Misty Fiords National Monument Getting there & around

Getting there & around

There isn't an air charter in Ketchikan that doesn't do Misty Fiords. The standard offering is a two-hour flight with a lake landing for $199, easily booked at the visitors center. Among them are Island Wings (225-2444, 888-854-2444; www.islandwings.com), a one-plane, one-pilot company run by Michelle Masden, and Carlin Air (225-3036, 888-594-3036; www.carlinair.com), with Jeff Carlin serving as pilot and owner. Both will do cabin drop-offs.

Cruises on speedy catamarans is another option. Goldbelt Alaska Cruises (225-6044, 800-228-1905; www.mistyfjord.net; 29 Main St, Suite 205) offers a 6½-hour tour (adult/child $125/100) through the monument that includes a light meal and narration. Allen Marine Tours (225-8100; www.mistyfjordwildlifequest.com; 50 Front St) has a four-hour version of the same tour (adult/child $139/89). Goldbelt's quickie special is a four-hour cruise-and-flight option (adult/child $250/210) with a boat cruise one way to Rudyerd Bay and a 30-minute floatplane sightseeing flight on the other leg.