Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Natural area · Ketchikan, Alaska
Misty Fjords National Monument
A protected area of fjords, granite walls and waterfalls east of Ketchikan, with no roads, visited by floatplanes and boats. Rock walls rise hundreds of meters straight from the water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument was created in 1978 and protects more than 9,000 km² of the Tongass National Forest, about 60 km east of Ketchikan. It is a landscape of deep fjords carved by glaciers, with light granite cliffs rising hundreds of meters from the water, waterfalls, and forests of cedar and spruce.
The name comes from the frequent fog and rain that shroud the slopes in clouds. There are no roads: visitors arrive by seaplane, on a flight of about one and a half hours that lands on a lake or in a fjord, or by boat, on several-hour cruises from Ketchikan.
One of the landmarks on the boat route is New Eddystone Rock, a basalt column about 72 meters high that stands alone in Behm Canal. Along the way you can often see seals, bald eagles, bears on the shore, and sometimes whales.
Those who want to stay longer can rent Forest Service cabins or make kayaking trips, with planning and reservations.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one and a half hours by seaplane; four to six hours by boat.
Best time
During the tour season, between May and September. Flights depend on the weather and can be rescheduled; days with high clouds give the best views of the cliffs.
How to get there
Seaplanes take off from Tongass Narrows in downtown Ketchikan, and boats depart from the harbor. Book in advance and monitor the weather forecast, which determines flights.
Tip
If you choose the seaplane, prefer a flight that lands in a fjord or on a lake. Bring a waterproof jacket on the boat: rain and wind are frequent.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Misty Fjords National Monument
How do you visit Misty Fjords?
By seaplane, on a flight of about one and a half hours with a water landing, or by boat, on several-hour tours, both from Ketchikan.
How far is Ketchikan from Misty Fjords?
The area is about 60 km east of Ketchikan, with no roads.
Do flights to Misty Fjords operate in the rain?
They depend on visibility conditions and can be rescheduled. Light rain is common in the region.