Glacier Bay National Park: A Living Wilderness of Tidewater Glaciers
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
“A living wilderness of tidewater glaciers, temperate rainforest, fjords, and wildlife set within a vast, remote Alaskan wilderness.”
Park Overview
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve covers approximately 3.2 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, rainforest, and rugged fjords in Southeast Alaska. Designated a national park in 1980, it forms part of a binational UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve—one of the world’s largest such protected areas.
Fast Facts
| Location | Southeast Alaska, west of Juneau |
| Established | December 2, 1980 |
| Area | ~3.2 million acres |
| Wilderness Designation | ~2.77 million acres |
| Annual Visitors (2023) | ~703,659 (record high) |
Most visitors arrive via cruise ships or tour boats; only a smaller number venture ashore for hiking, kayaking, or mountaineering.
What to See & Do
- Cruise Glacier Bay – The most popular way to experience tidewater glaciers like Margerie and Johns Hopkins, glacial calving, and fjord scenery.
- Kayak & Sail – Explore ice-choked inlets and secluded shorelines by kayak or small boat.
- Flightseeing – Take in aerial views of glaciers, mountains, and fjords.
- Hiking & Camping – Explore designated trails and backcountry for a wilderness experience.
- Wildlife Viewing – Spot whales, seals, bears, mountain goats, moose, and seabirds in a thriving ecosystem.
Geology & Ecosystems
The park is a dynamic landscape shaped by glacial retreat, with over 50 named glaciers within its fjords. Mountains rise dramatically from the sea, and plant succession—from barren glacial forelands to lush rainforest—is vividly on display. The park’s terrestrial and marine habitats remain vital for wildlife and support high biodiversity.
Human History & Culture
Glacier Bay is the ancestral homeland of the Huna and Yakutat Tlingit peoples, and NPS works in partnership with their tribal associations. The area was named a national monument in 1925 and gained park status via ANILCA in 1980.