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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Glacier Bay Wilderness (map) in 1980 and it now has a total of 2,664,876 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Alaska and is managed by the National Park Service. The Glacier Bay Wilderness is bordered by the Endicott River Wilderness to the east.

Description

In 1794, when Captain George Vancouver sailed through Icy Strait west of present-day Juneau, Alaska, the entrance to today's Glacier Bay was a wall of ice that extended more than 100 miles northward. By 1916, the ice had retreated 65 to 70 miles and the bay was formed. The glaciers continue to retreat on the bay's eastern and southeastern sides, but they have begun to grow on the western side. Some of the world's greatest tidewater glaciers exist in Glacier Bay, at least 12 of them still calving (breaking off) into salt water. The park section of 3.28-million-acre Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has been designated Wilderness.

Surrounded by a spectacular, glaciated horseshoe rim of mountains, the bay is sheltered by the Fairweather Range to the west and the Saint Elias Mountains on the north. The highest peaks, topped by Mount Fairweather at 15,300 feet, stand almost three miles above the sea and attract intrepid mountaineers. No trails exist, but backpacking is growing increasingly popular, often along numerous icy streams sometimes welcoming and sometimes choked with brush. Brown and black bears are numerous on shore. Firearms are not permitted in the park section.

Most visitors see the Wilderness by boat, and the sea kayaking ranks among the best in the world. The main bay divides into East and West Arms, which are split into many inlets. The water is dotted with islands, and the paddling goes on and on in eye-aching splendor. Beardslee Islands are noted especially for their excellent beach camping. Marble Islands have the most seabird colonies and are closed to human traffic from the first of May until the first of September. Whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises are usually seen in the cold plankton-rich sea. Expect rain and strong wind interspersed with cool temperatures under cloudy skies.

Planning to Visit the Glacier Bay Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the National Park Service
• Other recommended websites

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Glacier Bay Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.