Tongass National Forest, Alaska

Because forest covers 35% of Alaska, Tongass is the country's biggest forest, spanning much of Southeast Alaska at 16.7 million acres (the US Forest Service refers to it as the "crown gem"). The majority of it is rainforest, and it is home to many endangered flora and animals, as well as being one of the world's few complete temperate rainforests.

This should come as no surprise given that the forest covers around 35% of The Last Frontier. Furthermore, Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in this beautiful country (16.7 million acres). A lifetime is literally too short to appreciate its splendor. Mendenhall Glacier, Tenakee Hot Springs, El Capitan Cave, the state's longest recorded cave, and, of course, Harbor Mountain are all must-sees. If you don't like trekking but still want to see some of Tongass National Forest, you may take a helicopter tour.

Location: N Douglas Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801

Website: fs.usda.gov/tongass