Misty Fjords National Monument covers about 2.3 million acres (some 9,300 km²) of the mainland and islands east of Ketchikan — an area larger than Yellowstone, almost all of it designated wilderness within the Tongass National Forest. Glaciers carved it into long, narrow fjords whose granite walls rise up to 3,000 feet straight out of the water, streaked with waterfalls and topped with forest, snowfields and hidden lakes. It was proclaimed a national monument in 1978.
There are no roads, no visitor centre and almost no trails. Nearly everyone sees Misty Fjords on a day trip from Ketchikan, either from the air in a floatplane or from the deck of a fast catamaran. The name is accurate: cloud and drizzle are common and are part of the atmosphere, with mist drifting across the cliffs. On a clear day the scale is astonishing.
Top things to do: Misty Fjords National Monument
Floatplane flightseeing
The classic excursion: a flight of roughly two hours in a de Havilland Beaver or Otter, with every passenger at a window. You cross the Tongass Narrows and Revillagigedo Island, fly along the cliffs and over high lakes, and usually land on a lake or fjord so you can step out onto the floats and hear the silence. It is the fastest way to see the monument and fits even a short port call.
Boat cruise through Behm Canal
High-speed catamarans take about four to five hours for the round trip, with a naturalist on board. You get close to the waterline, to seabird colonies, seals and sometimes whales or bears on the shore, and you have time to take it in. Some trips combine a cruise one way with a floatplane the other.
Rudyerd Bay and Punchbowl Cove
The heart of the monument and the goal of most trips. Punchbowl Cove is a near-vertical amphitheatre of granite about 3,000 feet high — often compared with Yosemite, flooded by the sea.
New Eddystone Rock
A 237-foot (72 m) spire of basalt standing alone in the middle of Behm Canal, the eroded core of an ancient volcanic vent. Captain George Vancouver named it in 1793 after the Eddystone lighthouse off Plymouth. Boat tours circle it; flights pass overhead.
Kayaking and cabins
For experienced, self-sufficient travellers, outfitters in Ketchikan offer guided multi-day kayak trips and boat drop-offs, and the Forest Service rents a handful of remote public-use cabins. This is real wilderness with bears, cold water and no phone signal.
How to get there
- By floatplane: flights leave from floatplane docks along the Ketchikan waterfront, a short transfer from the cruise berths that operators normally include. Flying time to the fjords is about 20–30 minutes each way.
- By boat: cruises depart from the downtown docks; the monument’s edge is roughly 40 miles away by water.
- Independently: there is no public transport and no way to drive. Charter boats and air taxis can be hired by the hour.
- Book ahead: seats are limited by aircraft size. See the floatplane tour in our ranking.
Insider tips
- Flights are weather-dependent. Low cloud can cause cancellations or a change of route; operators normally refund if they cannot fly. Morning flights are often the more reliable.
- If you have more than one day in Ketchikan, book the flight for the first day so there is a chance to reschedule.
- On small aircraft, weight limits apply and you may be asked your body weight when booking — this is routine and for balance.
- Wear dark, non-reflective clothing for photographs through the windows, and bring a jacket for the water landing.
- Prone to motion sickness? Flights can be bumpy in wind and the catamaran crosses open stretches; take precautions in advance.
Best tours for this sight
These bookable Ketchikan excursions fit best with a visit to Misty Fjords National Monument:
Flightseeing from $389 Ketchikan: Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour
The signature Ketchikan excursion. A floatplane lifts off from the Tongass Narrows and within minutes you are over roadless wilderness: granite walls, hanging valleys and the dark forest of the Tongass. Your pilot explains what you are seeing. Flights are weather-dependent, so book early in your stay if you can.
- Fly over the cliffs, waterfalls and lakes of Misty Fjords
- Commentary from your pilot
- Small group, with an optional audio guide
Kayaking from $206 Ketchikan: Orca Cove Fast Boat & Sea Kayaking Tour
Escape the port crowds on a three-hour trip: a fast boat takes you to sheltered coves, where you paddle stable sea kayaks along the shoreline with knowledgeable guides, watching for eagles, seals and whales.
- Fast boat ride to secluded coves
- Guided paddle among eagles and marine wildlife
- Small group, beginner-friendly
Boat tour from $199 Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Explore the waters and scenery around Ketchikan by boat, looking for whales, seals, sea lions and eagles. The vessel has covered outdoor seating as well as a cabin, and snacks and drinks are included. Sightings vary from day to day.
- Search for whales and other marine wildlife
- Indoor and covered outdoor seating
- Snacks and beverages on board
