Admiralty Island National Monument

Admiralty Island National Monument protects most of Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska and is administered within the Tongass National Forest. It preserves large tracts of temperate rainforest, rivers and coastal shoreline and is recognized for its ecological and cultural values.

The monument contains extensive old-growth forest and supports one of the highest densities of brown bears in North America along with abundant deer and marine resources; wildlife viewing and backcountry recreation are primary reasons people visit. Much of the island is designated wilderness, limiting development and motorized access.

The monument was established in the late 20th century to protect the island’s natural and cultural resources and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Traditional use and subsistence by local Alaska Native communities continue to be an important part of management considerations.

Geographically the monument occupies Admiralty Island in the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska, offshore from the mainland and near communities such as Juneau and Angoon. The area is reached by scheduled and charter boats and small aircraft.

• Wildlife density: The monument contains extensive temperate rainforest and is notable for a very high density of brown bears and abundant Sitka black-tailed deer, making it an important wildlife area.
• Access and transport: Access is primarily by small plane or boat from Southeast Alaska communities; there are no road connections to the island from the Alaska road system.

What to See #

• Kootznoowoo Wilderness: A large designated wilderness area that covers most of the island and protects old-growth temperate rainforest, rivers and alpine areas; it is closed to most development and managed for conservation and subsistence uses.
• Tongass National Forest lands: Tongass National Forest lands that surround and overlap the monument, providing access points, trails and boat landings used by visitors and local communities.