Glacier Bay National Park Hiking Guide

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Hiking Guide

Basic Regulations Boating Guide Boating Regulations Fishing Guide

Hiking Information Kayaking Guide Rafting Guide Safety Guide

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Hiking Information

Hiking in Glacier Bay National Park can be a fun and rewarding experience as in other national parks. It is a great way to both see and experience the park.

There are three maintained hiking trails near Glacier Bay Lodge; all are fairly easy walking. You may find the following gear useful: water repellent footwear, raincoat and hat, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and fast film and tripod. There are no other established trails in the park, and most backcountry travel is by kayak. Always remember that you are in bear country .

Glacier Bay Trails

Trail	Distance	Time	Description
Forest Loop	1.0 mile	1.0 hour	Begins at Glacier Bay Lodge and ends near the dock. Easy. There are a couple of benches along the way. The trail winds through a pond-studded spruce/hemlock forest for one half mile, then descends to the beach. In May and June, when the spring bird migration is at a peak, the trail is full of song birds. June and July are the best times for wildflowers. August is the month for bright mushrooms and blueberries.
Bartlett River	4.0 mi round trip	Allow a half day	The trail is not difficult but has a few muddy spots during rainy periods. It meanders along an intertidal lagoon, through the forest, then emerges and ends at the Bartlett River estuary. Ducks, geese, and other water birds concentrate during migrations and molting in intertidal areas. Watch for coyotes and bears along the beach, and porcupines and red squirrels in the forest. Salmon run upriver during the latter part of the summer.
Bartlett Lake	6.0 mi round-trip	Allow a half day	This trail branches off from the Bartlett River Trail about one quarter mile from the Gustavus Road. It winds through temperate rainforest and leads to Bartlett Lake.

Off trail hikes

The shoreline. An extended hike from the Bartlett Cove dock along the shore to Point Gustavus (six miles one way) can be completed in a day. The intertidal strip is a natural trail, for wildlife and people. Watch for song birds on the forest's edge and water birds off-shore. Flowers are profuse in mid summer on the beach meadows. At low tide, the lower beach is worth a look for marine life. Check with a park ranger in the Visitor Center or the Visitor Information Center near the dock for the daily tide schedule.

Backcountry hiking is done along glacial riverbeds, or intertidal beaches. Hiking into the alpine is also an option, but be prepared to tangle with the alder. Sitka alder is a successional plant that grows in a mass along beach edges, avalanche chutes and up mountain slopes. Hikers have been known to lose their minds attempting to hike through alder

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Additional Hiking Information and Tips

• This is a remote wilderness.
• Animals are wild and unpredictable.
• Keep a clean camp and use common sense.
• Cook away from your campsite and especially keep food odors away from sleeping gear.
• Take every precaution to minimize encounters with bears.
• Chemically treat or boil water to avoid contamination by Giardialamblia other harmful organisms.
• River crossings are hazardous.
• Hypothermia, the critical loss of body heat is a threat here; be prepared to deal with it.
• Leave an itinerary with friends, stick to it and notify them when you complete your trip.
• When planning your trip, contact the park for a copy of the pamphlet, "Camping in Bear Country."
• All travelers should be competent in outdoor skills.
• All clothing, food and equipment must be good quality, light and adequate to the task.
• Clothing should include many layers-even in summer for warmth in subfreezing temperatures.
• Carry enough food for several extra days for each member of your party.
• Avoid strong-smelling foods likely to attract bears.
• Know how to use your equipment before your trip.
• Plan for emergencies; carry a first aid kit, compass, signal mirror and/or other devices, spare parts, and a repair kit.
• Winter travel and camping require special equipment, skills and conditioning.
• Seek advice and plan carefully.
• Visitors are reminded there are no facilities within the park and they should be self-sufficient at all times.

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Basic Regulations

Natural Features

Do not destroy, injure, or remove plants, rocks, feathers, occupied shells or other features. The harassing, injuring, or killing of any wildlife is prohibited. Help wildlife remain wild by never feeding any animal, including squirrels and gulls.

Closures

Some areas are closed or restricted because of bears, nesting bird colonies, feeding humpback whales, or other wildlife activity. Check on closures at the Visitor Information Station before heading up-bay.

Pets

Pets must be leashed or physically restrained at all times. They are allowed only in parking lots, roadways, within 100 feet of roadways, or on boats. They are not allowed on trails, beaches, or anywhere in the backcountry.

Firearms

Firearms are prohibited in Glacier Bay National Park. They may be secured at the Visitor Information Station for the duration of your stay. They may also be transported on motorized vessels, provided they are unloaded and secured. They are allowed only in the Preserve and the new park addition. Hunting is prohibited except in the Preserve with an Alaska hunting license.

Sport Fishing

Sport fishing requires an Alaska state fishing license, available during the summer months at Glacier Bay Lodge. See the Alaska State Fishing Regulations .

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Boating

Vessel use in Glacier Bay is regulated by the National Park Service to protect park wildlife and other resources while providing a range of recreational opportunities to park visitors.

How to Obtain a Boating Permit

Under the vessel permit system, motorized pleasure boat operators are required to obtain a permit prior to entering Glacier Bay anytime between June1 and August 31. Because Bartlett Cove is one of the most heavily used whale feeding areas, a permit is required even to enter the cove to visit park headquarters or the lodge. Vessels entering without a permit may be denied access to the bay, asked to leave and issued a citation.

Boater permit applications for the non-fee permit must be made within 60 days of the proposed date of entry. Permit applications received earlier than 60 days in advance will be returned to the sender. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and, at that time, a confirmation or response form will be sent to applicant. Advance application is strongly advised, particularly during mid-season, as permits are limited. Reservation may be made for up to seven days. In planning your trip, please note that pets are not allowed on shore anywhere in Glacier Bay National Park except on a leash at Bartlett Cove. All boaters are required to call immediately upon entering the bay and proceed directly to the Visitor Information Station in Bartlett Cove for a required boater orientation prior to continuing into the bay.

Please mail, fax or phone requests for an application, completed applications, or requests for further information to the address below.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
PO Box 140, Gustavus
AK 99826

or call: 907-697-2230
Fax: 907-697-2654 (October through April)

or call (907) 697-2627
Fax (907) 697-2647 (May through September).

VHF marine radio Channel 12 or 16, KWM20 BARTLETT COVE during regular business hours.

Nautical charts 17300 (Stephens Passage to Cross Sound), 17318 (Glacier Bay), 17302 (Icy Strait and Cross Sound),) the new Trails Illustrated Map are available at Bartlett Cove or by mail:
Alaska Natural History Association
Gustavus, AK 99826.

A permit confirmation form or a response form will be sent to you upon receipt of your completed application. Confirm your permit reservation within 48 hours of your scheduled entry date and no later than 10:00 am on your date of scheduled entry by telephone, VHF radio or marine operator. You must enter on the first day of your permit unless you contact the park and they can change your entry date. If the park does not hear from you, they will assume that you have changed your travel plans and your permit will be issued to another boater.

Vessels are required to call Bartlett Cove upon entering Glacier Bay (Pt. Gustavus across to Pt. Carolus). The skipper is required to stop at the Bartlett Cove Visitor Information Station for a brief boater orientation with current information on resource protection regulations, good anchorages and other boating information to help you have an enjoyable and safe trip in Glacier Bay.

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Anchorages

Safety is dependent upon ice, wind, and tide conditions.

Principal anchorages are:
N. & S. Sandy Cove
Blue Mouse Cove
Reid Inlet

Boaters have found the following anchorages in Glacier Bay to be useful:
Berg Bay
Geikie Inlet
Tidal Inlet
Russell Island
Entrance and Johnson Cove
Goose Cove
Adams Inlet
Sebree Cove
N. & S. Fingers Bay
Beardslee

Vessels anchoring in Reid Inlet, Blue Mouse Cove or N. Sandy Cove may not run generators or any other non-propulsive engines between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Except for a windlass. Please do not raft off to or anchor next to the Blue Mouse Cove Ranger Raft.

Tides

The tides at Glacier Bay can be dramatic. When there's a full moon, there may be as much as a 25 foot variation between low and high tide. When these strong tides are flooding or ebbing, the sea can rise or fall one vertical foot every 15 minutes. Be certain to beach skiffs, dinghies, kayaks and zodiacs well above the high tide line and tie a line to something secure. Extreme high tides can rise above the rye grass and even into the alder.

Tide Tables - Currents

Given maximum tides and no wind, 6 - 8 knot currents are regular in parts of Glacier Bay. Strong winds in the same direction can increase the water velocity, and those in the opposite direction can create standing waves. The tides can be used to the boater's advantage. Know the tides, it could enable you to ride easier and quicker. "Don't buck the tide." Most mariners in Glacier Bay use Juneau tide tables. Bartlett Cove measures about 15 minutes later, and Muir Inlet tides about 30 minutes later. For exact changes in time and water height, use the conversion chart in the tide tables.

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Safety

Hypothermia: Long periods of rainy, overcast, and cool weather are normal in Southeast Alaska. Summer daytime temperatures are usually 45-65 F, but nights stay cool to near freezing. To protect against hypothermia, a hat, gloves or mittens, and rain gear are essential. Sturdy, waterproof footgear is desirable. For more in-depth information about hypothermia see Outdoor Action Guide to Hypothermia And Cold Weather Injuries by Rick Curtis.

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP): Eating mussels and clams in Glacier Bay is not recommended as the neurotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning has been found in high concentrations in the area. This is a naturally occurring toxin that affects humans as well as other animals, and can lead to sudden death.

Bears: Black and brown/grizzly bear are wild animals and should always be considered potentially dangerous. When hiking, lessen your chances of an encounter by watching for bears and bear sign, making noise, traveling in groups, and avoiding travel at night. Food, garbage, and scented items must be stored properly. Avoid taking odorous foods. Bear-resistant food canisters are required in the non-forested areas of Glacier Bay and are available for loan at the Visitor Information Station. Photograph bears with a telephoto lens; close approach is dangerous. Read about hiking in bear country for more details.

Insects: Mosquitoes and biting flies may make repellent or headnets necessary.

Giardia: Even though the water looks clear, it may contain organisms that cause a debilitating intestinal disorder. Water should be vigorously boiled for at least one minute, filtered, or chemically treated. Because of the high rate of sediment in the water in glacial landscapes, you may need to allow extra time for the "glacial flour" to settle out.

Weather: Glacier Bay is a rainy place. Bartlett Cove averages 75 inches of rain per year, most of that in September and October. The rain, wind, topography and tides all play a role in creating our exciting weather.

For a weather broadcast on the marine radio VHF use the weather channel 2, but realize that it is not available throughout most of Glacier Bay.

The Visitor Information Station will post printed daily weather forecasts and satellite images from May to September. In addition, they will broadcast the marine forecast and other important information twice daily in summer on VHF channel 16/09. Current marine weather forecasts can be accessed on the internet at: http://www.alaska.net/~nwsar/data/validFcsts/marine/FZAK61PAJN.html

Glaciers and ice can be very dangerous for all types of vessels.

Vessels (including kayaks) should not approach closer than 1/4 mile from the face of tidewater glaciers due to calving from above as well as below the waterline.

Take care when around icebergs, only the tip of the iceberg is exposed above the water. As the iceberg melts the weight shifts which may cause the iceberg to roll without notice.

Emergency information

For daytime emergencies, please call: 907-697-2229. For after-hours emergencies, please call: 907-697-2651 or 911 On the marine radio use VHF channel 16 to contact National Park

Boating Regulations

Vessel Use Restrictions

Limits on the number of vessels allowed to enter Glacier Bay are intended to enhance the quality of each visitor's experience by protecting air quality and water quality, providing opportunities for wilderness solitude, and promoting the well-being of marine wildlife including fish, seabirds and marine mammals.

Noise restrictions:
June 1 through August 31, except on vessels in transit or as otherwise permitted by the superintendent, the use of generators or other non-propulsive motors (except a windlass) is prohibited from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am in Reid Inlet, Blue Mouse Cove and North Sandy Cove. Non-motorized waters allow visitors an enhanced opportunity to experience wilderness.

In designated areas, all motorized vessels (including seaplanes and sailing vessels with auxiliary motorized propulsion) are restricted from use.

Whale Waters Regulations

Vessel operating restrictions in whale waters are intended to minimize whale disturbance and lower the risk of whale/vessel collisions to protect the endangered humpback whale.

In designated areas all motor vessels over 18 feet in length will navigate a mid channel course and, where possible, maintain a distance of at least one mile from the shoreline while in transit through whale waters. The superintendent may also impose a speed restriction of 10 knots.

All vessels must at all times maintain a distance of at least 1/4 nautical mile from whales, and if encountered boaters must change direction away from the whales.

Seabird nesting closures offer protection of seabird nesting habitat from camping, foot traffic, and vessel approach.

Several islands in Glacier Bay are heavily used by nesting seabirds. Certain of these islands are closed to all foot traffic during the breeding season to allow seabirds to brood their eggs and raise their chicks to fledging without being disturbed. Studies have shown that increased energy expenditure from repeated flushing has possible harmful effects on the reproductive success of birds. Therefore, boaters should also refrain from close approaches to seabird nesting areas, and be mindful of boat noise and other disturbances(shouting, sudden movements on deck ,etc.) when arriving and departing near nesting colonies.

The following areas are closed to camping and foot traffic: South Marble Island, Geikie Rock, Lone Island and the three small unnamed islands approximately one nautical mile southeast of Flapjack Island, Eider Island, Boulder Island, top three-fourths of Leland Island, or any of the four small unnamed islands approximately one nautical mile north and 1.5 nautical miles east of the eastern most point of Russell Island.

Approach distance requirements: All vessels (including kayaks) must remain further than 50 yards from the southern 1/2 of South Marble Island and remain further than 100 yards from all other nesting seabird colonies.

Harbor seal critical areas offer protection for pupping and molting harbor seals.

Peak visitation in Glacier Bay occurs between June and August, Exactly the months of sensitive phases in reproduction and molting for harbor seals.

Because harbor seals at haulouts are easily flushed from haulouts by human activities on land or on the water, the NPS prohibits vessel and foot traffic in these areas.

John Hopkins Inlet

May 1 - June 30 Closed to all vessel traffic from the face of the Johns Hopkins Glacier to an imaginary line from Jaw Point due west.

July 1 - August 31 All vessels (including kayaks) must remain further than 1/4 nautical mile from any seal hauled out on ice , except when safe navigation requires, and then with due care maintain a 1/4/ mile distance from any concentration of seals. Vessel speed must be 10 knots or less.

Steller sea lion critical areas offer protection for this threatened species when hauled out on land.

Vessels are not allowed to approach any sea lion hauled out on land.

In the following areas all vessels must remain further than 100 yards from any sea lion hauled out:
Northern .5 of South Marble Island, Graves Rocks, Cape Fairweather, Cormorant Rock and all near shore rocks 1.5 nautical miles SE from the mouth of Lituya Bay.

Bartlett Cove Docking and Moorage Regulations

The National Park Service hereby notifies the public of an underwater cable recently placed along the shoreline of Bartlett Cove. The cable is in very shallow water (less than 20 ft deep) for most of its length, but in approximately 170 ft of water (near "B" on map) there is an anchor that holds an underwater microphone. The microphone is being used to monitor underwater ambient noise in Glacier Bay, and will remain in place until further notice. See atttached map for approximate location of the cable.

The National Park Service requests that all mariners avoid anchoring or setting fishing gear anywhere that they might hook the cable. Specifically, mariners should avoid anchoring or bottom-fishing in the triangle shown on the map, where the cable is in deep water likely to be used for fishing and anchoring. This area is defined by the following latitude/longitude coordinates (degrees, minutes, seconds),

A: 58 27 25.41 N, 135 55 27.92 W

B: 58 25 41.66 N, 135 55 55.10 W

C: 58 25 35.22 N, 135 54 23.56 W

Avoiding the cable is in the best interest of mariners and the National Park Service. Anyone who believes they may have snagged the cable is asked to please report the location of the possible damage, so that it may be more easily repaired. For more information on the underwater noise monitoring project, please call Christine Gabriele at Glacier Bay National Park: 907-697-2664.

(b)(3)(ix)(C) Rules for the safe and equitable use of Bartlett Cove waters and docks.The following use restrictions are for the safe and equitable use of park facilities and are in effect during the primary visitor use season, May 1 - September 30, unless otherwise noted.

Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock

Dock space is assigned for use by private vessels, NPS vessels, Glacier Bay Lodge, Inc. vessels, and aircraft as depicted in Appendix A. Parking in a space otherwise reserved is prohibited

Vessels may dock for a maximum of two hours in any 24-hour period, May 15 – September 15, unless otherwise authorized by a park ranger. Provides flexibility to allow longer docking periods on a space available basis to complete boat repairs, etc.

Dinghies may dock in the designated area (see Appendix A) for no more than 12 hours during a 24-hour period. This allows overnight docking of small vessels (<10’) commonly used as tenders for larger vessels.

Aircraft are restricted to use of the designated aircraft float and are limited to two hours in any 24-hour period. Pilots must remain with aircraft or provide notice of their location to a park ranger. Space exists for only one floatplane on the aircraft float at a time. Motor vehicles may not be parked and left unattended on the public use dock or parked overnight in the parking lot adjacent to the dock. Vehicles parked on the dock block access and limit use of the acility; the parking lot at the head of the dock is not large enough to accommodate overnight use during the visitor use season.

The load limit on the dock is 10,000 poundst. No vehicle exceeding this limit is permitted on the dock, unless authorized by the Superintendent. This is necessary for public safety and to prevent structural damage to the dock facility.

Unattended personal property may not be left on or attached to the floats or pier without prior permission from a park ranger.

Prevents clutter from accumulating on the dock/floats.

Processing of commercially caught fish is prohibited.

Commercial fish buying or selling is prohibited on or over the dock unless otherwise authorized in writing by the superintendent. Public access not directly related to fueling or pumpout is not permitted on the fuel dock. Unattended vessels are prohibited on the fuel dock. The fuel dock is only to be used for fueling and waste pumpout.

Trailers and commercial passenger-carrying vehicles (such as vans , taxis, and buses) are prohibited from driving on the dock unless authorized by a park ranger.

Vessels may not use electrical shore power unless authorized by a park ranger.

(January 1 - December 31)

Unattended vessels are prohibited on the fuel float.

Vessels may not use electrical shore power unless otherwise authorized by the superintendent or a park ranger.

Privately owned vessels may not berth in the area assigned to National Park Service vessels.

Residing on a vessel within Bartlett Cove is prohibited unless otherwise authorized by the superintendent.

Bartlett Cove Waters

The placement of temporary moorings is authorized to the north or east of the Public Use Dock, provided they are at least one-quarter mile from the dock. These moorings must meet applicable marking requirements, may not be installed prior to April 1, and must be removed by November 1 in a given calendar year. Contact must be made with the District Ranger prior to placement of a mooring. These limitations are necessary to ensure that fixed moorings not preempt the most convenient anchorage locations or impede access to the dock, are properly tended, and are temporary rather than permanent fixtures.

Anchoring vessels in the No Anchor Zone immediately adjacent to the dock is prohibited. The No Anchor Zone is depicted in Appendix A of this compendium. This limitation is necessary to ensure adequate room for safe maneuvering of vessels and aircraft accessing and departing from the Public Use Dock.

The discharge of "blackwater" (water contaminated with human waste )is prohibited in Bartlett Cove waters

Fishing

All persons fishing in Glacier Bay are required to hold a valid Alaska State Fishing License and follow the State Fishing Regulations. Stream fishing in Bartlett River is within a short hike from Bartlett Cove.

Alaska is a vast state. Even most long-term residents have never seen or fished it all. To simplify our complex regulations, the ADF&G, Division of Sport Fish issues separate regulation books for five different sport fishing regions in Alaska. The following information discusses each of these five regions.

To receive the sport fishing regulation summary for any one of the five sport fish regulatory regions, use the order form or contact the appropriate Division of Sport Fish offices listed below:

Southeast-Yakutat
P.O. Box 240020
Douglas, AK 99824-0020

Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim-Tanana
1300 College Road
Fairbanks, AK 99701-1599

Bristol Bay-Alaska Peninsula-Aleutian Islands-Kodiak

Kenai Peninsula-Cook Inlet Salt Water-Susitna-West Cook Inlet

Prince William Sound-Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Rivers-Ressurection Bay

For regional regulation summaries 3, 4, or 5, please specify which region you are interested in and write to:

Division of Sport Fish
ADF&G
333 Raspberry Rd.
Anchorage, AK 99518-1599

Local knowledge is one of the best ways to assure yourself of a successful fishing trip in Alaska. By using a charter or guide service, you are likely to have a more productive sport fishing trip. Also, lodges that provide all levels of service have been built in many remote and road accessible areas throughout the state.

There are several different types of guide or charter services available in Alaska.

Sport Fishing guides are available in most communities in Alaska. Guide services can put you onto fish in both local and remote areas. Charter Boats: Often called guides with boats, bait, rod and reel, rain gear, and lunch thrown in. These are usually personalized fishing tours. Half-day, day-long, overnight and longer trips are available throughout coastal Alaska.

Fishing Lodges: Widespread throughout Alaska, lodges offer top quality sport fishing with all of the amenities. Many lodges use fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters to access remote sites.

Contact local Chambers of Commerce or Visitors' Bureaus for lists of guides, charter boat operators, and lodges in the region you want to visit. Tackle shops, motel offices, and tour services often provide information on services in their areas as well.

Costs: Prices will vary, depending upon the service requested, the reputation of the guide or lodge, and the length of the trip. Fees vary from $100 a day to $5000 per week.

If you're on your own and want to arrange a trip for the next day, try walking the docks or visiting sporting goods stores in the evening to get a feel for which guide or service you want to use. In any case, local knowledge pays off when sport fishing in Alaska.

There is more to ethical angling than just following the law. Your ethics are a gift you give yourself. Some points for discussion of angling ethics include:

support conservation effortsbr> practice catch and release
kill only what you will use
respect other anglers' rights
obey regulations
pack out what you pack in
share your fishing knowledge and skills
do not use or release live bait into fresh water,(this is illegal in Alaska)

Catch and Release

Many freshwater resident species of fish in Alaska are easily overexploited. Alaska's resident fish grow slowly. By limiting your harvest of cutthroat trout, wild rainbow trout, sheefish, Arctic grayling, Arctic char, lake trout, and Northern pike, you help assure better sport fishing for all.

To practice Catch and Release:
use strong line and properly-sized hooks
land your catch quickly
keep the fish in the water at all times
do not let your catch flop over stones or land
do not squeeze the fish, keep fingers from gills and eyes
handle your catch with wet hands
back the hook out through its entry hole
cradle the fish facing into the current
revive the fish by gently moving it back and forth
let your catch swim from your hands

For many Alaskans, respect is shown to fish by using what they catch. Showing respect for fish as food is done by properly and quickly cleaning and preserving your catch to keep it at its peak quality. Kill and clean your catch immediately. Remove all traces of blood from between the ribs and along the backbone. Properly wrap and preserve fish for future use as soon as possible. Kill only that which you will soon use if proper methods for preservation are not readily available.

For additional information to help you plan your sport fishing trip to Alaska, contact these agencies:
Alaska Division of Tourism
P.O. Box E
Juneau, AK 99811

U.S. Forest Service
Visitor Information Center
Centennial Hall
101 Egan Drive
Juneau, AK 99801

Bureau of Land Management
Office of Public Affairs
222 W. 7th
Anchorage, AK 99513

Kayaking

Sea kayaking is a popular way to experience the wilderness of Glacier Bay. Kayak trips can be originate from Bartlett Cove, or the daily tour boat can transport kayakers via the camper drop-off service. Making reservations for a rental kayak and the daily tour boat is recommended well in advance. If you prefer, guided day and overnight kayak trips are available.

All campers (including kayakers) are required to attend a camper orientation, held daily upon request at the Bartlett Cove Visitor Information Station near the dock. This session is for your benefit: to answer your questions, provide you with a tide table, inform you of special wildlife and safety closures or to assist in planning your trip. You will be asked to fill out a backcountry registration form at that time and a wilderness survey form when you return from your trip.

To sea kayak in Glacier Bay National Park there are several options: take a guided trip, rent a kayak once you arrive, fly to Gustavus with a foldable kayak, or transport a hardshell kayak. For more information about transportation options, please see the visitor services directory.

The kayak rental concessionaire in the park is:
Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks
Box 26
Gustavus, AK 99826
call 907-697-2257

There are also a number of other rental outlets in the area.

Alaska Discovery provides guided kayak trips inside Glacier Bay proper. They offer evening, full day and multi-day trips and can be reached at:
Alaska Discovery
5449 Shaune Drive, Suite 4
Juneau, Alaska 99801
1-800-586-1911

Additional Reminders for Kayakers

Tide Rips—Sitakaday Narrows, Beardslee Entrance, McBride Entrance, N. Shore of Adams Inlet
Tide Table—be sure to have a current one.
Stay at least ¼ to ½ of a nautical mile from tidewater glacier faces.
Be cautious near large icebergs—they roll unexpectedly and can flip a kayak.
Kayaks are very difficult to see from cruise ships and other vessels—assume that vessels cannot see you.
Watch out for wakes from cruise ships and other vessels.
Never flag down another boat unless it is an emergency, especially when loading kayaks on beach.
Be sure to store your kayak (and bear canister) well above high tide.

Rafting

The Alsek River and its major tributary, the Tatshenshini River, are large volume, swift glacial rivers. Beginning in the interior, it is one of a small number of river systems which breach the coast range, offering boaters uncommon environmental diversity, impressive scenery, and an outstanding wilderness experience.

Most trips begin on the Tatshenshini at Shawshe (Dalton Post), the last road accessible put-in off the Haines Highway in Yukon Territory, Canada. From here it is 140 river miles to the normal take-out at Dry Bay, Alaska. A six-mile long canyon immediately below Shawshe (Dalton Post) offers continuous Class III whitewater, Class IV at high water (International Scale, Class I-VI). The remainder of the river is generally Class II with large eddies and folds at normal volumes. The Alsek River above its confluence with the Tatshenshini is Class III above Turnback Canyon. Turnback Canyon must be portaged by rafters during the summer months. Tatshenshini trips average 6 days on the water, plus additional lay-over days.

Tatshenshini-Alsek trips starting at Shawshe (Dalton Post) travel through private Champaign-Aishihik Tribal lands, Yukon Territory lands, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in Canada and Glacier Bay National Park. Upper Alsek trips travel through Kluane National Park, and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, Canada. For travel on the upper Alsek contact:

Kluane National Park
Parks Canada
Haines Junction
Yukon Canada Y0B 1L0
Phone: 867-634-2329 extension 201

For a list commercial operators authorized to operate in the the park and preserve see Glacier Bay Concessioners & Permitees. A permit is required for private trips. You may get on the waiting list for private trip permits by sending your name, address, home and work telephone numbers, e-mail address, and payment of $25 to cover administrative charges to:

National Park Service
Yakutat Ranger Station
River Permits
PO Box 137
Yakutat AK 99869

Payment of the $25 administrative fee may be made by money order, international money order, or by using Visa or MasterCard. To pay by credit card, please provide your credit card information (cardholder name, card number, expiration date) and indicate that you would like $25 to be charged to that card. Please note that the National Park Service cannot accept cash or checks. If you have any questions, please contact the Yakutat Ranger Station at 907-784-3295. Overnight camping permits are required by Kluane National Park on the upper Alsek River.

Both private and commercial trip information packets are available from any of the following land managers:

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Park Headquarters
PO Box 140
Gustavus AK 99826
Phone: 907-697-2230
Fax: 907-697-2654

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
PO Box 137
Yakutat AK 99689
Phone: 907-784-3295
Fax: 907-784-3535
They have a special phone line with river information: 907-784-3370

Kluane National Park
Parks Canada
PO Box 5495
Haines Junction, Yukon Y0B 1LO Canada
Phone: 867-634-2329 ext. 201
Fax: 867-634-7208

Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park
BC Parks
Postal Bag 5000
Smithers B.C. V0J 2NO Canada
Phone: 250-847-7320
Fax: 250-847-7659

As a condition of these permits, all operators are required to abide by jointly developed Environmental and Safety Standards for expeditions on the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers.

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