Flying over the majestic Misty Fjords in Alaska

Flying over the majestic Misty Fjords in Alaska

Tucked away in the southern part of Alaska, Ketchikan is a tiny little town. The first Alaskan town to be established during the Gold Rush, it breathes of a lot of history, a fact which is not missed when you walk along the tiny Creek Street. The first Alaskan city, the salmon capital of the world, rainiest city in Alaska – these and other superlatives draw a lot of cruise ships to the town.

The quaint little creek street in Ketchikan
The quaint little creek street in Ketchikan

Not too far away from Ketchikan lies the stunning glacially carved Misty Fjords National Forest and that is what I was in the town for. As the name suggests, the deep valleys of the fjords are often covered in mist. Steep granite cliffs, tall waterfalls and hundreds of lakes characterize these fjords, second to no other fjord system when it comes to scenic beauty. And the best way to see these fjords? That has to be in an Alaskan float plane. Not a cheap endeavor at $200 a flight, but once you take the flight, you would definitely leave feeling it was totally worth it! I flew with Misty Fjords Air and Outfitters on a beautiful day and enjoyed the trip thoroughly. I would recommend choosing a trip with a water landing – it adds an interesting perspective, gives you a break to stretch your legs and a short picnic. There was no mist the day I flew, but the views were heart-rendering nonetheless.


Steep granite cliffs, tall waterfalls and hundreds of lakes characterize these fjords, second to no other fjord system when it comes to scenic beauty.


A water landing in a remote fjord
A water landing in a remote fjord
A beautiful aerial view, Misty Fjords National Monument
A beautiful aerial view, Misty Fjords National Monument
One of numerous fjords on the flight tour
One of numerous fjords on the flight tour

About Praveen Maloo

Praveen is currently based out of Seattle, United States. He loves coffee, conversations, micro-brews, and intimate jazz music scenes. When its not raining in Seattle, he can be seen enjoying the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific North-West.

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