Scientists have called Glacier Bay a living laboratory because of its glacial retreat, plant succession, and animal behavior. The ice has shrunk 65 miles, discovering a new bay and coming back to life. The alder and willow trees are growing, and the vegetation has attracted wolves, elk, mountain goats, grizzly bears, black bears, and more. The sea also supports seals, humpback whales, birds, and killer whales. It is an area worth a visit, especially if you are a nature and wildlife lover.
Story
Proclaimed Glacier Bay National Monument on February 25, 1925 and established as a national park and preserve on December 2, 1980. The area also received wilderness designation on December 2, 1980 and was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1986.
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When to visit
End of May to mid-September is the best time to visit. Summer days are longer and temperatures tend to be cooler. While May and June have the most sunshine, the upper inlets can still be filled with icebergs. September is often rainy and windy.
The Visitor Center is open every day from the end of May to the beginning of September. Exhibits are open 24 hours a day, while the Alaska Geographic Information Desk and Bookstore are open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Get there
The park is only accessible by boat or plane. From Juneau, take a flight to Gustavus, then take the bus to Glacier Bay Lodge and Bartlett Cove Campground. Alaska Airlines offers daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus (approximately 30 minutes) in the summer season. Year-round scheduled air service to Gustavus is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters. Several air taxis also fly a network of routes linking Juneau and Gustavus with Haines, Skagway and other cities in Southeast Alaska. They can also help you get into the nature of Glacier Bay.
Flight time from Juneau to Gustavus is about 30 minutes.
During the summer months, the LeConte Ferry stops at Gustavus twice a week from Juneau. The ferry dock is 9 miles from the Glacier Bay park headquarters in Bartlett Cove. Visit the AMHS website for hours, hours, and fees. Visitors can also take a sightseeing boat or cruise to the park. A daily park-based boat tour takes trips from Bartlett Cove to the tidal glaciers. If you have a private boat, you can get a permit and reservation to take you to Glacier Bay.
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Fees / Permits
There is no entrance fee to enter Glacier Bay. Reservations are required for private boating, camping, rafting, and for many other visitor services. Visitors bringing their own boat to Glacier Bay from June 1 to August 31 must have a permit and reservation. If you plan to camp in the countryside, you will need to obtain a free permit. Fees, permits and reserves are needed to raft the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers.
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Things to do
The activities at Glacier Bay are as diverse as the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from hiking, camping, mountaineering, kayaking, rafting, fishing, hunting, wild adventures, and bird watching. Nature lovers may spend days in the most remote parts of the park without seeing another person.
Sea kayaking is the easiest and most popular way to travel to the Glacier Bay Wilderness. The kayaks can be brought to the park by ferry, rented locally, or provided on guided tours. Rafting the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers from Canada to Dry Bay in the park is a world-class float ride on glacial rivers through one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world. Whether you bring your own raft, rent from a provider, or join a guided tour, you will have fun!
Backpacking and mountaineering are the most strenuous ways to explore the park, but perhaps the most rewarding.
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Main attractions
Bartlett Cove – You may want to explore the area on your own, with a small group, or as part of a hike led by naturalist rangers. Whichever method you choose, the beauty of Bartlett Cove is worth discovering.
West Arm: The west arm of the bay contains the highest mountains in the park and the most active tidal glaciers.
Muir’s Entrance – Consider this a mecca for kayakers. Camping and hiking are amazing here.
White Thunder Ridge – A strenuous hike on this trail will reward you with incredible views of Muir Inlet.
Wolf Creek: Take this hike to see where running water has exposed a forest buried by a glacier nearly 7,000 years ago.
Marble Islands: a great place for bird watchers. The islands support colonies of gulls, cormorants, puffins and murders.
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accommodation
There are a number of lodging options while visiting Glacier Bay National Park. Glacier Bay Lodge is the only lodge within the park. It is open from mid-May to early September.
Camping is available in the park at Bartlett Cove. The maximum stay is 14 days, but for those looking to desert camping and kayaking, there are virtually limitless camping opportunities.
If you are looking for more accommodations, visit the nearby Gustavus, inns, cabins and B & B’s.
Pets
Since Glacier Bay is home to a lot of wildlife, it may not be the best place to bring pets. Pets are allowed on land in select areas, and can never be left unattended. Your pet must be physically tied or restrained at all times. They are not allowed on trails, beaches or anywhere in the interior of the country, with the exception of pets that remain on board private boats in the water.
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Things to do
The activities at Glacier Bay are as diverse as the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from hiking, camping, mountaineering, kayaking, rafting, fishing, hunting, wild adventures, and bird watching. Nature lovers may spend days in the most remote parts of the park without seeing another person.
Sea kayaking is the easiest and most popular way to travel to the Glacier Bay Wilderness. The kayaks can be brought to the park by ferry, rented locally, or provided on guided tours. Rafting the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers from Canada to Dry Bay in the park is a world-class float ride on glacial rivers through one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world. Whether you bring your own raft, rent from a provider, or join a guided tour, you will have fun!
Backpacking and mountaineering are the most strenuous ways to explore the park, but perhaps the most rewarding.
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Contact information
Glacier Bay National Park
PO Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826-0140
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