Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the most dramatic wilderness areas in Southeast Alaska, a landscape of 3,000-foot granite cliffs, narrow ocean fjords, rainforest slopes, and waterfalls that spill down from the clouds. Often compared to Yosemite carved by the sea, the monument covers 2.2 million acres of protected Tongass National Forest and remains one of the most unforgettable natural wonders near Ketchikan.
If you’re visiting Ketchikan and want to understand what Misty Fjords Alaska is like, how it formed, and the best way to experience it, this guide breaks everything down clearly and simply.
A visit to Misty Fjords feels like stepping into another world — one shaped by glaciers, ocean, and endless layers of forest and fog. Highlights include:
Near-vertical rock walls rise thousands of feet straight from saltwater fjords like Punchbowl Cove.
These glacier-carved passages feel peaceful, still, and untouched.
The monument gets its name from the shifting fog and light that filter through the valleys.
Depending on the season, you may spot bald eagles, harbor seals, mountain goats, black bears, and whales in surrounding waters.
With no roads into the monument, the fjords remain remote, pristine, and quiet, exactly what makes this place so memorable.
While the Misty Fjords are scenic year-round, summer (May to September) is the best time to visit. Conditions are most stable and viewing is at its peak.
If seeing Misty Fjords National Monument is a priority for your trip, summer gives you the best experience with the lowest chance of disrupted plans.
Since no roads lead into the monument, all travel is by air or water.
Seasoned operators like Allen Marine Tours or Kawanti Adventures run popular routes, offering reliable vessels and small-group floatplane connections for deeper fjord access.
A floatplane experience gives you sweeping views, while boat tours glide through the narrows, here’s how they compare.
Best for: dramatic scenery, photography, and understanding the scale of the monument
A floatplane gives you sweeping views of granite walls, alpine lakes, hanging valleys, and long fjord corridors carved by ice. Many flights land on calm inlets so guests can step onto the floats and take in the silence.
Typically 1.5–2 hours.
Generally $300–$400+ per person.
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Best for: wildlife viewing, up-close scenery, and a slower, immersive experience
Boat trips glide through narrow fjords, giving you front-row views of waterfalls, rainforest slopes, and sheer rock walls rising above the water. It’s calm, quiet, and ideal for spotting wildlife.
Usually 4–5.5 hours.
Typically $150–$200 per person.
If you're curious about other things to do in Ketchikan, check out our Complete Traveler's Guide to Ketchikan.
If the Misty Fjords are on your itinerary, staying in a convenient location can make your travel day effortless.
The Landing Hotel offers a highly practical base near many common departure points for scenic flights and marine excursions.
For visitors planning to explore Misty Fjords National Monument, The Landing provides a dependable, well-positioned place to stay that keeps your travel days simple and smooth.
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