Endicott River Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Tongass National Forest, Alaska
The Endicott River Wilderness is a protected area in southeastern Alaska, mostly covered by rainforest, mountains and river valleys. The river itself is the heart of the landscape, connecting different habitats where bears, deer and fish live together.
Congress protected this area as a wilderness in 1980 to preserve the untouched nature of southeastern Alaska. The action was part of a larger movement to protect the last great wild places in the United States.
The land has long been home to Tlingit and Haida peoples, whose descendants still practice hunting and fishing traditions today. The landscape carries names and places that reflect this deep connection to the region.
To visit this area you need a boat or floatplane since no roads reach it. You should prepare for harsh weather and complete isolation, and ideally work with experienced guides or outfitters.
The Endicott River itself is known for drawing thousands of salmon each summer as they swim upstream to spawn. This spectacular migration also attracts bears and other predators that feed on the fish.
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