Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument
4.5
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This huge wilderness area includes hundreds of rivers and streams fed by melting glaciers each spring.
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4.5
878 reviews
Excellent
702
Very good
114
Average
34
Poor
16
Terrible
12
adventoring
Omaha, NE46 contributions
Aug 2022
The Fjords are very beautiful but very remote. Our excursion was similar to others in that the boat ride was over 1.5 hours each way and disappointing in terms of wildlife. We saw 5 eagles at most and no whales, bears, moose, or mountain goats. If I were to do it again, I would consider plane rides to cut the transit time and get an even more spectacular view.
Read your itinerary carefully to make the best educated decision you can.
Read your itinerary carefully to make the best educated decision you can.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SyrinxSounds
Victoria, Canada1,418 contributions
Aug 2022
I wish that in addition to "rate your experience" there was an option to rate the place. The place, Misty Fjords National Monument, is a superlative expanse of natural beauty ... in all the possible way that might be conceived. Easily a rank of FIVE. But the question was about my experience, and my experience was not good.
My suspicion is that my negative experience was down to the particular guide company we used, and I'll make that review elsewhere. But also, I wonder if it isn't a case that this place should simply be left alone. I wonder if it is too much for humans. Perhaps we should not come here?
What's not made clear in the guide packages is how far away from Ketchikan the Misty Fjords are. In a 4.5 hour boat package, four hours of that is transiting to and from the fjords. The transit is scenic but no more than an interstate highway, noisy with small planes overhead. Then it's a 15-minute float in and 15-minute float out of the fjord. It's not much better than a scenic overlook.
If you are going to go to the fjords, do your research and know what your package will look like. Get as much time in the fjords that you can. If you are just floating in and out, assume that the forecast for seeing any wildlife will be over blown. The fjords are beautiful, but perhaps they should just be left to themselves.
My suspicion is that my negative experience was down to the particular guide company we used, and I'll make that review elsewhere. But also, I wonder if it isn't a case that this place should simply be left alone. I wonder if it is too much for humans. Perhaps we should not come here?
What's not made clear in the guide packages is how far away from Ketchikan the Misty Fjords are. In a 4.5 hour boat package, four hours of that is transiting to and from the fjords. The transit is scenic but no more than an interstate highway, noisy with small planes overhead. Then it's a 15-minute float in and 15-minute float out of the fjord. It's not much better than a scenic overlook.
If you are going to go to the fjords, do your research and know what your package will look like. Get as much time in the fjords that you can. If you are just floating in and out, assume that the forecast for seeing any wildlife will be over blown. The fjords are beautiful, but perhaps they should just be left to themselves.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jtbarndt
Missoula, MT4 contributions
Aug 2021
As we had taken a previous Alaska Inland Passage cruise, we decided to do a different excursion out of Ketchikan this time. We went to the Misty Fjords. We were the only tour boat there. It was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. The captain went slow giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. The crew even provided refreshments on the return trip. I wish I had written down the name of the excursion company. It was booked through Holland America.
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joette N
Oakdale, CA493 contributions
May 2022
Such a beautiful place to visit. You can only visit areas of this beautiful Fjord by either flight plane, helicopter or boat. We did take a tour boat and were so very happy with our experience. Our stop at the Eddyrock and the granite walls and waterfalls, and watching a pod of killer whales were all opportunities that added to the joy of our experience.
Written 13 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DWathenYoungstown_OH
Youngstown, OH291 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Not much other than the boardwalk and totem area in Ketchikan but a trip to Misty Fjords is exceptional. Went to a large (100+ passenger) boat with a great crew on a sunny day. Boat was about half full with cruise passengers. Takes about 90 minutes to get to the Fjord and then you cruise around the Fjord or an hour or so. Lots of waterfalls and wildlife (deer, goats, otters, whales.) One of the most beautiful areas in Alaska. If you get the chance go. Out Holland America cruise ship made the arrangements.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flyer508688
4 contributions
July 2021
Whagt can I say about this place? Nothing that would do it justice. It ts yosemite valley without all of the tourists. The fishing is amazing, halibut lingcod shrimp, and crabs. Can't forget the bears!
World class destination.
World class destination.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelley V
11 contributions
July 2020 • Solo
It was amazing! I went on a tour with Allen Marine. Good tour with great narration of the wildlife and rock formations. I was able to see orcas, humpback whales, seals, and a variety of birds. Would recommend visiting Misty Fjords to anyone!
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
170bradr
Ketchikan, AK126 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
What can you say about a place that sums it all up in its name. The most is near constant but when the sun does come out it is incredible. Finding Bear scat just outside your cantonment is thrilling in a sort of terrified reality. Didn’t see the bear. Just a steaming pile of leftovers. He’s been eating berries. Not for the weak or faint of heart but such an incredible place. You’ll go back many time in your mind.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robinmnjones
Baltimore, MD45 contributions
June 2022
Explored this area on a boat tour. The scenery was beautiful but we didn't see wild life. We hoped to see whales, bears and mountain goats. We did see goats but they were so far away that they looked like white dots even through binoculars. Other sights in southern Alaska were more impressive if you have to pick and choose.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul D
Yatte Yattah, Australia98 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
We did the Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer Cruise Excursion from our Cruise on the Queen Elizabeth. We spent 12 days cruising Alaska and did three wildlife cruises. This cruise was by far the best in terms of wildlife sighted, including orcas, seals, birdlife. The scenery was also incredible and different from the other tours. Our guides commentary was very entertaining and informative.
Written 26 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are considering doing the Princess cruise trip to Misty Fjords. I have heard it is wonderful and then heard it was a bust if it’s foggy. Would love some oppinions from others before we book. We’ll be there at the end of July, 2020. TYIA
Written 25 November 2019
We were there on July 4, and there was no problem with weather...although this is Alaska so the weather can change. The captain will cancel the trip if the weather is too bad. At least, this is what happened to us on another excursion in Alaska so if the weather is good for the captain, then it should be good for you. On another excursion the captain gave us a shortened version of the trip due to the weather...but did not give us a refund or a prorated amount. So, sometimes you just have to go with the flow when travelling and enjoy what you can. Hope these were useful comments.
Written 27 November 2019
Hi Anne, were you on a small boat cruise? why company did you use? Thanks, Esther
Written 24 November 2019
We cruised on The Seabourn Sojorn, a ship with 450 passengers. Fabulous. A smallish ship like this can get into areas larger ones cannot. Highly recommended!
Written 16 January 2020
Can we see it as we pass on our cruise ship
Written 14 May 2019
No, it is narrow and cruise ships can’t go there.
Written 25 November 2019
Is there a place where I can get my stamp for the NP Passport book?
Written 16 April 2019
I believe there is a visitor center located at 1515 Tongass in Ketchikan. You should be able to get your stamp there. If you are planning an air tour, I highly recommend Island Wings Air Service. If you are looking for a nice Bed & Breakfast Inn, I recommend Black Bear Inn. Nicole and Jim are fantastic hosts.
Written 16 April 2019
hi all you TripAdvisor's we are looking to book the misty fjords float plane has anybody used family air tours if so how did you get on
Written 10 April 2018
Здравствуйте. Мы с Казахстана. Хотели бы навести этот городок,не подскажете как лучше долететь до него?откуда выйдут дешевле авиабилеты? Спасибо всем!
Written 28 November 2017
What company did you use to do this trip. We are excited as this is our 25th anniversary trip and I'd like to surprise my husband with it
Written 15 October 2017
We booked our excursion through Costco at shoreexcursionsgroup
You can find them online as Trip Advisor won't allow me to provide a website link.
We have been very happy with the excursions that we have purchased through Costco.
By the way, if you are going to Juneau, a whale watch company that I recommend is Harv and Marv's. They are much better than the excursion offered through the cruise lines and use much smaller boats. Again, you can find them online.
Written 16 October 2017
Is there any way to see the Misty Fjords that doesn't cost nearly $200 or more? I'm on a budget...
Written 28 May 2017
There is a way. Certain times during the season, outfitters from Ketchikan, Alaska offer "tourist for a day" pricing which is significantly lower than normal fares... keep your eyes on Ketchikan papers!!
Written 8 July 2017
Is this only reachable by plane? My wife and I want to hike it, and dont want to have a tour determine how much time we get to spend.
Written 29 December 2016
In the main Fjord area some tour boats will haul a kayak for you and you can kayak up to the face of the rocks. But in general the Fjord walls are near vertical. There are several good hiking areas near Ketchikan, where the boat and plane tours begin. They are rain forest and/or rocky beach terrain and you can drive to the trailheads.
Written 30 December 2016
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