Skimming Glass and Granite: A Traveler’s Guide to Misty Fjords National Monument
Float above cliffs, glide past waterfalls, and meet the wild heart of Southeast Alaska
The floatplane shudders as the pilot eases the throttle back and the world below blooms into scale: tiered forests, a scatter of freshwater lakes that look like spilled ink, and cliffs so raw the sound of waterfall seems to be coming from everywhere at once. From the window, a ribbon of spray drops a thousand feet into a black fjord; gulls wheel like punctuation. This is Misty Fjords National Monument — an alpine cathedral of granite and rainforest carved by glaciers and weathered into sheer walls and ribbon waterfalls. From Ketchikan, the monument unfolds as a sequence of theater-worthy scenes, each framed by coastal light that changes in minutes.
Trail Wisdom
Book a window seat for flightseeing
Floatplane tours guarantee a window seat with 360° views — take it; the best photo and wildlife moments happen from the plane.
Layer up for changing weather
Temperatures over the fjords are cooler than in town; bring a windproof jacket and insulating midlayer even in summer.
Bring binoculars and a mid-telephoto
200–300mm equivalent lenses and 8–10x binoculars put whales, eagles, and pictographs into crisp view from boats and shore.
Respect wildlife distances
Follow your guide’s rules for approaching marine mammals and shorelines — getting too close disturbs animals and can be illegal.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Rudyerd Bay pictograph coves — quiet and culturally significant coves tucked behind larger headlands
- •New Eddystone Rock — an isolated volcanic remnant often surrounded by wildlife and dramatic watercolor lighting
Wildlife
Humpback whale, Black bear
Conservation Note
Misty Fjords sits within Tongass National Forest and is managed to protect its marine and forest ecosystems; visitors are encouraged to minimize disturbance and use reputable, low-impact operators.
Tlingit peoples have inhabited and traveled these coasts for generations; many coves contain pictographs and cultural sites that connect to those histories.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: moody light photography, early-season bear activity, fewer crowds
Challenges: cooler, wetter weather, limited tour schedules
Spring brings dramatic skies and active shorelines but expect rain and fewer scheduled flights or boat runs.
summer
Best for: whale watching, stable flightseeing operations, long daylight hours
Challenges: more visitors, variable sun and showers
Summer is the prime season — reliable tour availability, long days, and the best chance to see whales and eagles.
fall
Best for: autumn colors in the Tongass, quieter tours, atmospheric photography
Challenges: cooler temperatures, increased storm chances
Fall offers quieter waterways and beautiful coastal light, though weather becomes less predictable.
winter
Best for: aural solitude, dramatic winter storms from a safe harbor
Challenges: most tours suspended, limited access and services
Winter is the quietest season with very limited access; most operators do not run regular tours.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof shellEssential
Protects against coastal drizzle and spray during boat or floatplane outings.
Binoculars (8–10x)Essential
Essential for wildlife and pictograph viewing from boats and shorelines.
Mid-range telephoto lens (200–300mm)
Capture distant whales and details on cliff faces from the boat or plane window.
Non-marking, grippy shoesEssential
Needed for safe movement on wet decks and rocky shorelines if you disembark.
Common Questions
How long are the typical flightseeing tours?
Standard flightseeing tours are about 60 minutes in the air; some operators offer 2-hour tours with a landing and short stopover.
Can you land on water in Misty Fjords?
Yes — some seaplane operators include a freshwater or saltwater landing as part of longer tours, offering a brief on-ground experience.
Will I see whales or bears?
Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed; summer offers the best chance for humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles and coastal brown/black bears.
Do I need special clothing or gear?
Dress in layers with a windproof outer shell; bring binoculars and a camera — boats are heated but can be breezy on deck.
Are tours suitable for families?
Yes — many operators accommodate families and provide narrations geared to a broad audience; private tours offer flexible pacing for children.
How do I get to Misty Fjords from Ketchikan?
Most visitors take a floatplane or seaplane from Ketchikan or book boat excursions that depart directly from the harbor; many tours include pickup and drop-off.
What to Pack
Waterproof jacket for spray and rain; binoculars for wildlife; camera with mid-telephoto for detail; non-marking shoes for wet decks and shoreline rocks
Did You Know
Misty Fjords National Monument covers more than two million acres of alpine wilderness nested inside Tongass National Forest.
Quick Travel Tips
Reserve flights or boats in advance during summer; confirm all-aboard times if you have a cruise schedule; carry motion-sickness meds if prone; pack a lightweight daypack with layers
Local Flavor
Ketchikan’s cultural scene—totem displays, smoked salmon, and local craft—pairs perfectly with fjord runs; pick up a jar of locally smoked salmon or visit a gallery to learn about Tlingit carving traditions.
Logistics Snapshot
From Ketchikan: 30–60 minute floatplane or multi-hour boat tours; window seats often guaranteed on established operators; private boats offer flexibility; expect cool, damp conditions even in summer.
Sustainability Note
Choose small-boat or small-aircraft operators that follow wildlife approach guidelines, avoid single-use plastics, and support local businesses to keep economic benefits tied to conservation.