When you think of middle earth, we would be willing to bet that the first place that comes to your mind is New Zealand. This stunning destination served as the main setting for the movie versions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. But Alaska is giving everywhere else on earth a run for their money with this one special spot that epitomizes the true essence of middle earth. With lush landscapes, towering trees, unique bridges, ample hiking opportunities, remote boardwalks and hidden caves – you’re sure to be transported directly into a middle earth paradise.
The strikingly beautiful Tongass National Forest is located throughout Southeast Alaska.
Flickr - Alan Wu
At 17 million acres in size, this is the largest national forest in the United States of America.
Flickr - Joseph
Surrounding the famous Inside Passage, the Tongass National Forest is home to a diverse mix of geographic features.
Flickr - Joseph
The temperate rainforest gives way to a lush blend of towering western red cedar, sitka spruce and western hemlock trees.
Flickr - Jeff’s Canon
In fact, the Tongass is actually the largest remaining temperate rainforest on planet earth.
Flickr - Joseph
Beneath the surface the underlying terrain is made up of a mix of karst (limestone rock) and granite.
Flickr - Joseph
While much of the Tongass is accessible throughout the different towns in Southeast Alaska, it is also remote enough to be home to a variety of different species of rare flora and fauna.
Flickr - Rob Bertholf
There are even muskeg trees in the boreal (taiga) regions of the Tongass.
Flickr - Joseph
These unique areas have trees that can be found stunted or twisted as they try to gain greater sunlight exposure.
Flickr - Joseph
Filled with tons of lakes, rivers, creeks, streams and even nearby ocean access - it’s impossible to deny that the Tongass feels like something straight out of middle earth.
Flickr - Joseph
Occasionally, you’ll even run into an abandoned hunters cabin in the middle of the woods, which will really bring out the ‘middle earth’ vibes.
Flickr - Joseph
No bones about it! As the Tongass is home to a vast array of wildlife, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll stumble upon some old bones, animal prints, fur or even a live animal right before your very eyes.
Flickr - Mack Lundy
The waterfall views in the Tongass National Forest are seemingly endless.
Flickr - Joseph
From small to large, waterfalls are plentiful in this incredibly wet and rainy region of the state.
Flickr - Amanda Scheliga
The ample hiking opportunities in the Tongass are sure to blow you away.
Flickr - Joseph
Wooded boardwalks and stairways give way to hiking destinations that will transport you straight into a ‘middle earth’ wonderland.
Flickr - Joseph
Don’t be fooled by the guidebooks, this magical place is DEFINITELY a year-round adventurer destination.
Flickr - Joseph
To take the ‘middle earthy-ness’ up a notch, you will be pleasantly surprised by all the cool hidden bridges throughout the Tongass.
Flickr - Joseph
As you wind through the woods, rustic bridges will lead you into areas that are rarely traveled to.
Flickr - Kevin Harber
It’s not a middle earth paradise without cool caves to explore such as El Capitan Cave near Prince of Wales Island.
Flickr - Gary O. Grimm
If you thought that was amazing, learn more about how hiking to this above-ground cave in Alaska will give you a surreal experience. Also, this wildly unique ice cave in Alaska is truly extraordinary, and you’ll definitely want to visit.
Flickr - Alan Wu
Flickr - Joseph
Flickr - Jeff’s Canon
Flickr - Rob Bertholf
Flickr - Mack Lundy
Flickr - Amanda Scheliga
Flickr - Kevin Harber
Flickr - Gary O. Grimm
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