Glacier Bay National Park
Essentials
Contact Information
LOCATION
Southeast Alaska, about 65 air miles northwest of Juneau
www.nps.gov/glba/index.htm
ADDRESS
Glacier Bay National Park
P.O. Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826
(907) 697-2230
(907) 697-2654 fax
VHF marine radio Channel 12 or 16, KWM20 BARTLETT COVE during regular business hours.
Yakutat Ranger Station
PO Box 137
Yakutat AK 99869
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
(403)634-2251
Tatshenshini-Alsek Wilderness Provincial Park
BC Parks
Postal Bag 5000
Smithers B.C. V0J 2NO
Canada
(604)847-7320
fax (604)847-7659
Transportation
There are no roads to Glacier Bay and no Alaska state ferry service. Year-round air service is available to Gustavus from Juneau and neighboring communities via small planes. These air-taxi companies are common in Alaska. A major airline provides daily jet service between Juneau and Gustavus in the summer. Passenger ferries offer transportation between Juneau and Gustavus mid-May through mid-September. Limited tour boat, cruise ship, and charter boat services are available. Private pleasure boats are welcome. A ten-mile road by taxi or bus connects Gustavus to Bartlett Cove.
Visitor Center
The Glacier Bay Visitor Center is located on the second level of the Glacier Bay Lodge in Bartlett Cove. It has an information desk, an Alaska Natural History Association bookstore, and an auditorium. Also available are exhibits that illustrate the park's natural and cultural history.
Lodging
The Glacier Bay Lodge offers overnight accommodations, a restaurant, a gift shop, and fuel sales (gasoline, #2 diesel, and white gas). The nearby town of Gustavus has several lodges and bed and breakfast establishments. A free primitive National Park Service campground is available at Bartlett Cove.
A free campground (14-day limit) with bear-resistant food caches, firewood, and a warming hut, is located at Bartlett Cove. No reservations are accepted, but a permit is also required. Campground permits are issued at the visitor information station on a first-come, first-served basis.
If desired, campers may be dropped off in the backcountry by the park's concession-operated tour boat.
Climate & Clothing
Long periods of rainy, overcast, and cool weather are normal in Southeast Alaska. Summer daytime temperatures are usually 45°F-65° F but nights may cool to near freezing. To protect against hypothermia, a hat, gloves or mittens, and rain gear are essential. Sturdy, waterproof footgear is desirable.
Insects: Mosquitoes and biting flies may make repellent necessary in some areas.