Breathtaking Misty Fjords Flightseeing – A Bucket-List Adventure from Ketchikan

Misty Fjords Flightseeing is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have in Alaska. Known as the “Yosemite of the North,” this untouched wilderness of granite cliffs, glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls is best experienced from the air. We had the chance to see it with Island Wings Air Service, and it quickly became a highlight of our entire cruise.

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Taking Off Over Ketchikan

Our journey began in Ketchikan’s harbor, where our floatplane skimmed across the water and lifted smoothly into the sky. Almost instantly, the cruise ships below shrank to toy-size, replaced by vast stretches of wilderness. Granite cliffs, deep valleys, and mist-covered peaks unfolded around us, and we knew we were in for something extraordinary.

The Views That Define Alaska

From the air, Misty Fjords is simply breathtaking. Towering rock walls rise thousands of feet above narrow waterways. Waterfalls tumble endlessly down their faces. Glacially carved valleys cradle pristine alpine lakes, their surfaces reflecting the clouds and peaks above. A thin veil of fog added an almost dreamlike atmosphere — the very essence of why this place is called Misty Fjords. Our pilot pointed out wildlife, geological features, and hidden landmarks as we flew through narrow passes and over untouched backcountry. Every glance out the window offered another jaw-dropping view.

Meet Michelle – The Heart of Island Wings

What made our adventure even more special was our pilot, Michelle Masden, who also happens to be the owner of Island Wings. Michelle’s story is as inspiring as the scenery itself. She’s been flying since the late 1970s and has logged over 21,000 hours in the air. In 1985, she moved to Ketchikan and later founded Island Wings in 1993, building her business from the ground up through grit, determination, and a love of Alaska’s wild skies.

Michelle isn’t just a skilled pilot — she’s a storyteller, a naturalist, and a true Alaskan character. Her philosophy is simple: safety and guest experience come first. If the weather won’t deliver a beautiful, safe flight, she won’t go — a policy that has earned her a stellar reputation among visitors and locals alike. Flying with Michelle feels personal, not scripted. And unlike many operators, she includes something unforgettable — a lake landing.

A Lake Landing to Remember

Midway through the tour, we touched down on a mirror-smooth alpine lake hidden among the fjords. The floats rippled the water as we slowed to a stop, surrounded on all sides by towering peaks. Stepping out onto the plane’s floats, we soaked in the silence and grandeur of the moment. No roads, no towns, no other people — just pure Alaskan wilderness. When it was time to leave, Michelle lifted us gracefully off the lake and back into the sky, then circled to gain altitude and clear the surrounding cliffs. That little maneuver was as thrilling as it was impressive.

Why Book with Island Wings Instead of the Cruise Ship Tours

Booking directly with Island Wings Air Service provides a better experience and greater value than cruise line excursions. Flights are a full two hours compared to about 75 minutes with cruise ship tours. You’ll enjoy a true lake landing with 30 minutes to explore on shore, while most cruise excursions only float briefly before taking off again. Every seat is a window seat, and voice-activated headsets provide live narration and interaction with your pilot, not a prerecorded tape. Island Wings also avoids the cruise line markup, giving you fairer pricing for the actual tour length. Best of all, Michelle has been perfecting these Misty Fjords tours for nearly three decades, delivering a personal, authentic Alaskan experience that competitors can’t match.

How to Book Your Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour

We booked our Misty Fjords flightseeing adventure with Viator, and it couldn’t have been easier. Viator gave us peace of mind with instant confirmation and the convenience of handling everything before our cruise. Plus, we love that it allowed us to secure our seats well in advance — something you’ll definitely want to do for this popular tour.

👉 Book Your Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour on Viator here

By booking through our affiliate link, you’ll get the same price you would directly, but it helps support our blog and the free content we share about RVing, travel, and adventure. Thank you!

Tips for Your Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour

• Book early – Flights fill quickly, especially during cruise season.
• Choose a trusted operator – We can’t recommend Island Wings Air Service enough. Michelle’s experience and personal touch make the difference.
• Bring the right camera gear – A wide-angle lens is perfect for sweeping landscapes; a zoom helps capture wildlife.
• Dress in layers – Even in summer, it can be chilly in the fjords.
• Enjoy the mist – The fog and clouds are part of the magic.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing FAQ

How long is the Misty Fjords flightseeing tour?

Island Wings’ Misty Fjords tour lasts a full two hours (not including transfers). Cruise ship tours are typically only about 75 minutes.

Do you actually get out of the plane?

Yes! With Island Wings, you’ll land on a remote alpine lake and have about 30 minutes to step out, stretch, and enjoy the wilderness. Cruise ship tours usually land, float for a few minutes, and take off again without letting passengers out.

Are all the seats window seats?

Absolutely. Island Wings’ floatplanes are designed so that every seat is a window seat — no middle seats blocking your view.

Is there live narration during the flight?

Yes. You’ll use voice-activated headsets that allow you to hear the pilot’s narration and even chat with them and your fellow passengers. Cruise ship tours often use prerecorded audio with no pilot interaction.

Is it worth booking directly instead of through the cruise line?

Definitely. Island Wings offers longer tours, better value, and a more personal experience. Cruise ship excursions are shorter, more expensive, and lack shore landings.

How do I book?

We booked through Viator and highly recommend it for convenience and secure reservations.
👉 Book Your Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour on Viator

Other Alaska Shore Excursions

Final Thoughts on Misty Fjords Flightseeing

Our Misty Fjords flightseeing adventure with Island Wings was truly one of the most unforgettable moments of our Alaska cruise. From soaring above towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls to landing on a secluded alpine lake, every part of the journey felt magical.

What made it even more special was Michelle — her passion, experience, and personal touch turned a sightseeing trip into a memory we’ll treasure forever. If you’re visiting Ketchikan, we can’t recommend this experience enough.

Misty Fjords is breathtaking from the ground, but from the air it’s simply beyond words. Pair that with Island Wings’ longer tours, lake landing, and Michelle’s genuine hospitality, and you’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that stands head and shoulders above cruise line excursions.

👉 Book your Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour on Viator and see for yourself why this is a must-do in Alaska.

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