Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Sights To See
Whales
The sight of a whale surfacing is one of the most exhilarating sights you will find at Glacier Bay Park, an enduring symbol of the effort to preserve nature. Sixty to 100 million years ago, the ancestors of today's whales were land-dwelling, warm-blooded, air-breathing mammals before they adapted to the sea. Today, Glacier Bay is home to minke and humpback whales, as well as orca. Each summer, 15 to 20 humpback whales regularly feed in park waters, concentrating in the lower part of the bay. These 40- to 50-foot creatures migrate from their winter home in the warm waters off Hawaii and can often be seen along shorelines feeding on krill, shrimp and various fish such as capelin.
Tidewater Glaciers
If you take a boat tour, make sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for falling ice near tidewater glaciers! It can be one of the most dramatic sights to behold, when the snouts of calving glaciers periodically crumble, sending tons of ice crashing into roiling seas as a thunderous sound reverberates for miles across the water. Most of the tidewater glaciers are 65 miles from the forests of Bartlett Cove, and the boat trip to see this site is a staple to any Glacier Park visit.
Roaring Rivers
If you are looking for adventure, wildlife, and an unparalleled opportunity to see the Alaskan landscape up close, consider embarking on a rafting trip down one of the park's roaring rivers. Both the Alsek River and its major tributary, the Tatshenshini River, are large-volume, swift glacial rivers that course through areas of great environmental diversity. Most rafting trips begin on the Tatshenshini at Dalton Post, the last road accessible off the Haines Highway in Yukon Territory, Canada. From there, it is 140 river miles to the normal take-out at Dry Bay, Alaska. For more information about whale-watching cruises, boat cruises that pass tidewater glaciers, and rafting, contact park headquarters at (907) 697-2230.
Glacier Bay In Depth
News from the Parks
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
Redwood Park's Hofstra Gets National Award
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
When Traveling, Boingo is the Road Trip's Best Bet
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
Donor Partnership Crosses Borders To Nurture National Park Volunteer Program
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
