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Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · AK

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness offers stunning fjord landscapes, towering glaciers, and breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities in the heart of Southeast Alaska.

Wilderness Area653,179

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

653,179

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness offers stunning fjord landscapes, towering glaciers, and breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities in the heart of Southeast Alaska.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness is an awe-inspiring tract of public land located within the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. Encompassing over 653,000 acres, it features dramatic fjords, steep-walled valleys, and picturesque waterfalls. The two main inlets, Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm, cut deep into the coastal mountains and are lined with glaciers, such as the Sawyer and Dawes Glaciers. The wilderness is renowned for its rich biodiversity; it supports a wide array of wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, seals, black and brown bears, and bald eagles. Its remote and rugged terrain attracts adventurers and naturalists alike, seeking solitude and an unspoiled natural environment. History enthusiasts will find the region's cultural significance fascinating, with its ancient Tlingit heritage. Although there are no developed trails, the area provides plenty of opportunities for kayaking, boating, and backcountry camping.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cascading Majesty at Nugget Falls, Juneau★ 8.9⌖ 56 miHiking
Nugget Falls

Cascading Majesty at Nugget Falls, Juneau

Explore the Nugget Falls trail near Juneau, Alaska. This easy 2-mile hike offers stunning views of Mendenhall Glacier and cascading waterfalls. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, it's a busy spot, especially in summer months.

Mendenhall Glacier★ 9.2⌖ 57 miHiking
Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier

Visit the iconic Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, AK, known for its stunning ice formations and year-round hiking opportunities. Enjoy canoeing on Mendenhall Lake and a family-friendly hike to Nugget Falls. Experience the vibrant Tongass National Forest during the busy summer season.

Glacial Wonder in Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier (Áakʼw Tʼáak Sítʼ)★ 9.2⌖ 57 miHiking
Mendenhall Glacier (Áakʼw Tʼáak Sítʼ)

Glacial Wonder in Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier (Áakʼw Tʼáak Sítʼ)

Located near Juneau, Alaska, Mendenhall Glacier offers an easy hike with scenic views of blue ice, Nugget Falls, and wildlife. Accessible year-round but best in late spring to early fall, visitors can also enjoy kayaking and helicopter tours for unique glacier perspectives.

Tongass National Forest: A Verdant Haven in Alaska★ 8.5⌖ 63 miWildlife Watching
Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest: A Verdant Haven in Alaska

Explore Tongass National Forest near Juneau, Alaska, the largest US national forest. Encounter wildlife like bald eagles and grizzly bears while hiking through old-growth forests and fishing in salmon-rich streams. Best visited in summer for accessible trails and tours.

Wildlife WatchingView Details→
Majestic Wilderness of Tongass National Forest★ 8.7⌖ 77 miWildlife Viewing
Tongass National Forest

Majestic Wilderness of Tongass National Forest

Explore the vast Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska, perfect for wildlife viewing and kayaking. Accessible from Juneau, this remote area offers tranquil serenity and diverse wildlife year-round.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Majestic Views of Mount Edgecumbe★ 8.7⌖ 100 miHiking
Mount Edgecumbe

Majestic Views of Mount Edgecumbe

Mount Edgecumbe in Alaska is a 7-mile moderate trail featuring awe-inspiring views and diverse ecosystems. Ideal for hiking and wildlife watching, access requires a boat ride from Sitka. Best visited in late spring through early fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Sawyer Glacier reachable via Tracy Arm Fjord by kayak or boat✦ Breeding grounds for harbor seals providing excellent wildlife photography opportunities✦ Majestic views of fjords surrounded by sheer granite walls✦ Remote bays and inlets perfect for exploring by sea kayak
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees required, open access for all visitors.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Wilderness & Developed Camping Regulations

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Most frontcountry campgrounds require advance reservations on Recreation.gov during peak season, while backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit and certified bear-resistant food canisters.

Find Campgrounds on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Angoon
⌖ 46.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Angoon, Alaska

A remote Southeast Alaskan town offering authentic wilderness experiences with rich Tlingit culture, ideal for water and forest adventures.

June to SeptemberExplore Town
Juneau
⌖ 46.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Juneau, Alaska

A picturesque coastal town with striking wilderness and abundant wildlife, offering a rich variety of outdoor adventures amidst majestic glaciers and rainforests.

Petersburg
⌖ 73.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Petersburg, Alaska

A vibrant fishing town on Mitkof Island offering rich wilderness access, pristine waterways, and classic Alaskan outdoor adventures year-round.

May through SeptemberExplore Town
Hoonah
⌖ 73.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hoonah, Alaska

A remote coastal Alaskan town offering rugged wilderness access and rich indigenous culture, ideal for diverse outdoor adventures across land and sea.

Summer (June to August)Explore Town
Game Creek
⌖ 75.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Game Creek, Alaska

Remote wilderness gateway framed by towering peaks, rushing waters, and untamed coastal rainforests offering rugged outdoor challenges and serene natural beauty.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Telegraph Creek
⌖ 86.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Telegraph Creek, British Columbia

Remote and rugged wilderness gateway known for challenging outdoor adventures amid stunning northern landscapes.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Kayaking & Boat Rentals with Juneau Charters in AlaskaJuneau, Alaska · 46.67 mi away
On the Water· Juneau Charters

Kayaking & Boat Rentals with Juneau Charters in Alaska

Discover the spectacular wilderness around Juneau from the seat of your own boat. Juneau Charters offers a fully equipped 26' boat, giving you the freedom to chart your own course through Alaska's rugged waters—perfect for multi-day adventures or relaxing day trips. Experience the thrill of self-guided exploration where no two trips are alike, cruising past glaciers, wildlife, and untouched coves. Whether you're fishing, camping, or simply soaking in the scenery, this is your chance to set your own pace in an extraordinary setting.

1-8 hours or multi-day trips

Explore this trip
Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour & Herbert Glacier Walk — Glacier Landing from JuneauJuneau, Alaska · 46.67 mi away
All Adventures· Coastal Helicopters

Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour & Herbert Glacier Walk — Glacier Landing from Juneau

Lift off from Juneau for a 25–30 minute flight over the Juneau Icefield, then land on Herbert Glacier for a guided 20–25 minute walk. This short shore excursion pairs dramatic aerial views with hands-on glacier time—ideal for travelers seeking high-impact Alaska scenery during a cruise port stop.

2–2.5 hours

Check dates & book

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.