Glacier Bay National Park: A Backcountry Guide to the Glaciers and Beyond
Spanning 3.3 million acres and accessible by a single road at Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay National Park is an unspoiled region of tidewater glaciers, pristine waters, and an impressive array of wildlife, including porpoises, sea lions, seals, otters, and three species of whales. Located 60 miles north of Juneau, the bay itself is 62 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, and is surrounded by a horseshoe rim of mountains that include the Fairweather Range to the west, the Chilkat Range to the east, and the St. Elias, Alsek, and Takhinsha mountains to the north. Containing abundant travel and trip-planning information, major kayaking routes, and day-hiking opportunities, this guide is designed for those who dare to step off the park tour boats and float planes to explore and enjoy a seemingly endless expanse of untrammeled wilderness. A lively introduction covers geologic, natural, and historical information, including the extraordinarily rapid rate in which the ice in this region continues to retreat, causing U.S. Geological Survey topographical maps to be continually outdated. As an added bonus, backcountry paddling and hiking concerns, such as what to do if you capsize and when and wear to ford a stream, are also discussed. The author's diary-like reminiscings, such as the time he got caught in a tangle of alder branches and spied a moose being chased by a hungry wolf, provide amusement as well as a greater understanding of this spectacular region. Glacier Bay is nothing short of a wilderness enthusiast's paradise. Make your trip a memorable one by knowing where and when to visit this "unspeakably pure and sublime" destination.