The Hidden World of Alaska’s Glaciers: From Ancient Ice to Today

How Many Glaciers are in Alaska?

Alaska is quite remarkable when it comes to glaciers. There are roughly 100,000 glaciers spread across the state. However, it's interesting to note that only a small portion of these glaciers have been given names.

What Percentage of Glaciers are in Alaska?

Alaska is home to a significant portion of the world's glaciers. While the exact percentage of global glaciers found in Alaska can vary depending on the source, it's estimated that roughly 5% of the Earth's glaciers are nestled within this vast state.

Alaskan glaciers are a key part of the global count, especially when you consider that the largest portions of the world's ice are locked up in the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland. This means the glaciers in Alaska represent a significant portion of the world's accessible glacier ice, making the state a significant hub for glaciological research and environmental studies.

How Old are Glaciers in Alaska?

The age of glaciers in Alaska, like the Mendenhall Glacier, Exit Glacier, or the glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, can vary widely. Some of Alaska's glaciers began forming thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age. For example, the ice at the core of the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau is believed to be about 3,000 years old.

However, glaciers are constantly changing—growing with new snowfall in the winter and melting in the summer. The visible ice on many of Alaska's glaciers, such as those in Kenai Fjords National Park or Glacier Bay National Park, may be much younger, ranging from several decades to a few hundred years old, as it moves and flows over time.

Where to See Glaciers in Alaska?

From the serene setting of Boardwalk Lodge in Alaska, guests are perfectly situated to witness some of the most breathtaking glaciers this region has to offer. While the lodge itself is nestled amidst the lush wilderness, a short journey can lead adventurers to the awe-inspiring sights of Southeast Alaska's icy wonders.

Nearby, Misty Fjords National Monument offers a stunning backdrop of dramatic landscapes, with its proximity allowing for day trips to the glaciers of the Juneau Icefield, such as the renowned Mendenhall Glacier. Although Misty Fjords is celebrated for its majestic fjords and towering cliffs, it also serves as a gateway to the icy realms of Alaska.

For those looking to completely immerse themselves in glacier explorations, Glacier Bay National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are also within reach. Here, guests can marvel at the grandeur of Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay or venture to Kenai Fjords to witness the magnificent Exit Glacier. These national parks offer guided tours, providing an opportunity to come face-to-face with Alaska's glacier giants, all within a day's journey from the comfort of Boardwalk Lodge.

What are the Best Glaciers in Alaska?

For guests at Boardwalk Lodge looking to explore Alaska's stunning glaciers, you're in for a treat! Alaska is a treasure trove of icy wonders, and while you're staying with us, you have some fantastic options to consider.

One of the top glaciers to visit is the Mendenhall Glacier, near Juneau. This glacier is easily accessible and offers a spectacular view of Alaska's icy landscapes. Another gem is the Hubbard Glacier, known for its immense size and active calving, where you can witness chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the ocean.

For those venturing into Glacier Bay National Park, the Margerie Glacier is a must-see. It's one of the most photographed glaciers in Alaska, thanks to its impressive size and beauty. In Kenai Fjords National Park, the Exit Glacier provides a unique opportunity to walk up close to an active glacier, offering an unforgettable experience.

For a more secluded adventure, the Spencer Glacier, accessible via the Alaska Railroad, offers stunning views and icebergs floating in Spencer Lake. And, if you're up for a bit of a journey, the Columbia Glacier, near Valdez, is one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world and provides a dramatic landscape of ice and water.

Each of these glaciers offers a unique glimpse into the frozen heart of Alaska, with experiences ranging from easy walks to thrilling boat tours.

What are the Largest Glaciers in Alaska?

The Bering Glacier stands as Alaska's largest glacier. This colossal ice mass combines with the Bagley Icefield to create a stunning expanse of ice that's a sight to behold. For those intrigued by the sheer size and power of Alaska's icy landscapes, a visit to the Bering Glacier is a must.

Not far behind in grandeur is the Malaspina Glacier in Southeast Alaska, near the Yakutat Bay. Although it's technically a piedmont glacier, meaning it spreads out in a lobe shape from the mountains, its vast size makes it resemble an icy sea, offering a unique and awe-inspiring vista.

The Hubbard Glacier, renowned for its active calving, is another spectacle that’s not to be missed. As one of Alaska's most advancing glaciers, it provides a dramatic display of nature, with towering ice cliffs and thunderous icefalls.

Each of these glaciers showcases a different aspect of Alaska's natural beauty, from serene ice fields to the raw power of calving ice. At Boardwalk Lodge, we can guide you in planning your journey to these icy wonders, making sure you get to witness the grand scale and beauty of Alaska's largest glaciers.

How to See Glaciers in Alaska

Going on an adventure to see Alaska's magnificent glaciers is an experience like no other, and Boardwalk Lodge is your perfect starting point. Here’s how you can witness these icy wonders:

Glacier Cruises

Glacier cruises offer up-close views of towering glaciers like Hubbard Glacier and Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park. Watch in awe as chunks of ice calve into the ocean, creating a thunderous splash.

Scenic Flights

Take to the skies with a scenic flight from Southeast Alaska, offering a bird's-eye view of vast icefields and glaciers. This unique perspective reveals the immense scale and beauty of glaciers, such as the Juneau Icefield and its famous Mendenhall Glacier.

Guided Kayak Tours

For the adventurous at heart, guided kayak tours provide an intimate glacier experience. Paddle through the icy waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, weaving between icebergs and getting up close to glaciers like Exit Glacier and Holgate Glacier.

Hiking Trails

Trails in the vicinity of certain glaciers offer accessible hiking paths, allowing you to walk up to the glacier's edge and touch the ancient ice.

Alaska Railroad Excursions

The Alaska Railroad offers a scenic journey through Alaska's stunning landscapes. The train travels to remote glaciers, including the Spencer Glacier, where you can enjoy guided hikes and rafting trips.

Dog Sledding Expeditions

Dog sledding is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Alaska’s glaciers.. Start with a scenic helicopter flight to a glacier dog camp, where you'll meet your team of huskies and their mushers. Then, you’ll glide over the ice, surrounded by the majestic beauty of glaciers like the Juneau Icefield, experiencing the thrill of traditional Alaskan transportation.

National Park Adventures

Explore Alaska's national parks, each home to iconic glaciers. In Kenai Fjords National Park and Glacier Bay National Park, you'll find visitor centers and National Park Service ranger-led programs that provide insights into the glaciers' rich history and ecology.

When is the Best Time to Visit Alaska Glaciers?

The best time to visit Alaska's glaciers is during the summer months, from May to September. During this period, Alaska enjoys longer daylight hours, warmer weather, and more accessible travel routes, making it an ideal time for glacier exploration.

While visiting glaciers during the summer, you'll also benefit from the vibrant life in surrounding areas, from blooming wildflowers to active wildlife, adding another layer of wonder to your Alaskan glacier experience. Remember to book your activities in advance, as this peak season draws visitors from around the world.

How Cold is it on a Glacier in Alaska?

The temperature on Alaska's glaciers can vary, but generally remains quite cold year-round. Even in the summer months, when the surrounding areas enjoy milder weather, the temperatures on the ice can be much cooler.

On a typical summer day, temperatures on the glacier surface can range from just above freezing to 50°F (10°C), but the presence of ice and wind can make it feel much colder. It's not uncommon for the wind chill factor to reduce the perceived temperature significantly, making it feel like it's below freezing.

When planning a visit to a glacier, it's important to dress in layers and be prepared for cooler conditions. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are highly recommended, along with hats, gloves, and sturdy, warm footwear to ensure comfort and safety during your glacier exploration.

What is Unique About the Glaciers in Alaska?

Alaskan glaciers are unique for several reasons, making them stand out among other glaciers in the world. Here are just a few reasons why:

Vast Numbers

Alaska is home to an estimated 100,000 glaciers, a staggering number that makes up a significant portion of the world's glaciers. This abundance offers a wide variety of glacier types and experiences.

Tidewater Glaciers

Many of Alaska's glaciers, like those in Glacier Bay National Park, are tidewater glaciers that flow directly into the sea. This setting creates dramatic scenes as huge chunks of ice calve from the glacier's face and crash into the ocean, a phenomenon less common in other glacier regions.

Accessibility

Some of Alaska's glaciers, such as Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau and Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, are remarkably accessible. Visitors can easily view these glaciers up close, offering unique opportunities for tourism and education that aren't always available with glaciers in more remote or protected areas.

Size and Scale

Alaska's glaciers can be colossal. The Bering Glacier, for example, is the largest glacier in North America, covering an area similar to the state of Delaware. The sheer scale of these ice masses is awe-inspiring, and offers a unique perspective on the power of natural ice formations.

Impact on Landscapes

The movement of Alaska's glaciers has shaped the state's landscapes in profound ways, carving out deep fjords, valleys, and creating stunning mountain scenery. This glacial sculpting is evident in places like Kenai Fjords National Park and Glacier Bay National Park.

Research Opportunities

The diversity and accessibility of Alaska's glaciers make them key sites for scientific research. Scientists study these glaciers to understand climate change, glacial movement, and the ecosystems that depend on them, providing valuable insights that have global implications.

Adventure and Recreation

The unique landscapes created by Alaskan glaciers offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure and recreation, from glacier hiking and ice climbing to kayaking among icebergs in glacial bays.

These characteristics make Alaska's glaciers not just natural wonders, but also a vital source of scientific knowledge, cultural inspiration, and outdoor adventure.

Can you see the Wildlife on or Around the Glaciers?

Yes, you can see wildlife around and sometimes even on the glaciers in Alaska, though it's more common to find wildlife in the areas surrounding the glaciers. The regions near glaciers provide rich habitats for a variety of animals due to the unique ecosystems formed by the presence of ice.

Near the Glaciers

In coastal areas, especially near tidewater glaciers in places like Glacier Bay National Park, you might spot marine wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and whales. Seals, for example, often rest on floating icebergs calved from glaciers.

Birds, including bald eagles and various seabirds, can be seen flying overhead or nesting in cliffs near the glaciers.

In the Surrounding Areas

The forests and meadows around the glaciers are home to animals like bears (both black and brown), which you might see while hiking on trails near glaciers like Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park

Mountain goats and Dall sheep are often spotted on the rugged terrain above the glacier lines, where they find steep, rocky areas to be safe from predators.

Smaller creatures, such as marmots and pikas, can be found in rocky areas and alpine zones near the glaciers.

While it's exciting to see wildlife in their natural habitat, it's important to keep a safe distance to protect both the animals and yourself. Always follow local guidelines and regulations when viewing wildlife in glacier areas to ensure a respectful and safe experience for everyone.

How Much Time Should I Plan for a Glacier Visit?

The time you should plan for a glacier visit in Alaska can vary depending on the type of experience you're looking for and the specific glacier you intend to visit. Here are some general guidelines to help you plan:

Short Visits (1-3 hours)

If you're visiting a glacier that's easily accessible by road, like the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, you might spend one to three hours. This gives you enough time to view the glacier from a lookout, walk along nearby trails, and visit any visitor centers.

Half-Day Trips (3-6 hours)

For activities like guided hikes on Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park or boat tours to see tidewater glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, plan for a half-day. This allows for travel time to and from the glacier, as well as the experience itself.

Full-Day Excursions (6-8+ hours)

Full-day excursions are ideal for more immersive experiences, like ice climbing, longer glacier hikes, or kayaking near glaciers where you paddle among icebergs. These trips often include travel to more remote glaciers and provide a deeper exploration of the glacier and its surroundings.

Multi-Day Adventures

For the ultimate glacier experience, consider a multi-day adventure that might include camping near a glacier or a multi-day Alaska cruise with stops at several glaciers. This gives you ample time to truly appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Alaska's icy landscapes.

When planning your visit, consider travel time to and from the glacier, especially if it's located in a remote area. Also, Alaska weather can change quickly in glacier regions, so it's wise to allow some flexibility in your schedule. Regardless of how long you spend, visiting a glacier in Alaska is sure to be a memorable experience.

Experience the Majesty from Above: Glacier Flightseeing Tours with Boardwalk Lodge

Alaska glacier tours are unquestionably bucket-list adventures, offering unparalleled views in a spectacular charter flight experience.

Aerial tours can be arranged that depart from and return to Boardwalk's dock, right on the resort property.

Excursions are guided by experienced Alaska pilots in modern jet-prop aircraft. Each passenger in your group will have their own window seat and headset, flying in complete comfort. You can immerse yourself in Alaska's beauty and experience amazing views, including Prince of Wales Island's rainforest, LeConte Bay icebergs, and the LeConte Glacier.

Aerial tours provide unique access to Alaska's pristine beauty and awe-inspiring views. You'll be soaring over the 17-million acre Tongass National Rainforest – the largest national forest in the United States. Because of its remote location, it's home to many endangered species of plants and animals. Oftentimes you'll be able to view wildlife as you soar overhead.

During your aerial tour, you'll also fly over colossal icebergs floating in LeConte Bay. You may even be fortunate enough to observe the glacier's "shooter icebergs," which detach beneath the water and shoot out (because of their buoyancy). You'll be in awe at the massive 21-mile LeConte Glacier, which is the southernmost tidewater glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. The glacier has shaped this vast terrain for millions of years. Experience these and much more from a bird's eye glacier view.

Some travelers visiting the Glacier have remarked in wonder at the sight:

"Right up there with hiking in Peru and seeing the sunrise over Ayers Rock in Australia."

"The views of the glaciers were incredible; we'd seen them before from a cruise ship, but never from the air. A mountain that looks like it's right there is several miles away, unbelievable!"

We are very excited to share this flightseeing tour with you and your group. Flying over Alaska's glaciers and rainforest really does give unparalleled views that provide an unmatched encounter. Book your stay at Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge now, and consider scheduling one of these amazing glacier tours as well.