Many boaters have been reluctant to enter Ford’s Terror due to the fact that this 5-mile-long inlet is not well charted. Located about half-way along the north shore of Endicott Arm on the way to Dawes Glacier, this scenic inlet is seldom visited by pleasure boaters, but has recently gained new interest.
The sidebar description of Ford’s Terror in Don Douglass’ and Reanne Hemingway-Douglass’ guidebook, Exploring Southeast Alaska, may have deterred boaters in the past from exploring Ford’s Terror, but thanks to several Waggoner Field Correspondents, Ford’s Terror has been rediscovered, with documented information about the location of reefs and shoals and how to enter both the Outer Inlet of Fords Terror and the Inner Inlet, along with locations for anchoring. The two inlets inside Fords Terror are separated by a set of rapids; here again, experience speaks volumes. The upcoming 2025 edition of the Waggoner Cruising Guide, includes a map and description for a successful visit to Fords Terror. As with all narrow, poorly charted areas, Waggoner recommends going dead slow with a bow watch.
Fords Terror is just one example of the many updates and additions that Waggoner editors and field correspondents research for inclusion in the Waggoner Guide. As with each year’s edition of the Waggoner, there are numerous changes regarding marinas, waterways, and regulations in addition to newly discovered anchorages and wildlife destinations. Waggoner Field Correspondents and the boating public at large who send us reports, help ensure that the Waggoner Guide has the most up-to-date information. You will find a bio for each of our field correspondents in the front pages of the Waggoner.
Don’t miss picking up your copy of the 2025 Waggoner Cruising Guide for the coming boating season. Watch for our eNews and online articles announcing the arrival of the new Waggoner Guide. Our theme for 2025, “What’s in a Name,” includes sidebar articles sharing how a waterway, island, or destination got its name – interesting facts you won’t want to miss. Waggoner continues to be the best source for boaters cruising the waters of the Pacific Northwest. A must have and entertaining too!
Photo: Chuck Wengenroth
Waggoner Field Correspondent
