National Forests

OK, Parks Party People. We need to be Forest Friends too. The National Forests are oftentimes gateways to our National Parks and/or are just downright cool on their own. I am partial to the Chugach National Forest which I get to look at out my windows every single day. Sometimes I pinch myself and think, “Holy cow! I am soooo lucky to live in this magnificent place.” (But then I think about Alaskan politics and things go sour from there — wrong blog, I know.)

Anyhootles, here are some fun facts about Chugach National Forest that I bet you didn’t know. (And if you did, your name probably rhymes with ‘candy’ or ‘smiley’.)

• Chugach National Forest is the country’s northernmost forest.

• It encompasses Prince William Sound, the Copper River Delta, and the Kenai Peninsula. It is about the size of “West Virginia…mountain mama. Take me home, country road.” (You know you sing the song every time the state is mentioned.)

• It is 30% covered in ice.

• In a distance of just 10 miles, the forest rises from sea level to 13,176 feet at the summit of Mount Marcus Baker.

• Prince William Sound has 3500 miles of shoreline, 20 tidewater glaciers, and as many bald eagles as the entire lower 48.

• It is home to all five North American species of Pacific salmon.

Beat that, all you other National Forests. (I’m kidding…sort of.)

Check out all of the National Forests & Grasslands nationwide!!

National Forests By State