Just before the group hiked a quarter-mile to the observation deck, we heard the sound of the boat motor leave to drop anchor after our National Forest Service captain dropped us off at the trailhead at Anan Bay. The sun peaked out, which hit the still moist ground – after all, it is the Tongass National rainforest. Moss blanketed downed trees and usnea - also called old man’s beard - hung from the tall evergreen trees.