Misty Fiords National Monument

Covering 2.2 million acres, Misty Fiords is a favorite destination of Inside Passage visitors. The monument, part of Tongass National Forest, is east of Ketchikan, straddling glacially carved Behm Canal, one of many deep fjords that divide the mainland from nearby islands. The terrain consists of forests and mountains, with interspersed lakes and stunning cliff faces, some plunging 3,000 feet into fjords. Wet weather predominates year-round, with around 160 inches of rain annually, and misty clouds often cover forested slopes — hence the name. Most visitors to Misty arrive on tour boats or floatplanes from Ketchikan, though some cruise ships ...

Covering 2.2 million acres, Misty Fiords is a favorite destination of Inside Passage visitors. The monument, part of Tongass National Forest, is east of Ketchikan, straddling glacially carved Behm Canal, one of many deep fjords that divide the mainland from nearby islands. The terrain consists of forests and mountains, with interspersed lakes and stunning cliff faces, some plunging 3,000 feet into fjords. Wet weather predominates year-round, with around 160 inches of rain annually, and misty clouds often cover forested slopes — hence the name. Most visitors to Misty arrive on tour boats or floatplanes from Ketchikan, though some cruise ships also venture into these waters. Especially popular are the all-day fly-in, take-the-boat-back trip, providing the best of both worlds. More adventurous travelers enjoy sea kayaking in the remote bays or staying at lakeside Forest Service cabins. Kayak rentals and guided tours are available from a couple of Ketchikan businesses.

About the Expert

Don Pitcher has written or photographed 10 travel guidebooks to Alaska, Wyoming, Yellowstone-Grand Teton, and the San Juan Islands for Avalon Travel Publishing, Random House, and Sasquatch Books.