Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness spans over 2.1 million acres of remote southeastern Alaska, protecting a landscape of rugged terrain, coastal inlets, and old-growth forest in its natural state. This is genuine backcountry—no roads penetrate it, no motors are permitted, and mechanized travel is prohibited. Access requires water or air transport from nearby communities, and once you're in, you travel by foot, canoe, or kayak on your own power.

Hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to experience the interior, with trails ranging from day walks to extended wilderness treks. Kayaking and canoeing the fjords and waterways offer another dimension of exploration, reaching coastal areas and remote valleys. The wilderness demands self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace ethics—pack out everything you pack in, camp below the tide line where permitted, and respect the absence of services or infrastructure.

Access is seasonal and weather-dependent. Summer months (June through September) offer the best window for travel, with longer daylight and more stable conditions, though rain and fog are common. The Alaska maritime climate brings wet, cool weather even in summer; winter brings snow, ice, and severely limited daylight. Plan ahead, bring proper gear for wet conditions, and understand that this is truly remote wilderness where self-rescue may not be an option.