misty fjords national monument boat tours

Misty Fjords Expedition

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 4 hours & 30 minutes
• Users Boat Capacity: 4-passenger min., max. of 6

Minimum : This tour requires a 4-person minimum to operate, we will do our best to fill the remaining seats however, if the tour doesn’t reach the minimum, you will be given the option to pay for the remaining minimum seats or given a full refund.

Intimate Wilderness Voyage to the Misty Fjords

Feel the magnitude of nature while learning the fascinating history of Rudyerd Bay, the fjords, and Punchbowl Cove on our Ketchikan Misty Fjords boat charter.

What makes our Misty Fjords tours unique is that we offer the only customized boat charter to the fjords. You will work in close partnership with the captain to determine the course. You are the captain of your ship! If you decide you would like to stop and enjoy certain areas of the Misty Fjords longer — perhaps New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea, or the abundant coastal and marine wildlife including bald eagles, black and brown bears, humpback and orca whales, and more — we will do so.

Begin your Misty Fjords Expedition from the Ketchikan Cruise Ship pier. Please call us at (907) 225-9899 or email us at  [email protected]  at least 24 hrs before your scheduled tour for pickup location. Misty Fjords is about 40 miles east of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the Inside Passage coast in southeastern Alaska, and approximately two hours (one way) by boat. Revel in your private Ketchikan Misty Fjords boat tour through this splendid two million-acre wilderness preserve surrounded by 3,000-foot vertical cliffs, glacial fjords, cascading waterfalls, and abundant marine and coastal wildlife.

We prioritize safety, comfort, enjoyment, and exceeding your expectations!

• Chevron down Boat

A 30’ aluminum chambered boat with twin Honda 250 outboards, deluxe seating, oversize windows, generous observation deck, heated cabin, restroom, life jackets, and great visibility for memorable photos.

• Tour duration is 4.5 hours
• Four- person minimum, seating up to 6 passengers
• Chevron down What to Bring

When exploring Alaska, please consider packing clothing items that can be layered including a lightweight shirt, sweater, and jacket allowing you to adapt to varying temperatures. Lightweight raingear, waterproof hiking shoes, hat, and gloves should be considered as well. Binoculars are provided to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.

Check online for current weather conditions:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/ketchikan-ak/99901/weather-forecast/331730

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Misty Fjords Boat Cruise

From $159 per person + $15 tax.

Misty Fjords

Things to do.

When you close your eyes and picture Alaska, you are in the Misty Fjords National Monument. Icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, glacial valleys … literally everywhere you point your camera, it’s a postcard. 

With “the Mistys,” located just 40-miles south, Ketchikan is the jumping off point for exploring the monument.  There are two main ways to experience this gem: from a floatplane, where you get a true eagle’s eye view; and on a cruise tour, where you can actually feel the vibration of nature. Both are jaw-droppingly incredible.

Allen Marine Tours, Inc.

• 5 Salmon Landing #215 Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-8100
• Toll Free: (877) 686-8100
• More Information

Explore Misty Fjords National Monument aboard our luxurious, high-performance catamaran. 4.5 hour fully narrated cruises leave daily from downtown & include tour-use binoculars, a souvenir map and complimentary snacks. Over 45 years of experience!   More...

Classic Alaska Charters

• P.O. Box 6117 Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-0608

Wilderness saltwater-freshwater fishing, crabbing n shrimping, and, cruising-wildlife photo adventures for your friends, business group, or family of 4-6 persons. Outstanding overnight 5 day, 4 night private charters away from the crowds.   More...

• 4085 Tongass Ave. Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-8800
• Toll Free: (800) 770-8800

Taquan Air–Ketchikan’s most trusted name in aviation. Specializing in Misty Fjords flights, remote bear viewing, flightseeing tours, fly-out crab feasts, remote fishing excursions, and more! Ketchikan’s Medallion Shield Carrier!   More...

Island Wings

• P.O. Box 7432 Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-2444
• Toll Free: (888) 854-2444

Pilot and owner Michelle Masden will be your personal guide to the spectacular wilderness of southeast Alaska. We offer trips to Misty Fjords National Monument, coastal glaciers, bear viewing at Anan Creek and Traitors Cove or guided fly-out fishing.

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Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer

Explore Misty Fjords, one of nature’s most spectacular creations, while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska.  You’ll stop to view an active bald eagle’s nest, a Tlingit pictograph, and New Eddystone Rock; an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea.  Delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay and learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly near 3,000-foot vertical cliffs and glistening waterfalls.

FULL DESCRIPTION

Explore Misty Fjords, one of nature’s most spectacular creations, while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska.  The adventure begins as soon as you leave Ketchikan’s picturesque harbor, passing by colorful float planes and fishing boats.  Enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew, and watch for marine and coastal wildlife as you “fly” at sea level past the rugged coastlines bordering Revillagigedo Channel.

Voyage into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords, described by John Muir as the Yosemite of the North.  Along the way you’ll stop to view an active bald eagle’s nest, a Tlingit pictograph, and New Eddystone Rock; an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea.  Delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument.  Here, you’ll learn the natural history of the fjords, listen to the call of nesting sea birds, and feel the mist of glistening waterfalls while gliding quietly beneath 3000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs.

On the cruise back to Ketchikan, enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages while watching for whales, seals, eagles and other wildlife.  You will also have the opportunity to experience culture and history presented by a Native story-teller and artist, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation.

Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Gallery

• Open Gallery
• Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer

Tour Details

• Port: Ketchikan
• Duration: 4.5 Hours (round-trip cruise from Ketchikan)
• Provided: Snacks; coffee, tea, cocoa
• Accessibility: This tour is accessible by standard-width manual wheelchair, but not low-clearance electric scooters. Depending on location of cruise ship mooring in Ketchikan, participants may have to walk up to 300-yards and negotiate a tide-variable dock ramp to embark the tour vessel.
• The most luxurious way to experience Misty Fjords! The newest & fastest vessel in Alaska. Spacious, climate-controlled, deluxe seating, wrap-around windows, observation deck, galley & restrooms.
• Catamaran reliability! This tour is seldom affected by rain or low clouds. These common conditions, which often cause flightseeing tours to cancel, actually enhance the beauty of Misty Fjords!
• Award-winning tour quality from the friendliest crew in Alaska! Tour operator has over 45-years of experience. Perfect for families, reunions and other groups that span generations and interests.

Special Notes

Bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck, as this tour operates in all weather conditions. Wildlife sightings are frequent, but not guaranteed.

Availability

Allen Marine is committed to the long-standing relationships we have cultivated with our cruise line partners. Booking through your cruise line’s website is the most expedient and effortless way to book a trip, and includes several built-in benefits and guarantees. Because you are booking directly through your ship, your tickets will be ready ahead of time, and often hand-delivered to your stateroom. You are also guaranteed to make it back to your ship before it departs – the ship will stay in port if your shore excursion runs late. If there are any changes to your ship’s schedule, your shore excursions team will ensure that we are contacted on your behalf, and any necessary changes in itinerary will be made. Finally, you will have the added bonus of a dedicated shore excursions team who will be available to help answer questions and make arrangements should your tour be canceled or changed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The value you receive by booking through your cruise line is truly outstanding.

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Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer

Quick Details

• Map Marker Location: Ketchikan
• Hour Glass Duration: 5 Hours and 15 mins
• User Ages: All ages

Set sail from Ketchikan and explore Misty Fjords!

Embark on an adventure through the stunning Misty Fjords, one of Alaska’s most beautiful natural wonders. Set out from Ketchikan onboard a purpose-built vessel, equipped with comfortable inside cabin seating, panoramic windows, heated cabin, onboard restrooms, outside viewing deck and an onboard galley gift shop.

Tour Highlights:

• Depart from downtown Ketchikan and set out to explore Misty Fjords!
• Throughout your journey prepared to be wowed by tales of this remote oasis as our lively local guides and Expedition team share fascinating insights into its rich history, both natural and human.
• Enjoy sights such as a Tlingit Pictograph and the towering New Eddystone Rock, a giant volcanic spire rising from the shimmering sea.
• From the open-air viewing deck, take in the incredible sights of Rudyerd Bay and the fjords, with their massive cliffs towering up to 3,000 feet high, creating landmarks like God’s Pocket and the Owl Cliffs.
• Cruise over to a bustling bird hangout, feel the spray from gorgeous waterfalls, and keep an eye out for seals, eagles, and other critters.
• Throughout your journey prepared to be wowed by tales of this as our lively local crew share fascinating insights into its rich history, both natural and human.
• Enjoy some tasty Alaska-inspired seafood chowder or veggie/gluten-free chili
• Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Beer, wine, cocktails, soda, water, and additional snacks are available for purchase.
• Chevron down Meeting Location
• Meeting location can vary based on departure time. Please refer to confirmation email for meeting location.
• Guests should meet 15 minutes prior to departure time.
• Tour duration is 5.25 hours. All tour timing is approximate.
• Chevron down What to Bring
• Keep a rain jacket, hat, and gloves close at hand at all times
• Warm layers
• Camera and/or handheld video equipment
• USD Cash / Credit Cards for onboard purchases
• Chevron down What to Wear
• Dress in layers to enjoy the outside observation deck. Rain jacket, hat and gloves recommended.
• Sturdy footgear is recommended. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes suggested.
• Chevron down Accessibility

Age Restrictions: We welcome guests of all ages onboard! While there is no charge for children two years old & younger, all guests must have a ticket due to coast guard regulations. Please select an infant ticket when making reservations.

Accessibility: This tour is accessible by standard-width manual wheelchair, but not low-clearance electric scooters.

• Chevron down Vessel Amenities & Inclusions
• Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea and select snacks available.
• Spacious outdoor observation deck
• Climate controlled interior seating with panoramic windows.
• Large outside observation deck
• Enjoy some tasty Alaska-inspired seafood chowder or veggie/gluten-free chili, along with smoked salmon spread.
• Beer, wine, soda, water, and additional snacks available for purchase.
• Chevron down Other Considerations
• Persons sensitive to motion sickness may wish to take medication at least one hour prior to the tour departure time.
• Tips are accepted onboard for a job well done but are in no way required. Crew are able to accept tips via cash or card.
• Chevron down Wildlife on Tour
• Southeast Alaska is teeming with wildlife, including bald eagles, bears, whales, sea lions, otters, and more. Our knowledgeable guides will help you spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats and provide fascinating insights into their behaviors.
• While we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings in the wilds of Alaska, wildlife sightings are likely.
• By respecting wildlife and their natural habitats, we strive to create meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests while safeguarding the delicate balance of Alaska’s ecosystems. While we cannot promise specific sightings, we can assure you that our knowledgeable guides and crew will do everything to maximize your opportunities for wildlife encounters while prioritizing the welfare of the animals and the environment.
• True Alaskan Tours & Allen Marine Tours adhere to all wildlife watching guidelines put forward by Whale SENSE.  Read more about that here!

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Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Cruise

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Description

Points of Interest

• Misty Fjords National Monument

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

This leisurely tour of the awe-inspiring Misty Fjords begins when you depart Ketchikan's picturesque harbor, passing colorful floatplanes and fishing boats en route to a wilderness experience you'll never forget. "Flying" at sea level along the rugged coastlines, your vessel will stop to enable you to view an active bald eagle's nest and a Tlingit pictograph. Admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea and learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs. Feel the mist from glistening waterfalls and hear the call of seabirds nesting on rock faces sculpted by glacial forces. Then enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages while watching for whales, seals, eagles and other wildlife before returning to Ketchikan.

Special Notes:

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Walk to Salmon Landing & board vessel

Depart ketchikan harbor & slow cruise in tongass narrows, cruise south in revilla channel, watching for wildlife & view active bald eagle nest, journey north in to behm canal, stop to view eddystone rock and harbor seals, explore rudyerd bay - 3000-ft cliffs, waterfalls, bird rookery, watch for wildlife, begin return cruise, see tlingit pictograph & watch for wildlife, enjoy native storyteller, watch tour related video presentation & arrive back in ketchikan.

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Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Cruise

Ketchikan, Alaska, US

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Meals Included

Meals included

Explore Misty Fjords National Monument , one of nature's most spectacular creations, while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska. The adventure begins as soon as you leave Ketchikan's picturesque harbor, passing colorful floatplanes and fishing boats. Enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew, and watch for marine and coastal wildlife as you cruise at sea level past the rugged coastlines bordering Revillagigedo Channel.

Voyage into Behm Canal , surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords National Monument, described by John Muir as the Yosemite of the North. Along the way, you'll stop to view an active bald eagle nest, a Tlingit pictograph, and New Eddystone Rock -- an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea. Delight in an unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay -- an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument. Here, you'll learn the natural history of the fjords, listen to the call of nesting seabirds, and feel the mist of glistening waterfalls while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs.

On the cruise back to Ketchikan, enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages while watching for whales, seals, eagles and other wildlife.

You'll also have the opportunity to experience local culture and history presented by a Native storyteller and artist or enjoy a tour-related video presentation.

Depending on the cruise ship's location, participants may be required to walk up to 300 yards and negotiate a ramp (which can be quite steep at low tide) to embark the tour vessel. Cruise time to reach Misty Fjords National Monument is approximately 90 minutes; time spent cruising within Misty Fjords National Monument is approximately 120 minutes. Tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. This tour is accessible by standard-width manual wheelchair, but not low-clearance electric scooters. If wildlife is spotted and extra viewing time is needed, the Tlingit pictograph may be omitted.

Misty Fjord Small Boat Cruising

Discover beautiful Misty Fjord in true expedition style as we explore by expedition boat and view the beauty of this national monument in the Tongass Forest National Park.

• Small boat cruising through Misty Fjord
• Alaskan wilderness

Difficulty level

Level 2: Moderate - some mobility needed

Max. passengers

Booking code

Please note

Guests to wear appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes

Join us for a unique and unforgettable experience, cruising into Misty Fjord with our expedition boats.

While small boat cruising, nothing is guaranteed but everything is possible! Two marine safaris are never the same. Sea, weather conditions, light and wildlife, combine to make each small boat cruise a unique and unrepeatable adventure. 

In Misty Fjord we find ourselves in the tree-lined waterways of Tongass National Forest, a unique region filled with biodiversity. Be ready to look for black bears among the tree-lined shore, or even whales and salmon in the rich waters of the fjord.

Our expert team of guides and drivers know how to get the best out of these boat excursions. Let yourself be guided by their knowledge, have your camera at hand and get ready for a thrilling experience!

Practical information

Remarks/requirements: Guests to wear appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Wheelchair accessible: No.

Language:  English.

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Put These Beautiful National Monuments on Your Must-See List

We love national parks, but they can get packed. These national monuments have the same spectacular landscapes, hikes, and adventures, without the crowds.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

What is a national monument, anyway? That’s what I kept asking myself as I rode a mountain bike down a rocky trail on sedimentary layers in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. I was rapidly approaching a lower point on the northern rim of the canyon, which is more than a mile deep at some sections. I stopped 2,000 feet above the bottom of the gorge and watched the Colorado River curve through steep cliffs.

The scenery is stunning, the landscape huge…so how is it different than a national park? Turns out, not all that much, at least from a visitor’s standpoint. Most national monuments protect vast landscapes of environmental, cultural, or scenic importance. Ditto national parks.

The real difference is how they’re created: national parks are voted into place by Congress, national monuments are designated by presidents via the Antiquities Act. With monuments there’s less red tape, but sometimes more drama (see Bears Ears, below). Also, while many national monuments are managed by the park service, some are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and others are run by the Bureau of Land Management.

There are 133 national monuments scattered across the U.S., usually no less magnificent than their more famous national-park cousins. Sometimes they have fewer amenities (many lack visitor centers, some have no paved roads), and most of them have fewer crowds. Traveling more than 100 miles around Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument last May, I never saw anyone outside of my own group. That would not have been the case in Grand Canyon National Park. Meanwhile the adventure was just as epic.

I’ve gathered 11 of the greatest national monuments in the country, from green mountains on the East Coast to canyons full of cliff dwellings in the Southwest, to fields of wildflowers on the West Coast. Most of these monuments aren’t famous, but all deserve to be on your bucket list.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine

Katahdin Woods and Waters encompasses 87,563 acres of remote mountains, rivers, and backcountry ponds in northern Maine, sustaining healthy populations of moose and black bears. The monument sits to the east of Baxter State Park, where the Appalachian Trail finishes on top of 5,269-foot Mount Katahdin.

While this neighbor park hosts the last, most difficult gasp of the “A.T.,” Katahdin Woods and Waters has 30 miles of the International Appalachian Trail (a northerly variant that begins here and extends through New Brunswick, Quebec, and a ferry route to Newfoundland), along with a tumultuous portion of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, which flows for 25 miles south through the monument, dropping more than 200 feet in its first 10 miles in a series of waterfalls. Cross-country skiing is popular during the winter; hiking rules in the summer.

Adventure: If you want a quick taste of the monument, the 17-mile Katahdin Loop Road offers short hikes and grand scenic overlooks. But to truly experience Katahdin Woods and Waters, tackle the 10-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Deasey Mountain via a portion of the Appalachian Trail. You’ll have to ford the thigh-deep Wassataquoik Stream and climb almost 1,600 feet, but 360-degree views and a historic fire tower reward you at the 1,942-foot summit. The monument is primitive, without a lot of developed facilities (nor any flush toilets). There are 15 free campsites , but you need reservations.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Sandwiched between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante gets its name from the series of plateaus that descend between those two massive and scenic ditches. Not to be outdone by its more famous neighbors, which cover 36,000 and 1.2 million acres respectively, Grand Staircase is nearly 1.9 million acres of colorful sandstone canyons, cliffs, and arches.

Adventure: Connecting Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons in the Dry Fork area of Grand Staircase-Escalante makes for the perfect entry into this unique terrain. It’s a three-mile loop, but plan on a whole afternoon exploring the narrow red- and purple-walled gulches. Some of the passages in Spooky get tight, and there is mandatory scrambling, but no technical climbing is required. If you want to explore more technical canyons, Excursions of Escalante has been guiding canyoneering trips in the monument for more than two decades, and offers a rotating roster of full-day adventures packed with rappels (from $225 per person).

Bears Ears National Monument, Utah

Named after twin buttes rising from the desert floor of Southeastern Utah, Bears Ears National Monument has seen more than its share of debate since it was established by President Obama in 2016. The 1.36-million-acre monument is a place of scenic glory and cultural significance: massive red rock cliffs and canyons abound, and a bevy of Native American historical artifacts, from cliff dwellings to pictographs, have been found here.

Today, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, and Zuni Tribe all participate in stewardship of Bears Ears as a sacred place. In 2022, the Biden administration signed an agreement that gives those five tribes input into management of the area, and the five Tribes of the Bears Ears Commission (the Commission) and federal agencies released a draft management plan this year. As for recreation, the Indian Creek Unit, in the northern section of Bears Ears, is a mecca for climbers, who come for the seemingly endless number of cracks in the red rock cliffs. Hikers and bikers follow trails and view artifacts across the region.

Adventure: Bears Ears holds world-class climbing. Sadly, I’ve never climbed in the area (it’s on my list), but I’ve bike-packed through the monument and was awestruck by the sheer volume of towering rock. There are thousands of climbing routes, though not many for beginners. Supercrack Buttress has a high percentage of classic climbs, including the historic Supercrack of the Desert, a sustained and strenuous 5.10+. Consider a full-day guided climbing adventure in Indian Creek with the Moab-based Cliffs and Canyons (from $220 per person).

To see some of the cultural artifacts within Bears Ears, hike an easy five-mile out and back through Mule Canyon where the payoff is access to a series of cliff dwellings tucked into a sandstone overhang. The most notable home has been dubbed “house on fire,” because of the fire-red-toned rock that forms its ceiling. The hike itself is relatively flat as it traverses the dry gorge, with some optional scrambling up sandstone slopes at the end.

There are three designated campgrounds in Indian Creek, all first-come, first-served ($15 a night). Hamburger Rock has 10 sites tucked into mushroom-shaped outcroppings. Always bring plenty of water; there’s no potable water at any of the established campgrounds.

Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

Created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Devils Tower was the first national monument in the country, and it’s still one of the most distinctive. The center of the monument is Devils Tower, a solitary butte rising almost 900 feet from the prairie. The monument is not large, at just 1,346 acres, and there are only five hiking trails within the designated area, and all can be combined for a full day of hiking. Tackling only the 2.8-mile Red Beds Trail will give you a good sense of the landscape, as it delivers views of the massive tower and the more serene Belle Fourche River Valley.

Adventure: Climbers have been drawn to Devils Tower for many decades. Parallel cracks divide the formation into large hexagonal columns, and create a variety of crack and corner climbs for experienced traditional climbers. Routes range from 5.7 to 5.13. Durrance, a 500-foot, six-pitch 5.7, is widely considered the easiest way to the summit. Register your climb at the trailhead to Tower Trail, the approach to the monolith, and heed the June voluntary climbing closure , which was implemented out of respect for Native American tribes associated with the tower, which perform ceremonies at the tower during the month. Belle Fourche Campground has 46 first-come, first-served sites under cottonwood trees ($20 per night).

Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

Dinosaur preserves 210,000 acres of western Colorado and eastern Utah, where the mighty Green and Yampa rivers converge, creating 2,500-foot-deep canyons. Within the monument are whitewater rapids, red rock canyons, dinosaur fossils encased in rock, and 1,000-year-old petroglyphs and pictographs left by the Fremont people. You can get a sense of the monument by car; Harpers Corner Road is a 32-mile one-way scenic road with views of the Green and Yampa rivers.

If you have a 4WD, peel off the paved road and head to the Echo Park area, the monument’s signature landscape where the Yampa flows into the Green and the conjoined river wraps around the massive Steamboat Rock. There’s a picnic table if you just want to take in the view, or you can camp (see below).

Adventure: Raft the Green River through the heart of the monument. The classic run starts at the Gates of Lodore in Colorado and ends at the Split Mountain Campground in Utah. It’s a class III trip, appropriate for families. Adrift Dinosaur runs four-day trips with catered meals (from $1,499 per adult). There are six established campgrounds, all of which are located on either the Green or Yampa rivers, within the monument. Echo Park has a small campground with 22 sites, first-come, first-served ($10 per site).

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona

While Grand Canyon National Park encompasses arguably the most dramatic swath of “the great ditch,” the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument lays claim to more than 1 million acres in northern Arizona, including the less crowded and still awe-inspiring northern stretch of the Grand Canyon. The terrain is a mix of Mojave desert, ponderosa pine forest, broad plateaus, and deep canyons.

Just traveling through the monument is an adventure, as there are no paved roads, only 4WD routes and hiking trails. Don’t come looking for a visitor center or developed campgrounds. You’re on your own. I spent a few days driving ATVs, biking, trail running, and camping in and around this monument and was amazed at the views and solitude.

The roads in this monument are rough. This is legitimate 4×4 terrain, so always bring spare tires, and if you’re not comfortable with that sort of travel, this may not be the monument for you. There are others!

Adventure: If you have a high-clearance 4WD, Grand Canyon-Parashant offers nearly limitless options. Try the 80-mile trek to Twin Point Overlook , which passes through ponderosa pine forest and fields of grazing cattle on its way to a three-sided perch on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, with views of Sanup Plateau, Burnt Canyon, and Surprise Canyon. The dirt road turns to clay as it approaches the Grand Canyon, which can be impassable after a heavy rain. There are a number of primitive campsites along the rim of the canyon; only pitch a tent in sites with existing fire rings.

There aren’t a lot of designated hiking trails within the monument, but check out the six-mile out-and-back up Mount Dellenbaugh , which leads to a doozy of a view of the Grand Canyon. The trail follows an old roadbed up the side of the 7,072-foot peak crossing over chunky, volcano rock towards the summit. On a clear day you can see Mt. Charleston, outside of Las Vegas, on the horizon, as well as the western end of the Grand Canyon.

Colorado National Monument, Colorado

High on the Colorado Plateau, near Grand Junction, the 20,533-acre Colorado National Monument could be considered a mini Grand Canyon, as the red rock canyons the monument encompasses are full of towers and rock formations, like the puffy-looking Coke Ovens pinnacles. You can glimpse much of the monument from the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, which runs along the edge of the canyon with near-constant high views.

Adventure: Climbing Independence Monument, a sandstone spire that rises 450 feet from the heart of the canyon, might be the signature adventure in the monument. A number of different routes ascend the tower, most of them four to five pitches, followed by a double rappel to descend. The 5.8 Otto’s Route is the classic line. Glenwood Climbing Guides leads day trips up Independence (from $375 for the first climber). Saddlehorn Campground has 80 sites, with half first-come, first-served, while the other half can be reserved in advance ($22 a night).

A number of short hikes begin at Rim Rock Drive. Devils Kitchen Trail is my favorite, as the 1.5-mile out and back leads through some impressive sandstone outcroppings, including the Devils Kitchen, a large natural opening surrounded by towering upright boulders.

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness, Alaska

Misty Fjords is quintessential Alaska: 2.2 million acres of rainforest, coastal cliffs, and narrow fjords where glacier-carved rock walls rise 3,000 feet from the sea. In this monument, part of the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska, waterfalls drop directly into the bay, while backcountry lakes and streams are surrounded by thick vegetation. Most people experience Misty Fjords via a scenic flight or boat cruise from nearby Ketchikan, but kayakers have free rein.

Adventure: Kayaking is the best way to explore this monument, with its complex shores and many secluded coves. The Behm Canal, a natural channel of calm water carved by glaciers, slices through the heart of Misty Fjords like a highway for boaters. On the east end of the canal, Walker Cove and Punchbowl Cove, where 3,000-foot granite walls rise from the edges of the water, are popular boater destinations with day hikes leading from rocky beaches.

Punchbowl Lake Trail is a two-mile out and back that climbs through the rainforest to a small lake with its own granite walls forming a ring around it. Southeast Exposure runs a six-day guided kayaking trip into Misty Fjords that will have you paddling up to 12 miles a day, hiking to interior lakes, and camping on remote beaches ($1,800 per person).

Thirteen public-use cabins scattered across the monument can be reserved in advance (from $45 a night), as can four first-come, first-served shelters. Punchbowl Lake Shelter, in Punchbowl Cove, might be the best of the lot, as itsits on the edge of a small lake, with access to a canoe.

Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

No cliffs, no caves, no canyons… Carizzo Plain is just a massive expanse of rolling grassland, 15 miles wide and 50 miles long, butting up against the 3,000- to 4,000-foot Temblor Mountains in Southern California. This stretch might sound ho-hum until you realize that the vast prairie is absolutely popping with colorful wildflowers in the spring.

The Nature Conservancy, which worked to protect the Carrizo Plain, acquiring the land and partnering with the BLM and California Department of Fish and Game to manage it, compares the landscape to that of the Serengeti because it’s home to California’s highest concentration of threatened and endangered species, including the pronghorn antelope and San Joaquin kit fox. The centerpiece of the monument is Soda Lake, a normally dry alkali lake bed that occasionally fills with water after heavy rains and  shimmers white with deposits of sulfates and carbonates after that water has evaporated. It looks like a circle of baking soda surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers.

Adventure: Soda Lake sits near the north entrance of the monument, and you can see it via the 2.1-mile Overlook Hill Trail. But for a real sense of the scope of these plains, bring your gravel bike and pedal a big loop through the rolling hills past the remnants of former ranches, and look for elk and antelope on the prairie. Show up in spring and you may be greeted by colorful fields of poppies, goldfields, and white and yellow tidy tips that stretch toward the horizon. Traffic is minimal, and you can put together a variety of different rides. A great one is a 60-mile all-day adventure on mixed surfaces, combining Elkhorn Road, Panorama Road, Soda Lake Road, and Simmler Road, covering the heart of the monument and with views of Soda Lake.

Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

Protecting the traditional lands of roughly 23 tribal nations, Bandelier National Monument is worth visiting from a cultural perspective alone. But the landscape is also remarkable, as the 33,677-acre monument is packed with mesas, canyons and a federally designated wilderness with 70 miles of backcountry hiking. Ancient culture and dramatic terrain mesh in the monument’s cliff dwellings, homes that the Ancestral Pueblo people built directly into the sides of rock walls.

Adventure: Take your time and explore the archeological sites in Bandelier. The 1.4-mile Pueblo Loop winds through a series of small alcoves carved in the soft rock walls that you can access via ladders, and into the ruins of large stone houses. From the Pueblo Loop, tack on a one-mile out-and-back side trip to the Alcove House, a massive carved niche that was once home to 25 people. You can reach it by climbing a series of steps and ladders.

Juniper Campground has 57 campsites, 16 of which are first-come, first-served, while the rest can be reserved up to six months in advance ($20 per site).

San Juan Islands National Monument, Washington

Not to be confused with the San Juan Islands National Historic Park, the San Juan Islands National Monument protects 1,000 acres of the Puget Sound islands, covering a contrasting mix of green-forested coves, sheer bluffs, rocky beaches, and lighthouses, all managed by the BLM and scattered throughout the larger 450-island San Juan archipelago adjacent to the Canadian border.

Adventure: The monument is scattered throughout the Puget Sound, so you need a boat to do it justice. It’s tough to decide where to focus your energy in the San Juans, but Patos Island should be on your itinerary. This 200-acre spit of land is managed by the BLM in conjunction with Washington State Parks, and has beaches, hiking trails, a historic lighthouse, and established campsites (from $12 a night). It’s also the northernmost point in the Lower 48.

If you want to explore more of the monument, Sea Quest offers a variety of kayak tours throughout the San Juan Islands. Check out their five-day expedition that features amping on small islands and peeping at orcas from the belly of a boat (from $1,199 per person).

How to Be a Conscientious Traveler

National monuments often lack the same infrastructure as national parks, which means they may not have the staff on-site to help with questions, clean up campsites, or offer guidance. It’s super important to practice Leave No Trace principles in these monuments, and be aware of the cultural importance of the landscape. Many of these properties encompass the historical territory of Native Peoples and contain artifacts that are important to their heritage. Be kind and respectful, leave what you find, and whenever you have the opportunity, use local guides and purchase items from local shops.

Graham Averill is Outside magazine’s national parks columnist. In his opinion, national monuments represent the best of America’s public lands: with all the beauty of national parks, but none of the crowds.

For more by Graham Averill, see:

The 5 Best National Park Road Trips in the U.S.

The 9 Best Gateway Towns to U.S. National Parks

And the 11 Least Visited National Parks Are…

The 10 Best Backpacking Trails in Our National Parks

• Appalachian Trail
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

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Ketchikan Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour

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Excursion Overview

Soar through the remarkable misty fjords national monument.

Over two million acres of remote, wilderness region awaits you. Board an authentic De Havilland floatplane to visit one of Ketchikan's most notable highlights. The Misty Fjords National Monument is the second largest wilderness region in the United States. Fly over sheer granite cliffs, plunging 1000 foot waterfalls, and crystalline glacial lakes. Keep your eyes peeled from your guaranteed window seat for Alaskan wildlife. Eagles, mountain goats, whales, and sea lions could be among the wildlife spotted from the skies. Equipped with digital sound systems and individual passenger noise-cancelling headsets to hear the narrative and choreographed music. All flight paths are weather dependent. The adventures could you lead you South where you may see New Eddystone Rock and Big Goat Lake or North past Neets Bay and Bell Island Hot Springs. Flights cancelled due to inclement weather are fully refundable.

Please Report Accurate Weights of each Passenger

• Accurate weights are needed to determine the correct size plane for this excursion to fit the balance and weight profile of your aircraft. Reporting inaccurate weights could result in a canceled excursion not eligible for a refund.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation from the Ketchikan Visitor Center (Berth 2 downtown Ketchikan)
• Window seat
• Noise-cancelling headsets to hear the narrative and choreographed music during the flight

Requirements:

• Guests must be comfortable walking short distances and getting on and off the aircraft with minimal assistance. Please advise, the dock can be a steep incline depending on the tide.

Duration: 1.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

• 10 minutes - transportation from the Visitor's Center (Berth 2) to the floatplane dock
• 1 hour - flightseeing in the Misty Fjords
• 10 minutes - transportation from the floatplane dock back to downtown Ketchikan

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the Liquid Sunshine Rain Gauge outside of the Ketchikan Visitor's Center. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers. If your ship docks at Ward Cove, you must take a complimentary shuttle do downtown Ketchikan.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to get on and off the aircraft with minimal assistance. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. We are unable to accommodate motorized scooters on this tour. Please leave a comment during checkout if you plan to bring accessibility equipment on this excursion.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend suitable waterproof outerwear and comfortable footwear for this excursion. Sunglasses are a must!

If you are particularly prone to motion sickness, taking a precautionary anti-motion sickness medication is a good idea. However, flights are very smooth and turns are slow and gentle. This is a professional scenic tour, not a thrill ride. Most people do not experience motion sickness and do not need anti-motion sickness medication.

Everyone enjoys a (panoramic view) window seat.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. However, this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Expect the unexpected! We have experienced “typical” summer days ranging from 50 degrees and raining to 85 degrees and sunny. It is always smart to plan for anything in Alaska.

The Tongass National Forest is a 17 million-acre rainforest that makes up much of Southeast Alaska. We Alaskans have learned to appreciate the rain and never let it spoil a good time. If it is otherwise safe and quality flying weather, we will fly in the rain. A little-known fact is that the weather in Ketchikan and Misty Fjords can often be very different. Ketchikan is on an island located very close to the open ocean as Misty Fjords is located on the mainland 40 miles in the opposite direction. Misty Fjords experiences less rain than our coastal area near Ketchikan.

The Seaplane Captains are experts in the decision-making process when it comes to weather. The safety of passengers is the number one priority. The tour will not fly if it is not safe. The second priority is tour quality, and flights will not go out if tour quality is poor. If the flight is cancelled due to weather you will receive a full refund.

As far as the best time of the day for a Misty Fjords tour, you should primarily consider your personal schedule. Most of the summer month, Ketchikan is blessed with beautiful flying weather, and the time of day whether it is in the morning or in the afternoon will make no difference.

Fjords are formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by abrasion of the surrounding bedrock. Glacial melting is accompanied by rebound of Earth’s crust as the ice load and eroded sediment is removed in some cases this rebound is faster than sea level rise. Most fjords are deeper than the adjacent sea. Fjords generally have a sill or rise at their mouth caused by the previous glacier’s terminal moraine, in many cases causing extreme currents and large saltwater rapids.

There are no road systems that extend to the Misty Fjords. Access is strictly by floatplane or small boat.

A floatplane is an aircraft that utilizes water as its runway with the use of floats or pontoons instead of wheels. This is a popular mode of transportation throughout Southeast Alaska for access to remote locations or communities without a land-based runway.

The DeHavilland Turbine Otter can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Depending on the group size, the DeHavilland Beaver can accommodate up to 6 passengers and the Cessna 185 is the most intimate experience with just 2-3 passengers.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On may 2024.

It was an amazing experience! The staff were great and the views from the plane were incredible! The piolet was very knowledgeable, and we learned a lot. Can't wait to come back!

• Reviews Showing: 1

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Duration: 1.5 hours

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The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

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There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don’t need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren’t like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you’ll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You’ll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

In Alaska, many of the biggest “attractions” — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you’ll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler  

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn’t just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer’s “Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call” guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I’ve tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I’ve also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska’s spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you’re thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It’ll be expensive. We’re talking $250 or more per person. But there’s nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don’t miss the whales. Even if you’re not a big wildlife person, you’ll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don’t-miss sight. It’s everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don’t have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It’s just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you’re probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it’s not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you’ll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There’s a creek there, too, where I’ve sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you’re just hoping you don’t get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren’t devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you’re a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It’s made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It’s the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle  

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it’s all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you’ll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn’t necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America  is a part-owner of Skagway’s big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I’ve had some luck with that over the years. It’s hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I’ve listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you’ll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I’ve used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line  

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska’s most iconic experiences.

It’s also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That’s a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I’ll tell you this: I don’t regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you’ll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it’s Alaska’s famous humpback whales that you want to see, you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you’ll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips  

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you’re like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don’t let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It’s a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that’s the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They’ll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don’t need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn’t have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you’ll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I’m a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn’t going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area’s classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise  

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you’ll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it’s well worth the money. Indeed, it’s one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you’ll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you’ll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You’ll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you’ll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you’ll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There’s nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you’re going to do a floatplane ride, there’s nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You’ll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that’s so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it’s not too “misty” to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It’s definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.