Volunteering in the Alaskan Rainforest
On the remote and rugged Prince of Wales Island, American Hiking Society volunteers came together for a week of trail stewardship, exploration, and connection. Surrounded by the vast beauty of the Tongass National Forest — America’s largest temperate rainforest—the crew worked to restore the beloved Sunnahae Trail, which climbs high above the coastal town of Craig. Known for its steep grade and stunning views, the trail is a favorite among locals and was in need of care to ensure safe access for years to come.
Each day began at the Harris River Campground, nestled between Craig and Hollis, where campsites lined a salmon-filled river and mountains loomed in the distance. After hours of physical trail work, volunteers returned to evenings filled with laughter, shared meals, and quiet moments by the campfire. The simplicity of those moments — swapping stories, roasting s’mores, and listening to the sounds of the forest—became a meaningful part of the experience.
A highlight of the trip was the guided tour of El Capitan Cave, the largest of more than 500 caves on the island. Volunteers hiked through towering old-growth forest and ducked into narrow passages, learning from Forest Service guides about the cave’s geology, fossils, and unique subterranean ecosystem. It was a journey into deep time—an awe-inspiring contrast to the work done above ground.
While trail restoration was the heart of the week, the lasting impact came from the relationships built along the way. What began as a group of strangers quickly grew into a supportive crew — brought together by shared work, shared meals, and shared wonder. As one volunteer put it, “There’s something special about arriving not knowing anyone and leaving with a group that feels like friends.”
What drew many to this trip may have been the allure of Alaska’s wild, untamed beauty — but they left with something far deeper than just incredible views. Through shared effort, laughter, and quiet moments in the forest, volunteers walked away with lasting connections, a renewed sense of purpose, and the kind of memories that can only be made when people come together to care for the land — and each other.
