Misty Fjords National Monument
Overnight, we entered the waters of Southeast Alaska! Crossing Dixon Entrance, we continued north and slightly west, toward Behm Canal. This waterway encircles Revillagigedo Island, and is also the access point to Misty Fjords National Monument.
After arriving to the head of Rudyerd Bay, in the heart of the National Monument, a mountain goat was sighted above us on the side of the cliffs. We watched for a short amount of time and were awed by its agility in such harsh terrain. After its departure, we were met by a floatplane bringing our customs officials. Now officially able to visit this magnificent state, we set off for explorations of the fjord. Misty cloud cover greeted our early morning Zodiac cruisers, giving rise to the comments that this vast wilderness is aptly named.
Misty Fjords was designated as a National Monument in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. Just two years later, these glacially-carved valleys were given an extra level of protection through a designation of Wilderness. This section of the Tongass National Forest is often host to visitors, but not because it is easy to access. Human visitors arrive only by water or air.
Our Zodiacs enjoyed views of more mountain goats, curious harbor seals, common mergansers, and three common loons, whose mysterious calls echoed between the steep cliffs on all sides of us. The low-hanging clouds and the dripping waterfalls were incredibly atmospheric. Another true highlight was the amazing geological formations, including areas of colorful, ribbon-like gneiss. Our kayaks also made an appearance and quite a few of our more intrepid explorers paddled through the narrowest section of the fjord, meeting us on the outside.
We departed Rudyerd Bay in the early afternoon, passing the iconic New Eddystone Rock in the center of Behm Canal. This volcanic plug is tall and columnar, and unmistakable from any angle. We continued through evening, allowing views of several shy humpback whales, and the city of Ketchikan through Tongass Narrows.
This is a harsh wilderness, made beautiful by the tremendous amount of moisture that falls here annually. Our first experience with Southeast Alaska has only drawn us in further and built our excitement for new explorations.
