Misty Fjords

If there is any place on this earth that is deserving of the words magnificent, incredible, spectacular and awe-inspiring, it is the Misty Fjords National Monument. The Misty Fjords National Monument is a fantastic window onto a world of breathtaking beauty, a world untouched by human hands. Sculpted by the grinding pressure of ancient ice floes, the Fjords are now home to some of Alaska's greatest natural beauty. The Fjords, encompassing nearly two and a half million acres of pristine country, display an astonishing array of natural features; towering rock cliffs, mist-shrouded hills and ridges, crystal clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, grand saltwater fjords and miles upon miles of immense glaciers. The wildlife found in the Fjords is varied and wonderful, too.

Getting to the Misty Fjords National Monument is an adventure unto itself. The Fjords are unapproachable by automobile; no roads lead there. The only way to get here is by boarding either floatplane or boat in Ketchikan. Expect a nearly three-hour entry cruise by sea, or a thirty-five minute entry by air. If you would like to see the glaciers up close, excursion vessels are available to carry you and your kayak to the Fjords, allowing you the chance to savor the grandeur at your own leisure. Camp out in your own tent, or stay at one of the U.S. Forest Service cabins. Those who visit the Fjords by cruise ship can expect a variety of memorable activities; see ancient pictographs left on the rock walls of the monument by Native Americans, drink from icy cold fjord waterfalls, visit New Eddystone Rock, and much more.

Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the world, is the site of incredible outdoor opportunities and experiences. Weighing in at an impressive seventeen million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers a broad swath of southeast Alaska. The five hundred miles of preserved wilderness encompasses a wide range of biomes. The Tongass provides recreational activities and vacation opportunities, as well as preserving the natural habitat of the indigenous life and furnishing a natural resource industry. To truly experience life in southeast Alaska, one must visit the Tongass National Forest.

Humans have inhabited the Tongass region for centuries, resulting in a culture unique in the world. The life of a Native living in the Tongass was centered around the use of the fantastic woods and forests of the area. The incredible timbers of the Tongass were integral in the construction of everything, from complex long houses and intricate totem poles, to the most basic items such as baskets and clothing. Those who came later to the Tongass availed themselves of the high quality wood found there: Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, Western Hemlock and the durable Sitka Spruce. The woods used in crafting musical instruments turn a tidy profit for the local economy, which are shipped mainly to Europe and used in the construction of soundboards for stringed instruments. During World War II, thousands of gliders were built for the U.S. Army, and Sitka Spruce was the favored timber used; Howard Hughes' "Spruce Goose" was built of Tongass Sitka Spruce.

The logging industry touched on all aspects of life for those living in the Tongass, and the skills used in harvesting the land's timber were evidenced in everything the residents did. An example of this is the "logging carnivals". These carnivals were composed of varied events, which were derived from the actual logging process, such as axe throwing and tree climbing. Any skill used in the logging trade was made into a sport at these festivals.

Those who visit the Tongass area may do so in a variety of ways. Cruises along the shores of the Tongass by ship is a popular method of experiencing the region, as are taking ferries, pleasure boats, or even kayaks. One may choose to hike or fly to a secluded lake, stay in a wilderness cabin, or just camp out in the fantastic outdoors. There are plentiful opportunities for fun outdoor activities on your way to see the glaciers, or any other natural wonder found here in the Tongass. The Tongass is central to experiencing Alaska the way it was meant to be. There is so much to do and see in the Tongass National Forest, you may find yourself coming back year after year.

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