Southern Southeast Alaska’s main attraction for sightseeing, wildlife watching, fishing, and exploring wilderness, is the majestic 2.2 million acres of wonderland known as Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness Area (which is also known as Misty Fjords, with a lower case j.)
Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Area was created on December 1, 1978 through presidential proclamation by President Jimmy Carter to protect the ecological, cultural, geological, historical, prehistorical, scientific, and wilderness values of the area.
The entrance to the Misty Fjords is located 22 miles East of Ketchikan, Alaska with the heart of Misty Fjords, Rudyerd Bay area, farther North another 25 miles. Hundreds of tourists visit the Fjords daily via cruise ships, high speed jet catamarans, and/or floatplanes for a relatively quick and superficial experience of what wilderness looks like. To really experience the soul of wilderness folks can explore other areas within the Misty Fjords that are far less traveled, and spending days instead of minutes surrounded by wilderness majesty enables one to be truly touched by the Misty Fjords’+ awesome beauty and inspirations.
Classic Alaska Charters often includes Misty Fiords as part of the itinerary of the 5 day, 4 night overnight adventures we provide. After a day of fishing & exploring we find remote anchorages away from the cruise ship and floatplane traffic where you’ll experience a once in a lifetime opportunity (twice or more if you return with us) that will soothe your soul and ease the tension of a hectic lifestyle.
The pristine tranquility and serene atmosphere of the Misty Fjords will transform and relax those who truly appreciate the value of wilderness. The incredible ecological diversity, rainforest climate, and coastal waterways that cut back into the Coastal Range of mountains provides unparalleled opportunities for experiencing remote and wild recreation in a backdrop of hundreds of waterfalls, many from 3000 feet, cascading from sheer rock granite walls into the sea.
Lush green tideflats mark the end of most salmon bearing streams and major river systems, where folks can witness Brown and Black Bear feeding on sedge grasses, roots and tubers in the spring, and during summer and fall, be impressed with the animals’ abilities to hunt down spawning salmon numbering in the millions.
From picturesque snow capped peaks where the Mountain Goats roam, to the rugged coastal shoreline of protected coves, bays, channels and canals, you’ll find wildlife in healthy abundance in the Misty Fjords. The Bears of course are everywhere, and more Bald Eagles than you could imagine soaring overhead and often impressing guests with a fish catching show!
Sitka Black Tail Deer forage through the dense old growth forests, followed closely by packs of Alaskan Archipelago Wolves. Birders are in for a treat with realistically often sightings of Marbeled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemonts, Red Throated Loons, Pacific Loons, and scores of other sea and shore birds.
The marine mammal shows of Misty Fjords includes the migrating Humpback Whales, pods of Killer Whales, and the ever present Dall Porpoises riding the bow wave of the Saltery C. You’ll also find Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, hauled out on rocky outcroppings, Sea Otters rolling around the Kelp Beds and River Otters gliding purposefully, often playfully, along the waters edges in search of food.
Come on along with us and explore the Misty Fjords wilderness waterways in style and comfort aboard the Saltery C, and feel the authenticity of remote recreation privately and away from the crowds and typical tourist scenes.
Misty Fjords is an incredible wilderness experience rich in geological, natural, and native history. For more information about Misty Fjords, please visit GORP’s Misty Fjords National Monument and Wilderness page.
