Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park is located in the southeastern part of Alaska, near the town of Gustavus. It spans an area of over 3.3 million acres and includes large portions of the Glacier Bay and surrounding mountains.

The park's history dates back thousands of years, as evidenced by the Tlingit people who have lived in the area for centuries. However, the recorded history of the park begins with the arrival of European explorers in the late 18th century. The area around Glacier Bay was initially known for its glaciers and abundant wildlife, attracting fur traders and explorers.

One of the most significant events in the park's history was the rapid retreat of glaciers during the Little Ice Age in the 18th and 19th centuries. This retreat dramatically transformed the landscape, resulting in the formation of Glacier Bay and its surroundings. It was also during this time that naturalist John Muir visited the area and documented the remarkable geological changes.

Glacier Bay National Park offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. One of the main draws is the opportunity to witness the park's stunning glacial landscapes. The bay itself is dotted with massive tidewater glaciers that calve into the water, creating a breathtaking and dynamic spectacle. Visitors can take boat tours or kayak through the bay to get up close and personal with these glaciers.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also appreciate the park's rich biodiversity. Glacier Bay is home to a wide range of animal species, including humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and countless bird species. The park also hosts one of the largest concentrations of breeding seabirds on the continent, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching.

For those interested in hiking and exploring, there are numerous trails within the park. The Bartlett Cove Trail offers a scenic walk through the rainforest, while the East Arm Trail presents stunning views of glaciers and mountains. Backcountry camping and fishing are also popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty.

Nearby attractions include the town of Gustavus, which serves as the park's gateway and offers accommodations, dining, and various services. The Icy Strait Point, a historical cannery turned tourist destination, offers cultural exhibits and outdoor activities. Visitors can also explore the neighboring Tongass National Forest, known as the largest temperate rainforest in the United States.

Overall, Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska offers a captivating blend of awe-inspiring glacial scenery, abundant wildlife, and recreational activities. Its rich historical background and convenient access to nearby attractions make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Glacier Bay National Park is nestled within the southeastern coast of the state of Alaska, highlighting its pristine beauty and breathtaking glaciers. Located approximately 100 miles northwest of the state capital, Juneau, this spectacular national park covers an extensive area of over 3.3 million acres. As part of the Inside Passage, the park boasts fjords, mountains, and temperate rainforests, making it a unique and dynamic ecosystem. Glacier Bay National Park borders the Gulf of Alaska to the south, and its diverse landscapes range from rugged mountains to vast icefields, punctuated by majestic tidewater glaciers. This remote and awe-inspiring location showcases the powerful impact of glacial activity and offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw and awe-inspiring forces of nature.

Address & Contact

1 Park Road
Gustavus, AK 99826
Driving Directions
Phone: 9076972230
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park would be between May and August, when the average maximum temperatures range from 53°F to 59°F and the average minimum temperatures range from 41°F to 51°F. During this period, the park experiences lower levels of precipitation, with average monthly amounts ranging from 3.960 in to 8.630 in. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, making them the ideal time to visit Glacier Bay National Park.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Glacier Bay National Park are: Food Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Kayaking Whitewater Rafting Auto and ATV Boat Tour ATV Off-Roading Mountain Climbing Flying Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Glacier Bay National Park: Animals Birds Geology Architecture and Building Fish Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Mountains Natural Sounds Coasts, Islands and Atolls Maritime Oceans Rainforest Ancient Seas Whales

Visitor Centers

Visitor Information Station - Backcountry Office

Located near the head of the public-use dock in Bartlett Cove, 10 miles from Gustavus. The "VIS" provides trip planning information, boating and camping permits, and offers boater/camper orientation sessions for visitors heading into the wild backcountry of Glacier Bay. Stop by and meet a park ranger. Open annually between May and September.

Campsites within or near Glacier Bay National Park

Bartlett Cove Campground

The National Park Service maintains a free walk-in campground in Bartlett Cove. The campground features bear-proof food caches, a fire-pit and warming shelter (with firewood provided) located in a very scenic setting along the shore, 1/4 mile south of the Bartlett Cove dock. Stays are limited to 14 days
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Free Camping)
Total Campsites: 33
Toilets: Composting Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round