MAPS: Bering Glacier 1:250,000, Icy Bay (D-2), (D-3) 1:63,360, Bering Glacier (A-2), Mt. St. Elias Alaska-Canada. NOTE: Bering Glacier Quad does not actually depict what is there. Need to find a more current topo. The 1:250,000 Bering Glacier Quad is more accurate.
DISTANCE/TIME: Logging Camp to Jetty is about 5-6 miles on a well traveled logging road. Three-mile beach hike from logging camp to jetty to Independence Creek. Independence Creek to Grotto Glacier approximately 10-12 miles of beach hiking. Three- to four-day hike round-trip.
ACCESS: Fly to logging camp airstrip or fly to Independence Creek Beach airstrip at low tide.
ROUTE: If the hike begins at the Icy Bay logging camp and jetty area, time the three-mile beach hike to Independence Creek at low tide to get around the headwall at the jetty. Will also need to go over the headwall at Kichyat Pt. (cannot go around at low tide). Hiking to Tsaa Fiord to see Grotto Glacier is partly a beach hike and also involves going over bluffs and walking along a valley floor. This area is also a good kayak trip in addition to a hike. Very scenic hike. Icebergs beached at low tide.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS: Going over the headwall is tricky due to the steep trail, bushwhacking through alder and staying away from the edge of the steep cliff. To skirt deep water, other bluffs must be climbed and can be kind of steep or slick around the base. Be aware of wildlife and their trails. Use caution walking around large beached icebergs; these can break or roll over in a moment's notice.
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