Alaska Has a Temperate Rainforest

Far from the icy stereotype, the Alaskan panhandle harbors a remarkable natural wonder: the Tongass National Forest. Spanning approximately 17 million acres, this vast expanse in Southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the United States and is recognized as the world's largest intact temperate rainforest. Unlike tropical rainforests known for heat and humidity, temperate rainforests thrive in cool, coastal climates with long, wet seasons and mild temperatures. The Tongass exemplifies this, receiving an average of 80 to 220 inches of precipitation annually, which nourishes its abundant vegetation and lush undergrowth.

This unique climate, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, allows for the growth of towering old-growth trees, such as Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar, some of which are over 500 to 800 years old. These ancient forests are critical for the region's exceptional biodiversity, providing habitat for a wide array of wildlife including brown bears, black bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. The forest's numerous rivers and streams are also vital, supporting all five species of Pacific salmon, making the Tongass a crucial ecosystem for both terrestrial and marine life.

Beyond its ecological richness, the Tongass holds deep cultural and historical significance. It is the ancestral homeland (Review) of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, who have maintained a longstanding relationship with the land and continue to practice traditional activities within the forest. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt, the forest's immense old-growth stands play a globally significant role as a carbon sink, absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps regulate the global climate. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this irreplaceable natural treasure for its ecological importance, cultural heritage, and its role as a "climate sanctuary."