Forest streams are the lifeblood for millions of salmon and home to trophy trout and steelhead. Offshore, the region's rich marine life includes whales, sea lions, sea otters and seals complemented by a variety of seabirds, shorebirds and waterfowl. The ancient, mist-shrouded forest is set in stark contrast to dramatic, glaciated peaks rising up to 18,000 feet from the coast. The growing attraction of Alaska's rainforest is reflected in the increasing number of visitors who journey to explore it. Visitor options range from luxury cruises to remote wilderness challenges.
Tourism is far and away the fastest growing industry in local communities.
Spending by tourists in Southeast Alaska has more than doubled since 1989 and averaged an annual growth rate of over 20 percent. But industrial, clearcut logging threatens both the unique attractions of this coastal forest and its tourism economy. Unless significant changes are made to reduce current logging plans, the awesome experience of the Alaska rainforest will soon be relegated to the past. The Alaska rainforest is an angler's dream come true. Forest streams offer the chance to challenge heart-stopping runs of giant king salmon, rainbow trout the length of your arm, and fighting steelhead.