Misty Fjords National Monument
4.7(3)google
CoastMountainScenic LookoutBoating
Overview
Misty Fjords National Monument is a colossal, breathtaking wilderness treasure encompassing over 2.2 million acres of sheer granite cliffs, glacial fjords, and dense rainforests north of Ketchikan. True to its poetic name, the monument is frequently shrouded in dramatic, ethereal sea mists that hang over the mirror-like ocean channels. Most travelers explore this remote masterpiece via specialized flightseeing floatplanes that land directly on secluded alpine lakes, or via wilderness boat cruises, showcasing dramatic 3,000-foot waterfalls cascading straight down into the sea.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeAn absolute must during calm summer mornings from June to August. This majestic wilderness of 3000-foot sheer granite cliffs and deep ocean fjords is notorious for coastal rain; clear days offer unmatched opportunities for a floatplane flightseeing tour with a scenic water-landing on a alpine lake.
Getting ThereLocated roughly 40 miles east of Ketchikan, with zero road connections. Access is strictly marine or aerial. Visitors can book a high-speed catamaran fjord day-cruise from the Ketchikan docks (2-3 hours one-way) or opt for a premium 1.5-hour floatplane flightseeing excursion.
Travel Tips
- Flightseeing via floatplane is the prime access mode; chronic low ceilings and severe turbulence cause cancellations 10 minutes before takeoff.
- Marine cruises inside the canyon walls require dry bags for optics; cliff echo geometry bans the use of external audio speakers.
- The wilderness monument has zero cellular coverage; skiff rentals require an active marine VHF radio locked to Channel 16.
Reviews
Positive
- The towering sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and constant shrouding mists form a true fairyland; its visual impact completely lives up to the hype.
- Taking a seaplane to land smoothly on a quiet fjord and stepping onto the pontoons offers a unique, thrilling experience in raw wilderness.
- The charter pilots showcase superb flying skills and know the fjord currents by heart, delivering witty audio guide commentary with full safety marks.
- With zero road access, this massive monument sees only sparse planes or small boats, staying completely isolated from modern commerce.