New Eddystone Rock
A towering basalt spire in Alaska's Misty Fjords, a geological marvel and home to nesting bald eagles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer daylight, calmer seas
New Eddystone Rock
Best Time
Longer daylight, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering basalt spire in Alaska's Misty Fjords, a geological marvel and home to nesting bald eagles.
"A majestic, 237-foot basalt spire in the middle of the channel, a must-see in Misty Fjords."
Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour from Ketchikan for the best views! Many cruises include this stop.
Look for Eagles!
Bald eagles often nest here. Bring binoculars for a closer look at these majestic birds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Basalt Spire
Misty Fjords National Monument
A towering 237-foot basalt pillar rising dramatically from the water, a geological marvel.
Bald Eagle Nest
Near the top of the rock
Keep an eye out for the mated pair of bald eagles often seen nesting on this iconic formation.
Gateway to Misty Fjords
Behm Canal
This striking rock formation marks the entrance to the breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views from the Water
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour from Ketchikan for the best views! Many cruises include this stop.
Look for Eagles!
Bald eagles often nest here. Bring binoculars for a closer look at these majestic birds.
Volcanic Origins
This is the cap of an ancient volcano, a fascinating geological feature.
Misty Fjords Entrance
It marks the entry to the stunning Misty Fjords National Monument.
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour from Ketchikan for the best views! Many cruises include this stop.
Look for Eagles!
Bald eagles often nest here. Bring binoculars for a closer look at these majestic birds.
Volcanic Origins
This is the cap of an ancient volcano, a fascinating geological feature.
Misty Fjords Entrance
It marks the entry to the stunning Misty Fjords National Monument.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise New Eddystone Rock as a majestic and fascinating geological formation, often encountered on scenic boat tours through the Misty Fjords. The presence of bald eagles adds to its allure, making it a memorable highlight for many. While the rock itself is a natural wonder, the overall experience is enhanced by the stunning fjord scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
"Cruising into misty fjords we passed this rock protruding out of the channel a majestic, 237 foot basalt. It got its name from the European navigator George Vancouver in 1793."
V H
"Fascinating outcropping in the middle of the fjord, named after Eddystone Rock (lighthouse) in the United Kingdom, this wa sa must see. I have viewed it from a boat excursion to misty fjords as well as a flightseeing tour of the fjords. One of my fellow plane passengers thought they saw an Arca down near the rocks."
Graham Tranter
"A beautiful Basaltic formation in the middle of the channel, with a beautiful mated pair of bald eagles near the top. Marks the entrance to the Misty Fjords. Priceless"
Bradley Villeneuve
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
New Eddystone Rock is located in the Misty Fjords National Monument, accessible primarily by boat. The most common way to see it is by booking a boat tour or cruise excursion departing from Ketchikan, Alaska.
Yes, many boat tours and cruise excursions from Ketchikan include a visit to New Eddystone Rock as part of their itinerary exploring the Misty Fjords.
While not a direct destination for landing, flightseeing tours over the Misty Fjords can offer aerial perspectives of New Eddystone Rock.
Experiencing New Eddystone Rock from the water on a boat tour provides the most immersive and unobstructed views of its grandeur.
New Eddystone Rock is approximately 32 miles (52 km) northeast of Ketchikan, Alaska, situated in the eastern arm of Behm Canal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need separate tickets for New Eddystone Rock itself, as it's a natural formation within a national monument. However, you will need to purchase tickets for a boat tour or cruise that visits the area.
While the Misty Fjords National Monument is a protected area, there are typically no direct entrance fees for viewing natural landmarks like New Eddystone Rock from a boat. Tour operators handle access.
The summer months (June to August) generally offer the best weather conditions for boat tours to New Eddystone Rock, with longer daylight hours and potentially calmer seas.
The duration of boat tours varies, but many excursions that include New Eddystone Rock and explore the Misty Fjords can last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours.
Yes, private charter boat tours are available from Ketchikan, offering a more personalized experience to see New Eddystone Rock and the surrounding fjords.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo is of the basalt spire itself rising from the water. Also, look for the bald eagles often seen near the top.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlights on the rock formation, enhancing its visual appeal.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the rock and its surroundings. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance sky colors.
Boat tours will bring you close enough for excellent photographic opportunities, but safety regulations usually prevent landing directly on the rock.
Experiment with different angles from the boat. A slightly lower angle can emphasize the height of the spire, while a wider shot captures its context within the fjord.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider tours that offer snacks or have onboard facilities. The journey through the Misty Fjords itself is visually stunning and can keep younger travelers engaged. Pack layers, as the weather can change quickly, and bring motion sickness remedies if needed.
📸 Photographers
Utilize a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the spire and its integration into the fjord landscape. Look for opportunities to photograph the bald eagles that inhabit the rock, and experiment with different lighting conditions. Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful textures and shadows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Marvel: The Formation of New Eddystone Rock
The rock's name was given by European navigator George Vancouver in 1793, drawing a parallel to the Eddystone Rocks lighthouse off the coast of England. This historical connection adds another layer of interest to its already captivating presence.
Its location within the Misty Fjords National Monument means it's surrounded by a breathtaking environment of steep cliffs, dense forests, and pristine waters, making it a focal point of natural beauty.
Wildlife Encounters in the Fjords
Boat tours through the Misty Fjords also offer opportunities to see other marine life. Keep an eye out for whales, seals, and sea lions that frequent these rich waters.
Remember to maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and follow the guidance of your tour operators to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.
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