AK, Glacier Bay National Park

Glaciers contain more water than all the freshwater lakes and rivers in the world. If these glaciers were to melt, the subsequent rise in the earth's sea level would inundate half of the world's coastal cities. This is in part why scientists study Glacier Bay which is a retreating (or melting) glacier. What is now a navigatable bay was found by Captain George Vancouver in 1794 to be completely filled with ice. That glacier was more than 4,000 feet thick, up to 20 miles or more wide, and extended more than 100 miles to the St Elias Mountain Range. But by 1879 famed naturalist John Muir found that the ice had retreated 50 miles from Glacier Bay's mouth. By 1916 it had retreated 65 miles. Such a rapid retreat has not been documented anywhere else in the world.

A glacier is formed because snow on the Alaskan mountains doesn't have a chance to melt. It constantly accumulates to form huge layers. Some of these snow layers are thousands of feet thick. The weight pressing lower layers of the snow into rock hard ice which gradually flows down the mountain. Carving deep troughs which fill over time with water to form Glacier's deep fjords. The park has 12 tidewater glaciers that cascade into the bay daily. Providing a grand spectacle as these huge sheets hit the bay water.

Glacier National Park's wildlife includes black and grizzly bears, mountain goats, humpback and orca whales, harbor porpoises, seals, Steller sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Black and grizzly bears probably receive the most attention. Both of these bears should be considered wild and always be considered dangerous. Their bulk and usual slow gait should not fool you into thinking they are slow either. These bears can run twice as fast as a human! And with claws that can rip apart a 1,000 moose in minutes, they definately should not be approached or disturbed.

AK, Glacier Bay NP, Humpback Whale, a 40 ton giant clearing the water

Grizzly bears are most common on the park's outer Pacific coast and in the upper bay. They are uncommon at Bartlett Cove and scarce elsewhere. Black bears may be found everywhere. Grizzly bears have claws adapted to digging rather than climbing. Black bears readily climb trees. Grizzly bears are generally considered more dangerous due to their large size and lack of fear of any animal Both species have poor eyesight, but smell and hear very well. Sows will protect their cubs, and adults may defend their territory or food.

AK, Glacier Bay NP, Tidewater glaciers

The Glacier Bay Lodge operates a day tour boat trip during the summer months. It is 65 miles from the forests of Bartlett Cove to the tidewater glaciers. Various large cruise ship and other tour boats also bring visitors on trips into the park.

The Lodge also offers kayak rentals and a drop-off service at designated locations in the bay. Most trips began on the Tatshenshini River at Dalton Post. This is the last put-in located on the Haines Hwy in Canada. From here it is 140 river miles to the take-out at Dry Bay, Alaska. The run is Class III-IV rated and averages 8 days. There are also guided kayak, backpacking, and raft trips down the Alsek River.

Glacier has one campground located at Bartlett Cove that is equipped with 35 sites. There is no charge for camping here and bear-resistant food caches, firewood, and a warming hut is provided. Long periods of rainy weather are common at Glacier National Park so proper rain gear is essential. A waterproof parka, raincoat, and rubber boots are recommended. Summer daytime temperatures are between 45- 65F. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis and no reservations are accepted. Backcountry wilderness camping is also allowed in the park. The park's tour boat will drop off and pick up backcountry campers. The only road in the park runs between Bartlett Cove and Gustavus. Seven miles of trails wind along the beaches and through the rainforest in the Bartlett Cove area.