inspiring realm of dense trees, fjords, and wildlife. With 16.7 million acres of land, it’s easy to get lost here. Its dense vegetation, remote trails, and the abundant bears (both grizzly and black) don’t exactly want to share their home. Pack the proper gear, know the lay of the land, and beware of Tongass’s wild side.
Chugach National Forest
Chugach is a favorite among adventurers because of the views and offerings of myriad outdoor activities. Hikers can get stranded or disoriented on this forest’s icy trails and rapidly changing weather. Before you know, the cold can sap your energy and hypothermia becomes a real threat. The terrain is stunning and slippery, so be safe and wear solid footwear.
Denali State Park
This forested area is home to the iconic Denali peak and looks straight off a postcard but the park’s backcountry can be a cruel teacher. Inexperienced visitors often get lost with little signage and a lot of landscape. Moose are often spotted here. These allegedly docile creatures can be territorial and dangerous, especially during mating season.
Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk is equally surreal but treacherous. It is renowned for its sand dunes and its boreal forests. This park is so remote that help isn’t around the corner. Add that to frigid river crossings and unpredictable run-ins with resident wolves and you’ve got a place where caution is highly advised.
Kenai Peninsula Forests
A piece of paradise, the Kenai Peninsula has emerald forests and crystal-clear lakes. Under its inviting canopy, however, lies a network of confusing trails that can easily bewilder hikers. The unpredictable salmon runs bring the bears in droves, so even the most seasoned outdoorsmen walk carefully here.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Forests
This wooded portion of the largest national park in the U.S. is no walk in the park. Wrangell-St. Elias is a starkly beautiful, but perilous place of jagged peaks and icy rivers. In a report from the National Park Service, more than 25% of rescues in Alaska’s parks were in this region, usually from falls or exposure to extreme weather.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Forests
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the wildest, most pristine places on Earth but it’s also one of the most unforgiving. It is a world where all adventurers, even the hardiest, would find harsh winds, sub-zero temperatures, and meager resources a huge challenge.
Prince William Sound Forests
Prince William Sound is a dream with its idyllic coastal views and old-growth forests. The region’s frequent storms and tidal surges mean a casual outing can become a fight for survival. Kayakers and hikers underestimate the rate at which conditions change and they become stranded or injured.
Lake Clark National Park Forests
The forests of Lake Clark are beautiful and dangerous. The area is famed for its volcanic terrain and has plentiful streams, where bears fish unbothered. The scenery is jaw-dropping, but you must keep your distance from these powerful animals because startling one can make for a deadly confrontation.
Katmai National Park Forests
It is famous for its brown bears but the forests are a photographer’s paradise. Still, the same bears are a huge threat. Park rangers frequently caution visitors that these animals are wild and dangerous — especially during salmon spawning seasons. Since the vegetation is so thick, close encounters are almost guaranteed, so keep an eye out.
Hoonah-Angoon Rainforests
Moss-covered trees and serene waterways make up the rainforests of Hoonah-Angoon. You can never really let your guard down, not with slippery trails or the ever-present flash flood risk. Locally, they say the forest has a mind of its own and they are not wrong.
Sitka National Historical Park Forests
Though smaller than most on this list, the Sitka forests are no less dangerous. Uneven trails and heavy rainfall are a recipe for accidents. Also, coastal winds can help topple trees or knock branches down, putting those walking under the spruce and hemlock trees at additional risk.
Admiralty Island National Monument
Admiralty Island is nicknamed the “Fortress of Bears” because it’s home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. There are few trails, and with the thick vegetation, you’ll have poor visibility, which will increase the chances you run into a bear. Solitude, though, can spell trouble, so it’s best to travel in groups and to make noise.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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