Glacier Bay is an incredible area, full of many opportunities for the adventurer. Whatever you want to do, you can do it here in a striking and dramatic environment. Often considered a limitless playground for the outdoor enthusiast, Alaska and especially Glacier Bay, offer the outdoor adventurer the best possibilities in any sport.
Tour Boats and Cruise ShipsCruises up the Inside Passage often include a day in Glacier Bay. Cruise ships and tour boats travel up the bay to see the tidewater glaciers, cruise along the shoreline searching for wildlife and enjoy the scenery. A tour boat leaves Bartlett Cove daily for a 9-hour cruise.
Boating
For a boater a variety of adventures can be found in the fjords of Glacier Bay. Permits are required from June 1 through August 31 for motorized private boats, for a maximum visit of 7 days. Permit applications may be mailed no more than 60 days prior to your requested arrival date. Due to the high demand for these permits, the limited supply, and the first-come, first-served policy, boaters should be mindful of the 60-day advance reservation.
Kayaking
Sea kayaking is a popular way to experience the backcountry wilderness of Glacier Bay. Kayak trips can originate from Bartlett Cove, or the daily tour boat can drop off kayaks up bay. Rental kayaks and one day or overnight guided kayak trips are available. If you are trying to transport a hard-shell kayak to the park, it will have to be transported by boat.Hiking
There are more than a million trail-less acres awaiting the backcountry traveler in this immense wilderness area. The backcountry terrain is rugged by any standard. Dense alder thickets and steep rocky cliffs can make foot travel very challenging and often impossible. Be prepared to hike over rough and rocky ground. Shoreline and gravel streambeds usually offer the best routes. In the Bartlett Cove area, there are three maintained trails of varying length. Since conditions tend to be muddy and wet, boots are advisable.
Camping
A multitude of camping experiences await you, ranging from the free walk-in campground at Bartlett Cove to a backcountry wilderness experience. The daily tour boat provides a camper drop off service at four locations in the bay. Rangers at the Visitor Information Station provide camper orientations and issue required backcountry permits and bear-resistant food containers. Upon your return, pleasecomplete a backcountry use survey.
Sport Fishing and Hunting
Glacier Bay offers sport-fishing opportunities for both fresh and saltwater fish. Only within the national preserve may sport hunting occur. Bag and possession limits vary by species. An Alaska state fishing and/or hunting license is required for all hunters and anglers age 16 or older.
River Running
The Alsek River and its major tributary, the Tatshenshini River, are large volume, swift glacial rivers that run through a portion of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Beginning in the interior, these two rivers breach the coast range, offering rafters uncommon environmental and cultural diversity, impressive scenery, and an outstanding wilderness experience. A permit is required.
Mountaineering
The coastal mountains in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, topped by the 15,320-foot Mt. Fairweather, are some of the least visited mountains of their elevation in North America. The mountaineering challenges include remote access, harsh conditions, limited information on climbing routes and limited availability of rescue. Climbing parties must be experienced and totally self-reliant. A permit is required.
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