National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS / T. VandenBerg
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is known as Homeland to the Huna and Yakutat Lingít, and is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Activities
Top Hikes
1 mi · 50 ft gain · loop
A loop through temperate rainforest and beach environments at Bartlett Cove on surfaces of dirt, gravel, and boardwalk. Features benches and viewing platforms for wildlife observation.
Starts at: In front of Glacier Bay Lodge (or south of the boat ramp)
4 mi · 100 ft gain · out & back
Meanders along an intertidal lagoon through spruce and hemlock forest to the Bartlett River estuary. Wildlife viewing includes coyotes, moose, bears, otters, and migratory waterfowl.
Starts at: Bartlett Cove
8 mi · 800 ft gain · out & back
A full-day commitment through less-maintained terrain with climbing over moss-covered boulders to reach a remote moraine lake. Potential loon sightings at the lake. The most challenging maintained trail in the park.
Starts at: Branches off Bartlett River Trail after 0.25 miles
1 mi · 20 ft gain · out & back
An easy stroll along the forested shoreline featuring a traditional Tlingit dugout canoe, whale skeleton display, and the Huna Tribal House — connecting visitors to the rich cultural history of the Huna Tlingit people.
Starts at: In front of Glacier Bay Lodge
Upcoming Events
Glacier Bay Film Showing in the Lodge Theater
Join us in the Glacier Bay Lodge Theater to enjoy a film about Glacier Bay! The selected film will vary: Forces of Change tells the complex and dynamic story of Glacier Bay, and Beneath the Reflections (2025) dives into the underwater world of the Bay. Available to play upon request, ask the park ranger on duty between 11:30 am and 5:00 pm.
Guided Walk: Forest Loop Trail
Walk with a ranger to track the “footprints” left by a glacier and discover hidden stories of GlacierBay’s forests and shore. Walk will take about 90 minutes, one mile walk, easy. A self-guiding walk is available at any time using the NPS App. Note: If you are departing Bartlett Cove for a flight after the walk ends at 3 pm and have a tight turnaround, inform the ranger before the walk starts and they will work to accommodate your timing.
Ranger Evening Program
Join a park ranger for daily presentations in Bartlett Cove! Hear from a National Park ServiceRanger at the Glacier Bay Lodge Theater (upstairs) for a deep dive into what makes Glacier Bayspecial. Programs begin at 6 pm, typically lasting about 30 minutes. Ranger will depart at 7:00pm after the program, although the Glacier Bay Lodge front desk remains open 6 am - 11 pm.Program topics vary nightly: See weekly flyer posted at the lodge or on the Glacier Bay Event Calendar webpage.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, June, July, August, November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Summer temperatures average 50° to 60° F (10° to 15° C). Rain is the norm in lush southeast Alaska. It is best to be prepared to enjoy the park in any kind of weather, especially rain. Suggested clothing includes waterproof boots, rain gear, a hat, gloves, wool or pile layers or a warm coat. Good rain gear is essential here. April, May and June are usually the driest months of the year. September and October tend to be the wettest.