Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Area is the name of over 2 million miles of coastal Alaskan rainforest that is protected for visitors and ecological preservation. It is strikingly beautiful with light-colored granite, crystal turquoise waters and emerald forests. About 50 to 70 million years old, glaciers gouged deep “U” shaped troughs throughout the monument. This created canals where deep, narrow waterways are formed by steep cliffs that rise thousands of feet in the air. Visit this phenomenal part of Alaska to see an wilderness area so astounding you won’t believe it is real.
The National Monument is 2,142,243 acres and was congressionally designated to protect this beautiful wilderness area. It remains the largest wilderness area in the Tongass National Forest.
The national monument designation prohibits the following: commercial enterprise (except for outfitter and guides), permanent and temporary roads, the use of motor vehicles and motorized equipment except snowmobiles, motorboats, and fixed wing airplanes, mechanized form of transport (i.e. bicycles, wheelbarrows), the damaging of live trees and construction of structures and installations, and the landing of helicopters. These strict rules keep the wilderness area pristine.
Over 17,000 years ago this area was covered with massive bodies of ice. As the ice disappeared, it carved away gloriously long, deep fjords. Although not icy now, the weather is cool and rainy year-round.
Behm Canal is the major waterway through the heart of the area. Travel either by boat or floatplane here. The forest is home to Alaskan brown bears, black bears, mountain goats and deer.
There are unique geological features in this magical land from mineral springs and volcanic lava flows can be found deep within this wilderness monument.
Thirteen public recreation cabins, five shelters, and ten trails that provide over twenty miles of hiking activity provide lots of opportunity for exploration!
Along with numerous recreational opportunities, this designated wilderness area protects ecosystems from development. They provide us with clean air and water, and where humans are only visitors.
Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar dominate the miles of rainforest. The coastal waters are filled with salmon and a bit farther, whales frequent the ocean.
The Tongass National Forest is the largest, intact coastal rainforest in America. Misty Fjords is a piece of this pristine wilderness and is treasured protected for Alaskans and visitors now and for the future.
