Ketchikan
Misty Fjords National Monument
The Misty Fjords National Monument and wilderness area, about 40 miles east of Ketchikan along Alaska’s Inside Passage coast, is accessible only by float plane or boat. This 2.3-million-acre wilderness area is a stunning example of the power of glacial movement, with granite cliffs carved by glaciers soaring out of the water up to 3,000 feet in the air. From sea level, visitors frequently see wildlife, view pictographs (Native rock art) and waterfalls along the steep cliff walls. From the air, experience a bird’s eye view of the monument and its cliff-top lakes, alpine valleys, glaciers and even mountain goats making their way across rocky cliffs. A cruise-fly option is available to vacationers who want to experience the fjords from both perspectives.
