Just 22 miles east of Ketchikan, Alaska, Misty Fjords National Monument showcases the raw beauty of the Tongass National Forest. This breathtaking wilderness was established in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. If you want to include it on your Alaska itinerary, we share ways to see it, whether traveling by cruise ship or staying on land.
Like Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm, Misty Fjords exhibits classic fjord traits. It features towering coastal cliffs, steep-walled passages, and rock faces that soar 3,000 feet above the water. Rugged and remote, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into an untouched Alaskan landscape.
Contrasting its cousins to the north, Misty Fjords doesn’t feature a glacier at the end of the bay. However, its granite cliffs are home to numerous waterfalls. Some are delicate, like strands of angel hair, while others roar with untamed power, crashing into emerald pools below.
Seaplanes provide the favored way of enjoying the fjord but come with a hefty price tag. We’ve explored other ways to get there, with some that require lengthier trips and others coming in more budget friendly.
History And Designation
The geological history of Misty Fjords National Monument spans thousands of years. Around 17,000 years ago, massive glaciers blanketed the land. As they slowly retreated, they carved out the dramatic cliffs and deep fjords that define today’s landscape.
Recognizing its ecological and cultural importance, President Jimmy Carter designated more than 2.2 million acres as Misty Fjords National Monument in 1978.
Now managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Misty Fjords remains protected while allowing sustainable visitation. This designation helps preserve its untouched landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Geography And Geology
Misty Fjords National Monument encompasses a stunning geographical region. Its granite walls soar thousands of feet from the sea, sculpted by volcanic activity millions of years ago. With 160 inches of annual rain, the Monument’s misty name fits.
Deep in the wilderness, mineral springs and old lava flows remain. Quartz Hill, a non-wilderness zone, contains rich mineral deposits.
This coastal rainforest thrives with Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar. Ferns, mosses, and berry shrubs cover the forest floor. We found the landscape lush, with moss flourishing on steep mountain cliffs.
Black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, and wolves roam the rugged terrain. In the surrounding waters, seals, sea lions, and whales thrive. Overhead, bald eagles soar, while rare plants take root in the untouched wilderness.
What wildlife you encounter depends on how you get there; some creatures are easier to spot from land, others from the water.
Access To Misty Fjords
Ketchikan, the nearest city to Misty Fjords National Monument, provides a jumping point to reach the fjords. With no roads leading to the Monument, visitors can only get it by boat or aircraft. So, if you have a day or more in Ketchikan, consider visiting this protected area.
We chose to see it by boat on our last trip, but your choice may differ, depending on time and budget.
Flightseeing Misty Fjords
Flightseeing tours offer the most dramatic way to experience the landscape. These aerial adventures typically last one to two hours with small floatplanes departing from Ketchikan’s waterfront.
Each passenger receives a window seat, so everyone gets to enjoy the views. Prices start at USD 350 with the option to book flightseeing with a water landing. This gives travelers a chance to step out onto the pontoon and experience the silence and majesty of the wilderness up close.
While costly for a one-hour tour, cruise guests who don’t intend a repeat trip have time to participate in a second shore excursion.
SeaWind Aviation and Taquan Air provide expert pilots who offer informative commentary about the area’s geological features and wildlife. The flight path may change depending on the weather.
Since seaplanes have a small passenger capacity, these tours fill up quickly. We suggest booking early. Passengers cannot take bags or backpacks due to plane weight limitations. Lockers are provided at the floatplane terminal.
Included In A Cruise
Although rare, a few cruise lines have access to Misty Fjords with smaller vessels. Seabourn, National Geographic-Lindblad, HX (formerly part of Hurtigruten), Windstar, and Cunard include it on some of their sailings.
Small ships that cruise there spend up to seven hours exploring the bay. It’s a stark contrast to the one-hour experience on a seaplane. A slow cruise through the fjord allowed us to sit back and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed before leaving.
We cruised to Alaska on Cunard Queen Elizabeth and liked that they offered longer voyages than 7 days. Having Misty Fjords on the cruise itinerary means not needing to pay a hefty price to see the Monument another way.
While limited lines offer cruises there due to its protected status, it’s not likely more cruise lines will gain access.
Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer
For families or those on a budget, the Wilderness Explorer offers a more affordable way to get there. These tours are typically sold through cruise lines. We took this tour and share our experience below.
The catamarans, operated by Allen Marine Tours, vary in size depending on the passenger count. These vessels are wheelchair-friendly, have comfortable seating, and include onboard restrooms.
Most Wilderness Explorer tours depart from Ketchikan’s harbor. An onboard naturalist provides commentary throughout the journey, pointing out wildlife such as whales, porpoises, sea lions, and mountain goats on the cliffs.
Tours typically last 5 hours or more round trip. The longer the cruise, the more time you’ll spend exploring the fjords.
Camping And Hiking
The following two options are for travelers who intend to stay in Ketchikan for a few days. These experiences aren’t possible for cruise guests with limited time in port.
Camping and hiking provide an immersive Misty Fjords experience, ideal for adventure seekers. The U.S. Forest Service maintains 13 rustic cabins within the Monument that can be reserved.
Access to these cabins requires either a floatplane drop-off or boat transportation. The latter is more budget-friendly, and the pick-up time and date must be pre-arranged. During the boat ride, you’ll enjoy wildlife watching and see the impressive New Eddystone Rock.
Several hiking trails exist near cabin locations, offering day hiking opportunities. Bear in mind that these trails aren’t well maintained. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a group hiking tour through Island Wings Air Service.
Visitors should be prepared for wilderness conditions without services, a cell network, or easy evacuation options. Backcountry camping is permitted throughout Misty Fjords with proper permits. All visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles and carry out everything they bring in.
Weather conditions change rapidly, so hikers and campers should be well-prepared with appropriate gear, food, and emergency supplies.
Multi-Day Kayaking Tour
Sea kayaking offers the most intimate way to experience Misty Fjords National Monument. Several outfitters in Ketchikan organize guided multi-day kayaking expeditions lasting 3-7 days.
These tours often include transportation to and from the Monument, all necessary kayaking equipment, camping gear, meals, and professional guides. Prices start at USD 1,200 but can double depending on the trip length.
Paddlers travel 5-10 miles daily, exploring hidden coves, waterfalls, and inlets that larger vessels cannot access. Nights are spent camping on remote beaches or forest service cabins.
No previous kayaking experience is required for most guided tours, though participants should have reasonable fitness levels. Group sizes typically remain small, with 6-10 guests accompanied by 2-3 guides.
Alternatively, a few companies, such as Family Air Tours and Southeast Exposure, offer Misty Fjords kayaking day trips. Family Air Tours include a floatplane ride. Southeast Exposure provides kayak rentals and can arrange a water taxi drop-off and pick-up.
Our Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Tour
Accessing this natural wonder typically requires a two-hour boat journey from Ketchikan. We took this excursion in May and were thankful for the indoor heated cabin for most of the ride. Our boat had several decks for viewing in the fjords.
The journey starts slowly as the Tongass Narrows (waterway between Ketchikan and Pennock Island) has a speed limit. Our guide pointed out the Saxman Native Village, which I enjoyed during another Ketchikan visit.
Their purpose-built vessel have indoor and outdoor space for viewing, a washroom, and a snack shop to purchase soda, beer, candy, chips, and souvenirs. The indoor space has large windows so passengers can savor the views no matter where they sit. Seats were not assigned.
The highlight of our cruise was traveling through the Behm Canal, the waterway through the heart of Misty Fjords. However, it took a lengthy boat ride to get there. Our 5.25-hour tour left late, cutting our time at Misty Fjords and bringing us back to our ship 10 minutes before departure.
The views in the fjords were stunning and allowed us to enjoy the outside decks. The upper deck was closed during the ride there and back but opened once in the fjord. Having several outside decks prevented overcrowding.
The Monument’s defining feature is the mystical fog that frequently envelops the mountaintops. While we had seen lots of fog in Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm, we lucked you with fogless skies this time.
What’s Included
Be aware that some cruise lines sell this excursion as a 4.5-hour one. With 4 hours of travel time, guests will only enjoy the fjord for 30 minutes.
Since this five-hour excursion involves extensive travel to and from the fjord, we recommend a shorter tour for young children.
Due to the tour’s length, drinks and food were supplied. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate were complimentary. We were offered a small cup of vegetarian chili or chowder on the ride back. A smoked salmon snack on a cracker followed. My husband washed it down with a purchased Alaskan stout.
A naturalist provides commentary, pointing out bald eagle nests and the striking New Eddystone Rock 237-foot pillar on the route.
Wildlife Observation
Marine wildlife, usually curious harbor seals and sea lions swimming in the cold, clear waters, frequently appear. Lucky visitors might spot orcas or humpback whales feeding close to shore. We didn’t see any whales in early May, and the crew said they were scarce early in the season.
The crew scanned the coastline for wildlife during the voyage. But, we recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to aid the search. In Misty Fjords, we spotted a black bear foraging for food on a rocky beach and one mountain goat high on a cliff.
Our captain maneuvered the catamaran as close to the rocks as he could so we could get a better look. Wildlife spotting is all about luck. There may be lots of sightings one day and none the next.
Experience the Magic of Misty Fjords
Misty Fjords National Monument showcases nature’s artistry with dramatic cliffs, serene waters, and mystical fog. Whether by boat, plane, or guided tour, each journey reveals a unique view of this untouched wilderness.
While the fjord doesn’t have a tidewater glacier, its stunning landscape remains just as captivating. As we explored its pristine scenery and rich history, we understood why Misty Fjords remains one of Alaska’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
No matter how you choose to get there, we hope you enjoy the adventure as much as we did.
