Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

About Glacier Bay

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.

Hours

Getting there

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve lies west of Juneau, Alaska, and can only be reached by plane or boat. The only road in the area merely connects the small town of Gustavus and its airfield to park headquarters at Bartlett Cove (10 miles). Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus in the summer months. Year-round scheduled air service is also provided by a variety of small air taxis and charters. The Alaska Marine Highway ferries also provide regular service from Juneau.

Weather

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.

Things to do

ATV Off-Roading, Arts and Culture, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Birdwatching, Boat Tour, Boating, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Climbing, Cultural Demonstrations, Fishing, Flying, Food, Front-Country Hiking, Guided Tours, Hiking, Hunting, Hunting and Gathering, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Motorized Boating, Mountain Climbing, Paddling, Park Film, Shopping, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Watching.