Revillagigedo Island: Alaska’s Misty Rainforest Gateway

Why Visit Revillagigedo Island

Revillagigedo Island sits in the heart of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest, where steep mountains rise straight from the sea and constant moisture feeds towering spruce and cedar. The island’s main settlement, Ketchikan, serves as the cultural and logistical hub for the region, making the island a natural base for exploring both urban attractions and remote wilderness.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive by air at Ketchikan International Airport on nearby Gravina Island, then take the short ferry across Tongass Narrows. The Alaska Marine Highway System also brings ferries directly to the island’s docks from Juneau, Bellingham, and Prince Rupert. Once on Revillagigedo, a network of roads connects Ketchikan to outlying areas like Saxman and Ward Cove.

Things to Do

Walk the historic boardwalks of Creek Street to see the salmon ladder and former red-light district buildings. Visit the Totem Heritage Center and nearby Saxman Native Village to view one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in the world. Hike the rain-forest trails at Ward Lake or Deer Mountain for glimpses of bald eagles and black bears. Charter boats depart daily for fishing and wildlife viewing in the surrounding waters.

Wildlife and Nature

The island’s streams host runs of pink, chum, and king salmon that draw both anglers and hungry bears. Misty Fjords National Monument lies just east of the island and is best experienced on a day cruise or floatplane flight that reveals sheer granite cliffs and hanging waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit

From May through September the weather is mildest and daylight is longest, allowing full days of outdoor activity. Late summer brings peak salmon runs. Winter months deliver heavy rain and shorter days but fewer crowds and lower ferry traffic.

Nearby Attractions

Short ferry rides reach Prince of Wales Island for limestone caves and additional fishing. Floatplane excursions head north to Anan Creek bear observatory or south toward the outer islands of the Alexander Archipelago.