Alaska has some pretty impressive forests. In fact, we have the first and second largest NATIONAL forests in the United States, the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Our three state forests are equally as impressive; the Haines State Forest, which surrounds the three basins of the Chilkoot, Chilkat, and Ferebee Rivers, the Tanana Valley State Forest that stretches from Manley to Tok, and the Southeast State Forest which spans almost 49,000 acres!

Though we may have some impressively large forests in Alaska, we also have the coolest forests in Alaska. I mean that literally and figuratively – the Alaska Interior consists of Boreal Forests which are forests that deal with seriously cold and dramatic climate changes.

Learn some really interesting facts about what makes the forests of Alaska so awesome and enjoy the beautiful photos!

1) A late summer looking out over Alaska's beautiful forests.
Daniel Hoherd | Flickr
Other species in Alaska's Interior State Forests are black spruce, balsam poplar, and larch!
2) The emerald colors of an Alaskan Forest.
dgies | Flickr
The Haines State Forest is over 286,000 acres!
3) A closer look at a boreal forest.
leftik | Flickr
The Tanana Valley State Forest is over 1.8 million acres. These forests contain tree species like white spruce, quaking aspen, and paper birch!
4) Extreme climate factors influence the forests of Alaska.
Joseph | Flickr
Temperatures vary 160 degrees from summer to winter in some areas of Alaska.

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5) Alaska State Forests offer some of the best recreation around the state.
Joseph | Flickr
The Southeast State Forest was the third and final State Forest to be voted in for Alaska. It spans almost 49,000 acres in Southeast Alaska.
6) Bright orange mushrooms scatter the floors of Alaskan forests.
Robert Voors | Flickr
Fun fact, there are no endangered or threatened animal species in Alaska's State Forests!
7) Beautiful trails can be found weaving their way through all of Alaska's State Forests.
Jordan Confino | Flickr
Light trickling through the tall trees make this path look heavenly to walk down.
8) Alaska's State Forest are great to spend time in all year round!
Joseph | Flickr
Some areas of Alaska's State Forests receive over 20 inches of precipitation, no wonder they are so lush and green!
9) An aerial look at an Alaskan Boreal Forest.
Richard Ricciardi | Flickr
These forests survive some extreme conditions as you can imagine in Alaska, but they manage to maintain their beauty all year long.

What other fun forest facts can you share? Let us know in the comments!

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