Ford's Terror is an intimidating name for one of the most scenic and special places in SE Alaska. The entrance is narrow and shallow with a sharp 90 degree turn and turbulent, swift rapids at maximum current flow. However, if you time it for high tide with slack current, it is not a difficult passage.
This is the entrance and there is turbulent water. There is a sharp right turn ahead. Ford's Terror is named for Harry L. Ford, USN who, in the late 19th century, was exploring the inlet in a row boat and became trapped due to the swift currents (though, of course, was eventually able to make it out).
It's difficult to photograph or even convey in words the wonder of this place. Our friends Kevin and Laura describe it as Yosemite with water for the valley floor and no people. The shear granite cliffs rise 3,000-5,000 feet, long dramatic waterfalls and fascinating patterns.
Dinghy exploration of all the waterfalls took most of a day!
The sunny warm day required cooling off.
This is also the best fishing for Spot Prawns we have encountered so far.
So what do you do with all those prawns?
Make pizza of course. And invite all your friends over.
More pictures that fail to convey the enormity of it all.
Notice the dinghy at the base of the falls for perspective. Belted Kingfisher (below)
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