Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska has a protected area of 3.2 million acres of glaciers, mountains, water systems, wilderness, and wildlife. Close to 600,000 people visited the park in 2018.
History
Archaeological sites indicate that humans started inhabiting the area over 10,000 years ago. There is not a lot of evidence showing human activity, though, because they have been covered by the glacier, until the last 200 years.
French explorer Jean-Francois de Galaup was the first European credited to have explored the Alaskan coast, in 1786. Several other explorations happened after that. The campaign to protect the area started years later.
The park and preserve have so many protected designations: national monument (1925), national park (1980), a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1979) and Biosphere Reserve (1986).
Things to do
Ecologist William Cooper called Glacier Bay National Park a natural laboratory. There are so many significant and majestic views of the area. It is also a photographer and artist’s paradise with so many inspirational vistas. There are so many wonderful activities in the park with a natural backdrop.
Water cruising
Not a lot of people can conquer the glaciers; that is an activity that should be left to professional mountaineers. However, everyone should have a chance to see the stunning views of the glaciers. Park rangers ride the ship with the tourists, for explaining the sceneries as well as the geological activities leading to these natural wonders.
There are over 1,000 glaciers in the park. The seven tidewater glaciers are Grand Pacific Glacier, Gilman Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, Margerie Glacier, McBride Glacier, and Laperouse Glacier.
Explore Bartlett Cove (leisure walk or hiking)
This area used to be a glacier, but 200 years greatly changed the landscape of the area, which is now blanketed with trees, plants, and flowers and has become a home to animals. A park ranger can lead visitors to walk through the Forest Trail that descends to the beachside of the park.
The beach offers a view that is just as beautiful: blue waters and wildflowers on the coast. The coastline is also a chance to spot some animals: humpback whale, seal, and birds. Sometimes, bears and coyotes also stroll by the beach.
For those following the Bartlett River Trail, the pathway passes a lagoon, forest and ends at the Bartlett River estuary where ducks, geese, and other water birds congregate. Porcupines and red squirrels may be spotted in the forest.
Experience culture in Huna Tribal House
The Huna Ancestor’s House is the first permanent house in Glacier Bay after the glaciers destroyed Tingit villages some 250 years ago. The tribal house allows visitors to learn about the history of the Tingit communities, as well as their culture. Visitors also visit cultural workshops like weaving and woodworking as well as native art, song, and dance.
Canoeing, kayaking & rafting
Paddling is another way to experience the picturesque views of Glacier Bay. One can choose to paddle on their own or find a guide to lead the way. There is a big chance that one may just paddle while a nearby humpback whale sneers. Whitewater rafting is mostly done on the Alsek River and its tributary, Tatshenshini River.
Flying over the majestic glacial views
Nearby concessionaires provide tourism flights for visitors to have an expansive bird’s eye view of the park. It is truly a remarkable experience for the tourists.
Watch the sunset at Halibut Point
First off, Halibut Point is a sea of green grasses and shrubs dotted with beautiful and colorful wildflowers. It is a wilderness image that needs to be immortalized. It can only be topped with the spectacular view of the sunset. The area is also just a stone’s throw away from Glacier Bay Lodge. Halibut Point is also a great place to watch whales do tricks in Glacier Bay.
Camping & backpacking
Bartlett Cove has a developed campground. It is located along the shore with a scenic backdrop of the rainforest. Backcountry users need a permit, which is as expected.
Listen to the sounds of the park
The park boasts of one unique characteristic: it is a natural orchestra. The animals provide diverse sounds: howling of the wolves, the singing of the birds, grunts of humpback whales, grunts of sea lions, bears crashing on the waters to catch a salmon, among others. Then there are also the sounds of boats, paddlers and planes. There is more: the rustling of the leaves in the forest, waves from the bay, and many more natural sounds.