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
DesignationWilderness Area
Total Wilderness Area653,179
Elevation / TerrainDiverse 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 60 miles.

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
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.

Glacier View Sea Kayaking
ADVEXPEDITION
Juneau, Alaska
Guided TourADV Bookable

Glacier View Sea Kayaking

Paddle through icy waters and get an up-close view of Mendenhall Glacier with Alaska Travel Adventures. This sea kayaking trip offers stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and a taste of authentic Alaskan wilderness.

Guided Tour3.5 Hours • Must Be At Least 40lbs To ParticipateCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Whale Watching Adventure
ADVEXPEDITION
Juneau, Alaska
Whale WatchADV Bookable

Whale Watching Adventure

Cruise the striking waters of Juneau on a 3.75-hour whale watching tour featuring guaranteed sightings of humpback and orca whales. Learn about Alaska’s marine wildlife and native heritage from expert guides while capturing breathtaking photos.

Whale WatchCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Best of Juneau
ADVEXPEDITION
Juneau, Alaska
Whale WatchADV Bookable

Best of Juneau

Discover Juneau’s top natural highlights from the giant Mendenhall Glacier to thrilling humpback whale encounters and a delicious salmon feast. This one-day adventure perfectly blends wildlife, glaciers, and local flavors.

Whale WatchCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Historic Gold Mining & Panning Adventure
ADVEXPEDITION
Juneau, Alaska
History TourADV Bookable

Historic Gold Mining & Panning Adventure

Discover the thrill of the Gold Rush with a hands-on panning adventure in Juneau. Guided by a seasoned prospector, explore historic mining sites and try your luck at finding real gold in Alaska's wild wilderness.

History TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Icefield Excursion
ADVEXPEDITION
Juneau, Alaska
PrivateADV Bookable

Private Icefield Excursion

Step off a helicopter onto the Herbert Glacier and walk among crevasses, moulins, and blue ice. This private Juneau icefield landing delivers big-glacier views and expert narration in a compact 2.5-hour outing.

Private2.5 Hours • All AgesCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Dog Sled Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Juneau, Alaska
DogsledADV Bookable

Dog Sled Tour

Lift off from Juneau and land on Herbert Glacier to drive a team of sled dogs — all in one three-hour tour. This small-group flightseeing plus dogsled experience from Alaska Icefield Expeditions delivers instant-Alaska moments with expert mushers.

Dogsled3 Hours • All AgesCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip