Ketchikan National Monument

Misty Fiords National Monument is a pristine masterpiece featuring some of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery. Seventeen thousand years ago the area was covered in ice. Massive glacier action carved out its present landscape- long saltwater fjords hemmed in by cliffs that soar as high as 3,000 feet into the air.

Scenery ranges from tidewater estuaries to mountains often shrouded in mists, sky-blue lakes, waterfalls and the seemingly endless evergreen forest. Misty Fjords' road-less location is only accessible by floatplane or boat from Ketchikan. Cruise (2-3 hours one way), fly (35 minutes one way) or choose a cruise/fly combination.

Misty Fiords offers excellent sea-kayaking opportunities. Excursion vessels carry you and your gear to and from the area, where you can paddle the pristine waters on a day trip or extend your visit at one of the U.S. Forest Service cabins or shelters located within the monument area. Highlights of the area include pictographs (native rock art) painted along the cliff walls, New Eddystone Rock and Punchbowl Cove.

Look for sea lions, killer whales and porpoises, brown and black bear and mountain goats which are often sighted in the monument area.