See Misty Fjords National Monument
Visitors Discover Glaciers, Fjords, and Wildlife in SE Alaska
Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument, located in Southeast Alaska, neighbors the Canadian border, containing 2,285,000 acres of coastal wilderness. The Monument was established in 1978. As it is roadless, the area is only accessible by floatplane or boat. Misty Fjords is accessible within 30-40 minutes by plane or 2-3 hours by boat from Ketchikan.
Misty Fjords National Monument is part of the largest national forest in the United States – the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska. The area is part of a coastal rainforest and coastal ecosystem. This remote area is a wildlife oasis, as wild rivers produce abundant coho, sockeye, pink and chum salmon and king salmon.
Floatplane Tours of Misty Fjords
For those seeking adventure, a plane tour of Misty Fjords National Monument presents spectacular views of glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and fjords from the air. A tour by air offers visitors the unique experience to awe at the majesty of Rudyerd Bay. Visitors may catch a glimpse of wildlife like bear and whales. Alaskan bush pilots land visitors on lakes to take in the majestic mountains, or fly over fjords.
Day Cruises Through Misty Fjords
For a more in-depth tour of Misty Fjords National Monument through Behm Canal to Rudyerd Bay, visitors enjoy a cruise aboard a catamaran. Complete with an onboard naturalist, visitors learn about the area’s geology and natural history and learn about Alaskan wildlife. Onboard the boat, visitors watch for bears, wolves, sea lions, mountain goats, bald eagles, porpoises and whales, such as humpback and killer whales.
Surrounded by the high cliffs of the park, waterfalls are visible from the boat. Visitors are impressed by the unique geological features located in the area. The tours are available from Ketchikan from May through September, lasting about 6 ½ hours. Kayaking tours are also available for full days or overnight trips. Excursion vessels carry kayaks to and from the Misty Fjords area from Ketchikan.
The Forest Service maintains cabins along the fresh water lakes or coastline of Misty Fjords. There are 12 cabins located on the lakes and 2 cabins along the coastline. These cabins are used by kayakers staying overnight and other visitors.
Weather and When to Visit Misty Fjords
The maritime climate of Southeastern Alaska produces a moderate climate including plenty of moisture. Summer temperatures vary from 40-70 F. Winter temperatures average between 32 and 42 F, but most tours are only open during mid-spring through early-fall. Visitors should expect wet weather, as the area enjoys extensive year-round precipitation. Those visiting are urged to wear layers such as a T-shirt, sweater, and jacket because the weather and temperature can vary.
