While tucking away from a coastal storm in the shelter of Short Bay, guests onboard National Geographic Venture enjoyed a day of bushwhacking and cruising the fjords by Zodiac. An intrepid group of hikers even crossed a thigh deep river to continue hiking the beautiful forests surrounding Misty Fjords. We were delighted to see all the flowers beginning to bloom and multiple signs that bears were in the area, including scratch marks on trees and fur left on scratching posts.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 05 May 2025
Reflection Lake - Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska, 5/5/2025, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
Taylor Simpkins, Naturalist/Expedition Diver
Taylor is a marine biologist and PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia. She is from California, where she grew up diving in the giant kelp forests of the Channel Islands. She was involved in research from a young age, starting a long-t...
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Treasures of the Inside Passage
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National Geographic Venture
Petersburg
After exploring the remote reaches and quiet majesty of Misty Fjords National Monument yesterday, today offered a shift in rhythm with a full day of adventure in the charming fishing town of Petersburg. Located on Mitkof Island and known for its strong Norwegian heritage, Petersburg is framed by forested mountains and intricate tidal sloughs that teem with wildlife. Guests had a variety of ways to experience the island’s vibrant mix of culture and nature. Some opted for a scenic guided bike tour through quiet backroads and coastal paths, stopping for sweeping views of Frederick Sound and learning about the community’s fishing traditions. Others chose from several beautiful hikes, including a boardwalk trail through muskeg wetlands and a deeper trek into the lush Tongass National Forest. Those craving a slower pace enjoyed unstructured time to stroll through the harborside town, visiting local shops, a bookstore, and museums, or simply soaking up the friendly, lived-in feel of this working waterfront. Bald eagles soared overhead, harbor seals bobbed just offshore, and Sitka black-tailed deer made a few surprise appearances. Back aboard National Geographic Venture , we capped the day with a crab feast and an engaging talk by Naturalist Liz Czok on glaciers.