Misty Fjords National Monument is a portion of the Tongass National Forest that was established in 1978 and is a congressionally designated Wilderness Area. At over 2 million acres in size, this is the largest Wilderness Area in the Tongass National Forest. Retreating glaciers left extensive fjords between the islands, creating long marine travel ways to explore with the close shelter to the adjacent forests on the surrounding islands.

The monument is a great place to explore by boat or sea kayak and there are 10 trails, 13 public-use cabins, and five shelters in the National Monument which are maintained by the Tongass National Forest. When exploring the National Monument you will likely see a diversity of seabirds and waterfowl including Pigeon Guillemot, Black-legged Kittiwake, Marbled Murrelet, Red-throated Loon, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, and Barrow’s Goldeneye, along with a variety of gull species and other seabirds.

Directions:

After you reach Ketchikan you can access the National Monument on a tour boat, charter boat, or float plane. Some tour companies also offer guided sea kayaking or sea kayak rentals.

Trail Information:

• There are 10 trails within the National Monument that are maintained by the Tongass National Forest.

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: Behm Canal (W of Rudyerd Bay)  
• eBird Hotspot: Misty Fiords NMW--Unuk River Estuary
• eBird Hotspot: Punchbowl Cove (Rudyerd Bay/Misty Fjords NMW)  

Bird Species Checklist:

• Ketchikan checklist

Other Resources:

• US Forest Service: Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness (PDF) 
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Misty Fjords National Monument 
• US Forest Service: Misty Fjords Cabins 
• Visit Ketchikan: Tours/Services