The National Forests You Can Only Reach By Boat Or Plane
Many of the US National Forests have remote areas that are only accessible by boat or plane. While there are roads going into the forests, that doesn't mean you can drive anywhere you would like to reach. Experiencing the remote areas requires creative planning and learning the rules about how to enjoy the less traveled regions. Three national forests in particular draw those seeking a vehicle-free experience with amenities reachable only by boat or plane. These are the Tongass and Chugach National Forests in Alaska and El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico.
Tongass National Forest
In Alaska's southeast region lies the Tongass National Forest. It is the largest national forest in the US and is comprised of thousands of islands that can only be reached from the water. In fact, most of the land that makes up the Tongass National Forest is challenging to get to. There are 13 campgrounds with 140 rustic cabins that are strictly accessible by only private boat, ferry, or seaplane. Despite its challenges, the glaciers, deep fjords, and other scenic opportunities make it a place well worth the effort. To get an idea of the vastness of the Tongass National Forest, consider that it is larger than ten other US states. It is home to a vast variety of wildlife, including bears and eagles. The two most commonly sought sights are the five glaciers and six bear viewing areas.
Chugach National Forest
The Chugach National Forest is in the south-central area of Alaska. Its 6.9 million acres make it the second-largest national forest. It has a diverse ecosystem with many roadless areas. For example, to reach the remote public-use cabins, vacationers need to charter a floatplane from Cordova or Seward. Alternatively, one can consider a boat cruise or water taxi to get to places such as the Copper River Delta or Prince William Sound. This is true for seeing the tidewater glaciers as well. When you consider that there are just 500 miles of trails, it becomes obvious that much of this national forest gets little tourist attention.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is quite different than the Alaskan national forests. For one thing, it is the only national forest in the US National Forest System that is completely a tropical rainforest. In addition, it is quite a bit smaller, as it is just 28,000 acres. It is also more biologically diverse which makes it critical to protect. Preservation of the ecosystems in the El Yunque National Forest dictates that many of the habitats are not accessible by vehicle. Located in Puerto Rico, the forest sits on an island reached from the US mainland only by air or sea. There are roads through the main rainforest, but beyond that, visitors will need to consider other ways to navigate this amazing national forest. Visitors should plan ahead as the Forest Service also limits the number of visitors given access to the El Yunque National Forest. Access is first-come, first-served. While independent visits are common, many consider the guided tours to learn more about the area.
Beyond the Beaten Path
Any of these national forests, or the many others our nation has to offer, lend themselves perfectly to exploration beyond the beaten path. It is a given that when you seek out areas only accessible by boat or plane that you'll be skipping the crowds in favor of a peaceful and relaxing getaway. Enjoying pristine nature is a memorable experience. These remote areas can also mean quieter fishing and hunting, with fewer people sharing the same waters and trails. Flying in has the added benefit of seeing the national forest from the sky which can be especially thrilling over glaciers and vast forests. If you're looking for an unblemished natural landscape, either of the Alaskan national forests or Puerto Rico's national forest achieves that goal.
