Glacier Bay Province
This region includes the Glacier Bay watershed and peripheral outwash systems of the glacial meltwaters of the Little Ice Age.

The vast watershed is bounded to the east and north by the Chilkat and Takinsha Ranges, to the northwest by the Fairweather Range, and to the west by the Brady Glacier. From Brady's peripheral rim a series of lower ridges extend radially inward, defining a complex of partially submerged and variously ice-occupied valleys which merge into two fjord systems: Muir Inlet and the West Arm. These, in turn, coalesce to form the main trunk of Glacier Bay.

The majority of this region was under ice or outwash 250 years ago. The ice's retreat has been one of the best-documented in the world. It has bared an extensive series of known-age land and seascapes which are the premier laboratory on Earth for study of ice-recessional phenomena and post-glacial biotic succession.

Wildlife is diverse and locally abundant. Large concentrations of harbor seals, waterfowl, seabirds, moose, and mountain goats lead the list of species. It also hosts a variety of fisheries.

The park headquarters at Bartlett Cove, and the community of Gustavus, in the regions southeastern corner, are the only permanently settled localities.

Permit Information
Backcountry campers and hikers are required to obtain a free permit from the Glacier Bay Visitor Center in Bartlett Cove.

Directions
There are no roads to Glacier Bay and no Alaska state ferry service. Gustavus, on the southern tip of the park's mainland, is accessible by planes, ferries, and private boats.

Information Center
The visitor center is located on the second level of the Glacier Bay Lodge in Bartlett Cove. There is also a Visitor Information Station near the dock.

Activities