MISTY FJORDS NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Misty Fjords National Monument is a breathtaking wilderness area located in the Tongass National Rainforest in Southeast Alaska. It is known for its dramatic scenery of towering cliffs, deep fjords, and cascading waterfalls. The Tongass National Forest is the largest, intact coastal rainforest in America. Misty Fjords is a piece of this treasure and is set aside for all visitors – now and in the future. Visitors can travel either by boat or floatplane in Behm Canal, the major waterway through the heart of the area, and sightings of killer whales, porpoises, mountain goats, and bears could be possible.
HISTORY (cited from fs.usda.gov)
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed over 2,200,000 acres as the Misty Fjords National Monument according to fs.usda.gov. In 1980, this acreage got reduced to 2,142,243 acres but was now congressionally designated as Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness and still remains the largest wilderness area on the Tongass National Forest. Due to this designation, it is now strategically managed to continue the preservation of this undeveloped, enduring ecosystem for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
17,000 years ago Misty Fjords National Monument would have been covered with only one thing, massive bodies of ice. As the ice disbanded, it carved away gloriously long, deep fiords with cliffs that rise for thousands of feet. They are considered the skyscrapers of this wilderness wonderland.
FLIGHTSEEING TOURS
At Kawanti Adventures and Taquan Air, we offer scenic flightseeing tours of the beautiful, Misty Fjords National Monument! On this tour, our experienced pilots will guide you through the Misty Fjords, offering unparalleled views of Alaska’s stunning landscape. From the comfort of our floatplanes, you’ll witness the rugged beauty of the region, including lush forests, rugged coastlines, and wildlife like bears, eagles, and whales. This is a nearly two hour long tour exploring the beauty of Southeast, Alaska from above with the pristine wilderness and ocean below you!
MISTY FJORDS FUN FACTS:
- The fjords were carved by glaciers over thousands of years, creating dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Misty Fjords is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, and seals.
- The area is famous for its misty, atmospheric conditions, which create a sense of mystery and beauty.
- Misty Fjords is a popular destination for adventure seekers, offering opportunities for kayaking and flightseeing tours.
- The reflections of the fjords in the calm waters below create a mirror-like effect.
