Glacier Bay National Park Live Webcams

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Introduction

 Traditionally, four Huna Lingit clans occupied territories in and around Glacier Bay. When Glacier Bay became a National Monument in 1925, its borders encompassed much of the Huna Lingit Homeland.

In 1794, Captain Vancouver sailed through the bay and created a rough map showing a single massive glacier filling the bay. The legendary naturalist and preservationist, John Muir, visited Glacier Bay by canoe. His lyrical descriptions transformed America's perception of Alaska from daunting cold to enchanting beauty. William S. Cooper: A plant ecologist from Minnesota, Cooper studied Glacier Bay's ecological rebirth after glacial recession. His passion led to Glacier Bay becoming a national monument in 1925.

On February 26, 1925 President Calvin Coolidge signed an act proclaiming the area around Glacier Bay a national monument.  On December 2, 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed ANILCA, creating Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Glacier Bay sprawls across an impressive 3,283,289 acres (approximately 13,276 square kilometers). Of this vast expanse, 2,664,784 acres are considered wild, untouched by human development. Glacier Bay boasts sixteen glaciers, eleven of which reach the coastline and dramatically detach, forming awe-inspiring icebergs.

The park is known for its beauty and wildlife.  Humpback whales can be seen along the coast.  Grizzly and black bears are found throughout the park.  Moose inhabit the rivers and lakes in the area.

Glacier Bay has witnessed a remarkable increase in visitation over the years. In 2022, it welcomed 508,912 Cruise Ship Passengers, 11,551 Tour Vessel Passengers and 3,741 Backcountry Visitors.

Top Hikes

There are 8 great trails for hiking and more within Glacier Bay National Park.  All the trailheads below are from Barlett Cove. For more information on hikes go to the NPS website.

1. Forest Trail: This easy trail is 1.1 miles (1.77 km) long and has an elevation gain of 82 feet (25 m). It takes approximately 26 minutes to complete.

2. Bartlett River Trail: This moderate trail is 6.5 miles (10.46 kilometers) long and has an elevation gain of 1,181 feet (360 m). It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. 

3. Tlingit Trail: This moderate trail is 3.4 (5.47 km) miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,181 feet (360 m). It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

4. Bartlett Lake Trail: This moderate trail is 7.9 miles (12.71 km) long and has an elevation gain of 1,181 feet (360 m). It takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

5. Point Gustavus via Beach Trail: This moderate trail is 5.7 (9.17 km) miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,181 feet (360 m). It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

6. Bartlett Lake and Towers Trail: This strenuous trail is 13.8 miles (22.2 km) long and has an elevation gain of 2,509 feet (765 m). It takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

7. Walker Glacier - Alsek River: This strenuous trail is 14.7 miles long (23.7 km) and has an elevation gain of 2,509 feet (765 m). It takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

8. The Nose - Alsek River: This strenuous trail is 16.6 miles (26.7 km) long and has an elevation gain of 2,509 feet (765 m). It takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes to complete. 

Accomodations and Restaurants

Campgrounds  There is only one tent campground within the park.  

Bartlett Cove campground only offers tent camping. The campground is open from May thru September and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A free permit is required for camping in the backcountry.

The Glacier Bay Lodge is a charming hotel and offers the only hotel accommodations within the park and has 50 rooms available. The lodge serves as a gathering place for visitors to stay within the park, meet with rangers, or check out the visitor center on the second floor. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, a sun terrace, and a gift shop, and you can stay connected during your stay as Glacier Bay Lodge offers guests free internet access. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.

Fishing and Kayaking

Fishing is a popular activity in Glacier Bay National Park, with the marine waters of the park being well-known for boating, fishing, paddling, and birding. Glacier Bay offers a wide variety of fish species for anglers to pursue in both salt and freshwater. In saltwater, most anglers target the bottom-dwelling halibut, but salmon species, especially Chinook and Coho, are also sought. In Glacier Bay's freshwater streams, lakes and rivers, anglers can fish for salmon, both sea-run and resident trout including steelhead and cutthroat, as well as Dolly Varden C`har.

The National Park Service urges all anglers to review and know all relevant regulations guiding recreational fishing in Glacier Bay. Other aspects of the fishing experience may also benefit from self-education and pre-planning.

Kayaking is also a popular activity, with sea kayaking being an incredible way to experience the vast wilderness and solitude of Glacier Bay. Kayak trips can originate from Bartlett Cove, or kayakers can use the camper drop-off service to begin a trip further up-bay, closer to the park's iconic tidewater glaciers. Making reservations in advance for kayak rentals and drop-off services is recommended. Guided day trips and overnight kayak trips are also available. The National Park Service urges all kayakers to review and know all relevant regulations guiding recreational kayaking in Glacier Bay.