The area receives approximately fourteen feet of precipitation annually, giving rise to the many lakes, streams and waterfalls. The western border of the Monument is 22 airmiles from Ketchikan while the eastern boundary runs parallel with the Canadian border. Encompassing nearly 2.3 million acres, the monument is virtually all wilderness area. Flora Sheer granite slopes rise dramatically from the ocean and are lush with Sitka spruce, western hemlock and cedar. Huckelberries, alders and willows thriving under the canopy make the area nearly impenetrable.
Water falls are everywhere and plummet sensationally down sheer cliffs into the saltwater below.
At about the two thousand foot level the tree line gives way to highland alpine meadows which are dotted with muskeg, lakes and streams. Prominent snow capped peaks rise to the 7,000 foot level providing an alpine backdrop to the many inlets, fiords and canals. Some of the inlets and fiords are narrow and stretch for miles while others are wide and short. Camping sites in remote areas can be difficult to find, and due to the area's 18 foot tides, the only safe camp sites are generally above the high water line among the trees. Firewood is readily accessible but will most certainly be wet.