Ketchikan Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour with Lake Landing

Summary

Float above wild fjords, land on remote lakes, hear silence deeper than words

You’ll board a classic seaplane in Ketchikan with an Alaskan pilot at the controls, soaring over Misty Fjords’ dramatic cliffs and hidden lakes. Land on a remote alpine lake or bay, step out into pure wilderness air, and feel what real quiet sounds like before flying back with new stories tucked away.

What’s the experience like?

"You guys ready for your first water takeoff?" Michelle grinned at us as we shuffled into the tiny DeHavilland Beaver, all nervous energy and camera straps. The floatplane bobbed gently against the dock in Ketchikan — I could smell the salt in the air and something sharp, like wet cedar. We each got a window seat (Michelle insisted), and she handed out headsets so we could talk without yelling over the engine. I tried not to think about how small the plane looked from outside, but once we lifted off, it felt like floating more than flying — just this gentle rise above all that green and gray.

The Misty Fjords National Monument opened up below us: deep blue water slicing through granite cliffs, waterfalls trailing down like threads you could almost pluck. Michelle pointed out mountain goats — tiny white dots on impossible slopes — and told stories about her first flights here back in the '90s. Her voice crackled through my headset: "See that lake? We'll land there." It didn't look real from above. The rain forest was everywhere, thick and tangled, clinging to rock faces so steep I wondered how any tree could hold on. Somewhere over Revillagigedo Island I realized I hadn't said anything for ten minutes — just listening to the engine hum and watching clouds drift by.

Landing on that alpine lake was quieter than I expected. The floats skimmed across glassy water with barely a splash, then everything went still except for a loon calling somewhere far off. We stepped out onto the float and stretched our legs; my shoes felt clumsy on the wet wood. There was this hush — no roads, no phone signal, just mist curling around spruce trees and the sound of someone laughing softly behind me (I think they slipped a little). Michelle let us wander for half an hour or so; I mostly stood there breathing it in, trying to memorize how cold and clean it smelled. Honestly, I still think about that silence sometimes when I'm stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Misty Fjords seaplane flight tour

• Pick up from Ketchikan
• Board seaplane for flightseeing
• Fly over Revillagigedo Island
• Explore Misty Fjords National Monument
• Land on alpine lake or fjord
• Take a 30-minute stopover
• Relax and take photos
• Return flight to Ketchikan
• Drop off at original location

Top questions

How long is the Misty Fjords seaplane tour?

The total tour time is 2.5 hours, including about 2 hours of flightseeing and a 30-minute stopover at a lake or fjord.

Does every passenger get a window seat?

Yes, every passenger is guaranteed a window seat during the flight.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts with pickup from Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at Cruise Ship Berth 2.

Is there a guide or narration during the flight?

Your pilot provides interactive narration via headsets so you can ask questions during the flight.

Do you actually land during the tour?

Yes, there’s a landing on either an alpine lake or calm bay where you can get out and explore briefly.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram/stroller.

What should I wear for this day trip?

Wear layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes suitable for damp conditions.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes, cruise ship passengers are welcome but should provide their ship name when booking for arrangements.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from central Ketchikan by van, guaranteed window seats aboard a six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplane with interactive narration from your pilot via noise-cancelling headsets, all required permits for shore stops inside Misty Fjords National Monument, plus time to walk around after landing on an alpine lake or calm fjord before heading back to town.