Discover Alaska’s Misty Fjords: A Seaplane Adventure into Untamed Wilderness
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; passengers must be able to board and disembark the floatplane safely.
Overview
Take flight from Ketchikan over Alaska’s Misty Fjords National Monument, where towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes await. This seaplane tour offers an immersive wilderness escape with a tranquil landing on a remote lake or fjord shore.
Discover Alaska’s Misty Fjords: A Seaplane Adventure into Untamed Wilderness
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The moment the floatplane lifts from Ketchikan’s harbor, the world below unfolds into a mosaic of emerald forests and glistening waterways. Misty Fjords National Monument emerges, vast and untraveled, its sheer granite cliffs rising abruptly 3,500 feet from the mirror-like fjords beneath. The seaplane’s pontoons skim the surface, a gentle rhythm that mirrors the steady pulse of the wilderness.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary quickly between the warm plane and rainy fjord landing, so wear breathable, layered clothing.
Bring a Camera with a Zoom Lens
The wildlife and vast landscapes are best captured with a zoom lens to photograph mountain goats and distant waterfalls.
Prepare for Mist and Moisture
The area receives heavy rain; waterproof jackets and quick-drying clothes improve comfort during shore stops.
Arrive Early for Boarding
The pickup location at Ketchikan Visitors Bureau requires timely arrival for smooth transfer to the floatplane.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mountain goats balancing on cliff faces.
- Harbor seals sunning on rocky outcrops.
History
Misty Fjords was designated a national monument in 1978, preserving one of the largest remaining wilderness areas in the U.S. free of roads and development.
Conservation
The region operates under strict US Forest Service permits to minimize human impact, ensuring the wilderness remains pristine for future generations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ketchikan
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
spring specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for brief shore excursions from the floatplane.
Binoculars
Helps spot distant wildlife and landscape details during flight.
Camera with Zoom Lens
For high-quality photos of fjords, waterfalls, and animals.